Low noise optical position sensor

Patent · Tue Mar 09 00:00:00 EST 1999

OSTI ID:335502

Spear, J D

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. 14 figs.

• Research Organization: Univ. of California (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC03-76SF00098
• Assignee: Univ. of California, Oakland, CA (United States)
• Patent Number(s): US 5,880,461/A/
• Application Number: PAN: 8-755,076
• OSTI ID: 335502
• Resource Relation: Other Information: PBD: 9 Mar 1999
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

44 INSTRUMENTATION
INCLUDING NUCLEAR AND PARTICLE DETECTORS
OPTICAL SYSTEMS
DISPLACEMENT GAGES
DESIGN
PHOTODIODES
USES
HELIUM-NEON LASERS
SENSITIVITY