Abstract
An apparatus and technique are described for phasing the outputs of a multiplier telescope array used as a laser transmitter. The technique uses samples of the transmitted beams to control optical path lengths through the separate telescopes so that the beams add coherently at the receiver. The phasing concept is applicable both to systems which provide inputs to the multiple telescopes by dividing a single laser beam and to systems in which the inputs to the telescopes and multiple, phase-locked laser beams. The approach is also compatible with single line and multi-line lasers, and it does not entail stringent alignment requirements. The concept uses a procedure to find the zero optical path difference condition and to effect fine control of the optical path lengths through the different telescopes. Algorithms are described for estimating the phase mismatch from focal plane measurements.
Document Type
Patent
Status
Issued
Issue Date
1-27-1987
Patent Number
US 4639586 A [4,639,586]
CPC Classification
G02B27/58
Application number
06/698962
Assignees
Government of the United States, as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force, Washington, DC (US)
Filing Date
2-6-1985
Recommended Citation
Fender, Janet S., Salvatore J. Cusumano, Robert R. Butts, and Christopher R. DeHainaut. Optically Phased Laser Transmitter. United States Patent 4639586, issued 27 January 1987. https://scholar.afit.edu/patents/48
US patent 4639586 A0 size pages