Modulation of input to geiger mode avalanche photodiode lidar using digital micromirror devices
AssigneeHarris Corporation
InventorWilliam E. Clifton
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Systems (100) and methods (600) for acquiring data relating to an environment of interest. The methods comprise: receiving by a telescope (110) light scattered by an object within the environment; focusing a cone of light towards a spatial light modulator (112) which is placed a certain distance from the telescope on a telescope-focus surface; and deflecting a select amount of the cone of light by the spatial light modulator towards a photodiode array (114), whereby a sensitivity across the photodiode array is made uniform.
Claims18
A method for acquiring data relating to an environment of interest, comprising:
- receiving by a lens of a telescope light scattered by an object within the environment;
- focusing a cone of light towards a spatial light modulator which is placed a certain distance from the telescope on a telescope-focus surface;
- and
- deflecting a select amount of the cone of light by the spatial light modulator towards a photodiode array, whereby a sensitivity across the photodiode array is made uniform.
A system, comprising:
- a photodiode array;
- a telescope receiving light scattered by an object within an environment and for focusing a cone of light towards a spatial light modulator;
- and
- the spatial light modulator placed a certain distance from the telescope on a telescope-focus surface, and deflecting a select amount of the cone of light towards the photodiode array, whereby a sensitivity across the photodiode array is made uniform.
The system according to claim 18, wherein the photodiode array comprises a Geiger mode avalanche photodiode array.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.