Window baffles

#1. Field of the Invention

#The present invention is directed generally to a window baffle. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a window baffle in an active laser system that absorbs and scatters energy, such as from secondary reflections, while causing minimal impact to system performance.

#2. Background Information

#Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like numerals designate like elements and in which:

#FIG. 1 is an expanded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a window baffle assembly in a window.

#FIG. 2. is a simple schematic cross-sectional view of an exemplary window baffle assembly.

#FIG. 1 shows an expanded perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a window baffle assembly. The window baffle assembly, represented by 100, comprises a window, such as a multi-element segmented window 102, with a first surface 104 adapted to receive at least one wavelength of radiation, such as ray of light 106, from an optical system, such as Forward Looking Infrared Laser (FLIR) system 108, a baffle housing 110 positioned proximate at least a portion of the first surface of the window 102, and a plurality of baffle elements 112 each affixed between positions on the baffle housing 110 and offset from the first surface 104 of the window 102. Each baffle element has a surface 114 adapted to absorb at least a portion of the energy of the radiation, such as radiation incident thereon, and oriented to scatter the radiation, such as radiation incident thereon.

#In another exemplary embodiment of a window baffle assembly, a window has a first surface and a second surface and a plurality of baffle elements arranged on the first surface of the window such that at least a first wavelength of radiation is transmitted from the optical system through the baffle elements and the window and at least a second wavelength is transmitted through the window and the baffle elements to the optical system. The first surface of the window opposes an aperture of an optical system for transmitting and receiving radiation and each baffle element is in a Field of View of the optical system and has a trailing edge oriented toward a central point of the optical system such that the baffle elements scatter or absorb at least a portion of the first wavelength and a portion of the second wavelength.

#FIG. 2 shows a simple cross-sectional schematic view of an exemplary embodiment of a window baffle assembly, represented by 200. A baffle housing 202 is positioned proximate a first surface 204 of a window 206. The first surface 204 is adapted to receive at least one wavelength of radiation, such as a plurality of rays of light 208, from an optical system, such as FLIR 210. The optical system is positioned on the first surface 204 side of the window 206 with the first surface 204 opposing the aperture of the optical system. The baffle housing 202 has a plurality of baffle elements 212. At least a portion of the baffle elements are in the field of view of the optical system.