Internal reflection apparatus and method using a holographic optical element for a free space optical communication system
US6724508B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 20, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B5/32
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for a free space optical communication system includes an element having a front surface and a back surface. A holographic optical element (HOE) is disposed to receive a light signal from the free space optical communication system, and to angularly direct the light signal, having a certain wavelength, towards one of the surfaces of the element to allow the light signal to propagate between the front and back surfaces of the element via total internal reflection. The internally reflected light signal eventually converges and is received at an optical detector circuit. At the same time, light having other wavelengths, including visible background light, passes through the HOE, thereby giving the apparatus an appearance of being transparent and unobtrusive.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.