Wide angle laser seeker
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
InventorsEdwin M. Allen, William C. Fitzgerald, Marino S. Melsted
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Abstract
A wide angle radiant energy detection apparatus arranged as a catadioptric assegrainian telescope having a plane secondary mirror is disclosed which utilizes a correcting lens as a structural support for the secondary mirror to reduce losses caused by mirror support structure vignetting. Angular resolution at wide field angles is increased by lenses which reduce oblique spherical aberation, spherical aberation, and coma, and by the more uniform energy distribution across the image field caused by the lack of vignetting optical support structure.
Claims10
A wide angle radiant energy detection apparatus, comprising:
- an optical system having a primary mirror having an optical axis for gathering and reflecting radiant energy;
- a first lens defining an annular shape having an inner and outer circumference, positioned concentrically about said primary mirror optical axis for transmitting radiant energy reflected by said primary mirror;
- a secondary mirror positioned on said primary mirror optical axis for reflecting radiant energy transmitted by said first lens;
- a second lens positioned on said primary mirror optical axis for transmitting radiant energy reflected by said secondary mirror;
- and
- a detector responsive to radiant energy, positioned to receive radiant energy transmitted by said second lens.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.