Optical sensor with Tx/Rx aperture sharing element (ASE) for processing passive and active signals
US12000676B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 2020 |
| Grant date | Jun 4, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 26, 2043 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B27/644
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Optical sensors and particularly gimbaled optical sensors transmit an active signal at a given wavelength(s) and receive passive signals over a range of wavelengths and the active signal in a common aperture. The sensor includes a Tx/Rx Aperture Sharing Element (ASE) configured with a center region that couples the active signal to the telescope for transmission and an annular region that couples the passive emissions and the returned active signal to the detector. A filter wheel may be positioned behind the ASE to present separate passive and active images to the detector. These optical sensors may, for example, be used with guided munitions or autonomous vehicles.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.