Holographic rotary and linear encoder and method

Abstract

An encoder includes a holographic element containing a plurality of holograms, one single mode fiber input line and N fiber optic output lines, which may be either single mode or multimode optical fiber. A light source is arranged to illuminate a selected one of the holograms. Each hologram is configured to receive an input light beam from the light source and to produce thereform an optical output signal encoded to correspond to a digital word. A system for forming the optical signal encoder includes a light source and an arrangement for receiving a first light beam therefrom and producing a light beam array. The system includes an optical switching arranged to receive all of the beams of the light beam array and transmit only selected beams therefrom. A holographic element is arranged such that the beams transmitted by the optical switching means may impinge thereon to form source beams for forming an array of holograms. The system further includes an arrangement for receiving a second light beam from the light source and directing the second beam to a selected portion of the holographic element to form a reference beam for production of a hologram in the holographic element.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.