Aperture-fold imaging system
US9989745B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 2016 |
| Grant date | Jun 5, 2018 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 12, 2036 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B17/08
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A folded optical system includes a powered optical element, at least one folding mirror and an aperture and defines an optical path through the optical system. The powered optical element, the at least one folding mirror and the aperture are configured to fold the optical path at the aperture, thereby providing a compact optical system. The optical system may include an optical block that totally internally reflects the optical signal at the aperture. Optionally or alternatively, discrete optical components may be used, such as an aperture made of a conventional material or a metamaterial, an off-axis parabolic mirror or lens and one or more folding mirrors. Some embodiments include a wavelength dispersive element, so as to implement a spectrometer.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.