Optical system having reduced pointing-error noise

摘要

An apparatus having a variable angle light source characterized by a pivot point, a variable response optical receiver, and a first optical system is disclosed. The variable response optical receiver receives light generated by the light source on a receiving surface, the receiver generating a signal indicative of an intensity of light that impinges on a receiving surface. The first optical system images the pivot point to a fixed point relative to the receiver surface. In one aspect of the invention the first optical system is chosen such that light from the variable angle light source covers more& than half the receiving surface. The variable angle light source can include a gain chip in a semiconductor laser having a pivot point located substantially on a facet of the gain chip.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
a variable angle light source characterized by a pivot point; a variable response optical receiver having a receiving surface, said variable response optical receiver receiving light generated by said variable angle light source on said receiving surface, said receiver generating a signal indicative of an intensity of light that impinges on a receiving surface; and a first optical system that images said pivot point to a fixed point relative to said receiving surface.