Gradient index zoom illuminator
US4916579A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 26, 1989 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 26, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG03B15/03
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A gradient index zoom illuminator which may be used for visible or infrared illumination comprises a housing which has a light exit opening in it. A point or collimated light source is mounted in the housing. A gradient index lens, having a central axis, also is mounted in the housing between the light source and the light exit opening in the housing; and the light source is located on the axis of the lens. Focusing of the light exiting from the light exit opening of the housing is accomplished by changing the relative distance between the light source and the gradient index lens to vary the beam of emitted light from a maximum divergence to to a narrow collimated beam.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.