Low noise optical position sensor

Patent · Fri Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1999

OSTI ID:872182

Spear, Jonathan David ^[1]

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1. Berkeley, CA

A novel optical position sensor is described that uses two component photodiodes electrically connected in parallel, with opposing polarities. A lens provides optical gain and restricts the acceptance angle of the detector. The response of the device to displacements of an optical spot is similar to that of a conventional bi-cell type position sensitive detector. However, the component photodiode design enables simpler electronic amplification with inherently less electrical noise than the bi-cell. Measurements by the sensor of the pointing noise of a focused helium-neon laser as a function of frequency demonstrate high sensitivity and suitability for optical probe beam deflection experiments.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• Assignee: Regents of University of California (Oakland, CA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5880461
• OSTI ID: 872182
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

noise
optical
position
sensor
novel
described
component
photodiodes
electrically
connected
parallel
opposing
polarities
lens
provides
restricts
acceptance
angle
detector
response
device
displacements
spot
similar
conventional
bi-cell
type
sensitive
photodiode
design
enables
simpler
electronic
amplification
inherently
electrical
measurements
focused
helium-neon
laser
function
frequency
demonstrate
sensitivity
suitability
probe
beam
deflection
experiments
position sensor
probe beam
electrically connected
position sensitive
optical probe
sensitive detector
acceptance angle
electrical noise
provides optical
novel optical
opposing polarities
optical position
noise optical
cell type
beam deflection
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