Optical system

Abstract

In preferred forms of the invention an array of MEMS mirrors or small mirrors inside an optical system operates closed-loop. These mirrors direct external source light, or internally generated light, onto an object—and detect light reflected from it onto a detector that senses the source. Local sensors measure mirror angles relative to the system. Sensor and detector outputs yield source location relative to the system. One preferred mode drives the MEMS mirrors, and field of view seen by the detector, in a raster, collecting a 2-D or 3-D image of the scanned region. Energy reaching the detector can be utilized to analyze object characteristics, or with an optional active distance-detecting module create 2- or 3-D images, based on the object's reflection of light back to the system. In some applications, a response can be generated. The invention can detect sources and locations for various applications.

1 . An optical system for dynamically determining radiation characteristics, including associated angular direction throughout a specified range of angular directions, of an external article in a volume outside the system; said optical system comprising: 
 an optical detector;    an entrance aperture;    an afocal element, associated with the aperture, for enlarging the field of regard of such external article and such volume as seen by the detector; and    disposed along an optical path between the detector and the entrance aperture, at least one mirror, rotatable about plural axes, for causing the detector to address varying portions of such volume outside the optical system;    each mirror of the at least one mirror having dimensions in a range from thirty microns to five millimeters.    
   
   
       2 .- 95 . (canceled)