Claims
- 1. In an optical measuring system including a source of coherent light, an electro-optical system for quantitively determining deflection or displacement of the light output from said source of coherent light and having an optical axis comprising:
- polarizer means located on the optical axis of the electro-optical system for establishing an axis of polarization for the source of coherent light;
- a Faraday rod having non-parallel entrance and exit faces spaced apart along a longitudinal axis which is located on the optical axis of the electro-optical system to transmit the polarized output from the polarizer means through a predetermined length thereof;
- analyzer means located on the optical axis of the electro-optical system and positioned for receiving the light output from said Faraday rod;
- electro-optical detector means located on the optical axis of the electro-optical system in operative relation with respect to said analyzer means for intercepting the output therefrom and for generating an electrical analog therefrom;
- amplifier means connected to said electro-optic detector means for amplifying the electrical analog output therefrom and for developing a control signal therefrom;
- control means operatively connected to said amplifier means for receipt of said control signal therefrom and positioned in operative relation to said Faraday rod for control thereof; and
- measuring means indirectly connected to said control means for sensing and displaying the magnitude of the control signal supplied thereto by said amplifier means, whereby a predetermined optical condition within said optical measuring system may be maintained as an indication of optical activity within the system.
- 2. An electro-optical system according to claim 1 in which said polarizer means including a sheet polarizer.
- 3. An electro-optical system according to claim 1 in which said analyzer means includes a sheet polarizer.
- 4. An electro-optical system according to claim 1 in which said electro-optical detector means is a solid-state photodetector.
- 5. An electro-optical system according to claim 1 in which said amplifier means includes a low-drift, lock-in amplifier.
- 6. An electro-optical system according to claim 1 in which said Faraday rod includes a quantity of magneto-optical material held within a glass matrix.
- 7. An electro-optical system according to claim 6 in which said Faraday rod has a magneto-optical axis which is positioned to be in alignment with the optical axis of the electro-optic system.
- 8. An electro-optical system according to claim 1 in which said control means includes a magnetic energy generating transducer in operative cooperation with the aforesaid Faraday rod.
- 9. An electro-optical system according to claim 8 in which said magnetic energy generating transducer includes a coil encircling said Faraday rod.
- 10. An electro-optical system according to claim 9 in which said coil is positioned to be co-axial with the optical axis of the system.
- 11. An electro-optical system according to claim 9 in which said measuring means includes an electrical measuring system which is inductively coupled to said coil.
STATEMENT OF GOVERNMENT INTEREST
The invention described herein may be manufactured and used by or for the Government of the United States of America for governmental purposes without the payment of any royalties thereon or therefor.
US Referenced Citations (4)