Lightpipe for semi-active laser target designation
US8324543B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 2, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 4, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 14, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B6/06
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A semi-active laser (SAL) sensing system is provided that uses a lightpipe to pass received reflected laser light from an aperture to a detector. The lightpipe facilitates further miniaturization of the SAL sensing system by taking the place of a larger lens system that would otherwise be required. For example, the use of the lightpipe in a missile or guided projectile can facilitate the placement of the SAL sensing system with other sensors in the limited available space at the front of the missile. In one embodiment, the lightpipe is formed from cladded optical fibers that are bundled together, shaped, and fused together. The core material from the optical fibers are then dissolved away, leaving the outer cladding. This remaining outer cladding remains fused together, and maintains its shape, thus forming a lightpipe that can be used in a SAL sensing system.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.