US 5,317,148 A · IR/ladar scanner

Abstract

A scanner for implementation with ladar, and visual band passive IR systems. An optic fiber is positioned such that one end thereof is maintained at the focal point of a lens system. A permanent magnetic is attached to the optic fiber near that end, with the permanent magnet being positioned within a space subjected to varying magnetic fields induced by pairs of orthogonally positioned electromagnets. The end of the optic fiber scans the image of the lens, with the scanning pattern being controlled by the varying magnetic fields induced by the electromagnetic pairs. Another end of the optic fiber is connected through a coupler to an infrared/optic detector and a laser diode. The coupler allows for duplexing of light energy from the laser diode to the lens and for the receiving of light energy from the lens to the detector.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A scanner for an imaging system, comprising:

an optical detector;
an optic fiber communicating with said optical detector;
means operatively engaging said optic fiber for moving an end of said optic fiber;
a lens communicating with said optic fiber, said optic fiber being interposed between said optical detector and lens, said end of said optic fiber being moved through a focal point of said lens;
a light energy source interconnected with said optic fiber and in communication with said lens, said lens radiating light energy from said light energy source;
and
an optic coupler interposed within said optic fiber, said optic coupler interconnecting said optical detector and said light energy source to said lens, said optic coupler duplexing said optic fiber to pass light energy from said light energy source to said lens and from said lens to said detector.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

IR/ladar scanner

Life of this patent

IR/ladar scanner

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims10