Polarization selecting optical element using a porro prism incorporating a thin film polarizer in a single element

Patent · Tue May 08 00:00:00 EDT 2001

OSTI ID:873719

Hendrix, James Lee ^[1]

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1. Livermore, CA

A Porro prism and a light polarizer are combined in a single optical element termed a Hendrix Prism. The design provides retro-reflection of incoming light of a predetermined polarization in a direction anti-parallel to the direction of light incidence, while reflecting undesired light, i.e., that having a polarization orthogonal to the predetermined polarization, from the surface of the light polarizer. The undesired light is reflected in a direction that does not interfere with the intended operation of the device in which the Hendrix Prism is installed yet provides feedback to the system in which it is used.

• Research Organization: Kansas City Plant (KCP), Kansas City, MO (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: AC04-76DP00613
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States Department (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 6229645
• Application Number: 09/493,194
• OSTI ID: 873719
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

polarization
selecting
optical
element
porro
prism
incorporating
film
polarizer
single
light
combined
termed
hendrix
design
provides
retro-reflection
incoming
predetermined
direction
anti-parallel
incidence
reflecting
undesired
orthogonal
surface
reflected
interfere
intended
operation
device
installed
feedback
single element
incoming light
optical element
design provides
single optical
provides feedback
light incidence
single optic
porro prism
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