Multipass optical retroreflector and method of using
US6979088B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 27, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N21/031
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention pertains to a multipass retroreflector and to a method for its operation. In a preferred embodiment, the retroreflector comprises three reflecting surfaces arranged at an angle to each other in the form of a prism that is triangular in cross-section and 1 to 2 ports through which an optical beam enters and/or exits. The method includes the step of admitting an optical beam into the retroreflector where the optical beam is reflected from the reflecting surfaces and exits parallel to the path of the incoming optical beam. The method also includes the steps of spacing and adjusting angular disposition and dimensions of the reflecting surfaces in order to change path length of the optical beam passing through the retroreflector. This spacing can be continuously scanned causing a large change in optical path length due to a small change in the position of the moving surface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.