Refractive beam steering

Roland E. Juhala; George Dube

doi:10.1117/12.559865

30 September 2004 Refractive beam steering

Roland E. Juhala, George Dube

Proceedings Volume 5528, Space Systems Engineering and Optical Alignment Mechanisms; (2004) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.559865
Event: Optical Science and Technology, the SPIE 49th Annual Meeting, 2004, Denver, Colorado, United States

Abstract

A number of concepts using the principle of the refraction of light have been developed to steer light beams. Refractive beam steering concepts involve the use of optical wedges in order to deviate a light beam. This principle is ideally suited for steering laser light since dispersion is minimal due to the monochromatic nature of the laser. The methods used to form the optical wedge and the means developed to adjust it are what distinguish the various concepts and have resulted in many patents over the years for their innovators. A new concept called a Lubricated Adjustable Optical Wedge (LAOW) has been recently developed that does not require complicated mechanical systems to form the wedge and provide the adjustment necessary to deviate the light beam. An optical wedge is formed using plano-convex and plano-concave lenses that are contacted together using a thin film of transparent index matching lubricant between the spherical surfaces. The forces of capillary action and surface tension provide the sole means of keeping the lens elements together. This technique has demonstrated a repeatability ≤±0.12 arc seconds in beam deviation angle.

Citation Download Citation

Roland E. Juhala and George Dube "Refractive beam steering", Proc. SPIE 5528, Space Systems Engineering and Optical Alignment Mechanisms, (30 September 2004); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.559865

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