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US 4,834,517 AGranted
Method and apparatus for receiving optical signals
AssigneeHughes Aircraft Company
InventorLacy G. Cook
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method and apparatus for receiving optical signals is disclosed. The apparatus 10 comprises a primary mirror 14 to create an intermediate image 22 between the primary mirror 14 and a secondary mirror 16. The apparatus 10 further comprises a tertiary mirror 18 in optical communication with the secondary mirror 16.
Claims22
A three-mirror optical system for receiving optical signals comprising:
- a primary mirror having an optical axis and a concave reflective surface yielding net positive optical power;
- an entrance pupil displaced from said optical axis;
- a secondary mirror optically communicating with said primary mirror, said primary mirror operable to create an intermediate image between said primary and said secondary mirror, said secondary mirror having a convex reflective surface yielding net negative optical power;
- and
- a tertiary mirror optically communicating with said secondary mirror, said tertiary mirror having a concave reflective surface yielding net positive optical power.
2 more elements
A method for receiving electromagnetic radiation from an entrance pupil and delivering said electromagnetic radiation to a final focal plane, said method comprising the steps of:
- delivering said electromagnetic radiation from said entrance pupil to a primary mirror having an optical axis and a concave reflective surface yielding a net positive optical power, said entrance pupil being displaced from said optical axis;
- delivering said electromagnetic radiation from said primary mirror to a secondary mirror to create an intermediate image therebetween, said secondary mirror having a convex reflective surface yielding net negative optical power;
- delivering said electromagnetic radiation from a secondary mirror to a tertiary mirror, said tertiary mirror having a concave reflective surface yielding net positive optical power;
- and
- delivering said electromagnetic radiation from said tertiary mirror to said final focal plane.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.