Optical switch and beam stabilization device
US9696499B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 24, 2014 |
| Grant date | Jul 4, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 24, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B26/0833
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Optical switch for adjustable deflection of a light beam from the direction of an input point in the direction of one of several output points. The optical switch includes a switching mirror sensitive to changes in environmental conditions, such as temperature fluctuations. Also included is a rotatable capturing mirror, two beam splitters, and two spatially-resolving detectors. Both mirrors can be rotated around respective axes. A front beam splitter for the partial coupling of the light beam at the front detector that is optically positioned between the capturing mirror and the switching mirror, while the back beam splitter for the partial decoupling of the light beam at the back detector is arranged optically between the switching mirror and each of the output positions. A control unit is adapted to control the drive of the switching mirror on the basis of a signal from the back detector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.