A wide field-of-view optical system that may be used in determining a direction to a source of light, or for determine steering corrections to direct a vehicle toward a target, is disclosed. The optical system, which may be used as a seeker in a missile or other weapon, comprises a spherical ball lens truncated to provide one or more facets on which detectors may be mounted to measure relative intensities as a blur spot image of a source of light, which may be a reflection from a laser designated target, moves across the detectors, which may be individual elements in a quadrant detector. Narrow band filters may be used to suppress undesired wavelengths and enhance performance. The innovative design enables implementation of a wide field-of-view seeker with no moving parts. The spherical ball lens may be used directly as an aerodynamic surface without a need for a separate optical dome.
This information is part of a study by Oasis Global, Inc. of all space inventions filed at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not an endorsement of any particular assignee, inventor or invention. Although Peter A. Koziol represents inventors and assignees of space inventions he does not represent all of the inventors and assignees listed. The prosecuting attorney agent or firm for each patent is identified by the United States Patent and Trademark Office in the patent specfication, which can be viewed by clicking on the patent image or downloading the patent document. For more information regarding Mr. Koziol's background and experience, or to learn more about space inventions, please contact Mr. Koziol.
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