Tunable coherent light filter for optical sensing and imaging

Patent · Tue Jun 28 00:00:00 EDT 2022

OSTI ID:1893083

Wasserman, David; Shaner, Eric A.

Systems and methods are provided for filtering coherent infrared light from a thermal background for protection of infrared (IR) imaging arrays and detection systems. A Michelson interferometer is used for coherent light filtering. In an implementation, a system includes a fixed mirror, a beam splitter, and a moving mirror which can be controlled translationally, as well as tip/tilt. The Michelson interferometer may be used as an imaging system. For imaging applications, a system may comprise a tunable array of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) mirrors. A mid-wave IR interferometer with electronic feedback and MEMS mirror array is provided.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Texas, Austin, TX (United States); Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
• DOE Contract Number: NA0003525
• Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System (Austin, TX); U.S. Department of Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): 11,371,887
• Application Number: 16/937,954
• OSTI ID: 1893083
• Resource Relation: Patent File Date: 07/24/2020
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English