Detector for three-dimensional optical imaging
AssigneeMassachusetts Institute of Technology
InventorsFrederick K. Knight, Kenneth Kalata
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The detector includes a focusing lens for focusing pulsed laser light reflected from an object onto a fiber optic array. The fiber optic array is configured to receive a two-dimensional image from the focusing lens and to convert the two-dimensional image into a line image. A streak camera responsive to light from the fiber optic array provides time resolution for the light from each of the fibers in the array. A two-dimensional detector records the light output from the streak camera and electronics store data and process information to construct three-dimensional images.
Claims27
Detector for three-dimensional optical imaging comprising:
- a focusing lens;
- a fiber optic array configured to receive a two-dimensional image from the lens and to convert the two-dimensional image into a line image;
- a streak camera responsive to light from the fiber optic array adapted to provide time resolution for light from each fiber of the fiber optic array;
- a two-dimensional detector to record the light output from the streak camera;
- and
- electronic apparatus to store and process information from the two-dimensional detector.
Method for three-dimensional optical imaging comprising
- focusing light reflected from an object onto a fiber optic array which converts a two-dimensional image into a line image;
- determining time resolution for light from each fiber of the fiber optic array;
- and
- processing the time resolution information to produce three-dimensional images of objects.
Three-dimensional optical imaging system comprising
- a laser adapted to generate light pulses to illuminate an object;
- a focusing lens to focus light reflected from the object;
- a fiber optic array configured to receive a two-dimensional image from the lens and to convert the two-dimensional image into a line image;
- a streak camera responsive to light from the fiber optic array adapted to provide time resolution for light from each fiber of the fiber optic array;
- a two-dimensional detector to record the light output from the streak camera;
- and
- electronic apparatus to store and process information from the two-dimensional detector.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.