Laser accelerometer
US4918987A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1988 |
| Grant date | Apr 24, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01P15/18
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A laser accelerometer comprises a frame having three orthogonal input axes and multiple proof masses, each proof mass having a predetermined blanking surface. A flexible beam supports each proof mass. The flexible beam permits movement of the proof mass on the input axis. A laser light source provides a light ray. The laser source is characterized to have a transverse field characteristic having a central null intensity region. A mirror transmits a ray of light to a detector. The detector is positioned to be centered to the light ray and responds to the transmitted light ray intensity to provide an intensity signal. The intensity signal is characterized to have a magnitude related to the intensity of the transmitted light ray. The proof mass blanking surface is centrally positioned within and normal to the light ray null intensity region to provide increased blanking of the light ray in response to transverse movement of the mass on the input axis. The proof mass deflects the flexible beam and moves the blanking surface in a direction transverse to the light ray to partially blank the light beam in response to acceleration in the direction of the input axis. A control responds to t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.