Spherically-enclosed folded imaging system
US6969176B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 2004 |
| Grant date | Nov 29, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B17/061
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Systems and methods are disclosed for obtaining compact, high beam-quality imaging systems for use within a spherical housing of a sensor ball of a given size. Primary and secondary mirrors may be positioned or adapted for positioning within a spherical housing of a sensor turret or sensor ball having a window. Two or more fold mirrors may direct an optical path from the primary and secondary mirrors to one or more detectors or cameras. One or more beamsplitters may be included to produce two or more optical channels for simultaneous imaging. The beamsplitter may be a beamsplitter cube having field correction structures. Embodiments may have high beam quality and may be diffraction-limited with relatively wide fields of view (FOV). A cold shield may be included that reduces MWIR or LWIR reflections at a MWIR or LWIR focal plane array. A laser illumination or designation system may be included.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.