Conformal cold baffle for optical imaging systems
US5371369A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 13, 1993 |
| Grant date | Dec 6, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 13, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01J5/061
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A cooled stray light baffle for use in an imaging system such as an infrared camera is disclosed. The baffle includes a tapered shroud portion which is shaped to just enclose the envelope of light rays which pass through the baffle. That is, space between the envelope of light rays and the inner surface of the baffle is minimized. This results in minimization of the overall surface area and mass of the baffle, which in turn results in a minimization of the refrigeration load of the system. The lower refrigeration load requires a smaller refrigerator which results in reduced system size, power consumption, vibration, cool-down time and cost of operation. The outer surface of the baffle is covered with a reflective material to reflect light photons. The inner surface is roughened and blackened to absorb stray light photons which enter the baffle.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.