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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Radiation beam deflection system

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6302099
An apparatus is disclosed for deflecting a beam of electromagnetic radiation controllably such that the beam can be used for scanning and other purposes. In this invention, the output beam of the apparatus is deflected by a dispersion element such as a diffraction grating, the angular deviation induced by the grating being a function of the wavelength of the radiation. Variations in the deflections induced by the deviation element to thereby cause a controlled angular movement of the output beam are produced by varying the wavelength of the radiation. These variations in the wavelength of the radiation are produced in several embodiments by a multiplicity of radiation sources, each having an energy output of a discrete wavelength, and in further embodiments by means such as a parametric converter which vary the wavelength of the source. Energy from the zero order of the radiation from the first dispersion element is deflected by a second dispersion element in accordance with the wavelength of the radiation in synchronism with the principal output beam. This second deviated beam is tracked by radiation sensors which form part of a feedback circuit in the control system of the scanner.
Assignee:
Grumman Aerospace Corp
Patent Number(s):
US 4250465
OSTI ID:
6302099
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English