Methods and apparatus for combining arrays of light beams
AssigneeAT&T Bell Laboratories
InventorDavid A. B. Miller
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Arrays of light beams are combined in a manner that minimizes optical power loss by passing a first array of light beams through an angle-variant device onto a target surface while reflecting a second array of light beams off the angle-variant device onto the target surface. The light beams of the first array are arranged to strike the angle-variant device at a first family of angles at which the angle-variant device is substantially transmissive. The light beams of the second array are arranged to strike the angle-variant device at a second family of angles at which the angle-variant device is substantially reflective.
Claims15
Apparatus for directing a plurality of arrays of light beams onto a target surface, each array including at least two light beams, the apparatus comprising:
- an angle-variant device having first and second surfaces, said angle-variant device transmitting light incident thereon at a first set of incident angles and reflecting light incident thereon at a second set of incident angles;
- means for directing a first array of light beams onto the first surface of the angle-variant device at the first set of incident angles, such that the first array of light beams is transmitted through the angle-variant device and onto the target surface;
- and
- means for directing a second array of light beams onto the second surface of the angle-variant device at the second set of incident angles, such that the second array of light beams is reflected from the angle-variant device and onto the target surface.
A method for directing a plurality of arrays of light beams onto a target surface, each array comprising at least two light beams, the method comprising the steps of:
- transmitting a first array of light beams through an angle-variant device and onto the target surface, each light beam of the first array striking the angle-variant device at an angle of incidence at Which the angle-variant device is highly transmitting;
- and
- shining a second array of light beams at the angle-variant device, each light beam of the second array striking the angle-variant device at an angle of incidence at which the angle-variant device is highly reflecting, such that the second array of light beams is reflected onto the target surface.
A method for directing a plurality of arrays of light beams onto a target surface, each army comprising at least two light beams, the method comprising the steps of:
- passing a first array of light beams through an angle-variant device and onto the target surface, the first array of light beams striking the angle-variant device at a first set of incident angles at which substantially all of the light from the light beams is transmitted through the angle-variant device;
- and
- reflecting a second array of light beams from the angle-variant device onto the target surface, the second array of light beams striking the angle-variant device at a second set of angles at which substantially all of the light from the second array of light beams is reflected from the angle-variant device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.