Patents by Inventor Alan Edward Laux

Alan Edward Laux has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11480522
    Abstract: A method and system for optical vortex transmissometry. The method uses optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) and optical vortices to discriminate coherent non-scattered light from incoherent scattered light. The system includes a laser which transmits a Gaussian laser beam through a medium. An OAM generating device is placed before a photodetector receiver. Coherent, non-scattered light passing through the OAM generating device forms an optical vortex, used to discriminate against the unwanted scattered signal that does not form a vortex. Alternatively, the system includes a transmitter, which generates one or more OAM modes, which are transmitted through a turbid medium. At the receiver, an OAM detection device analyzes the OAM mode spectrum of the received light. Coherent non-scattered light retains the OAM encoded at the transmitter, while scattered light does not. The attenuation of the channel is determined by comparison of the received OAM mode spectrum relative to the transmitted OAM mode spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brandon Cochenour, Amanda Alley, Alan Edward Laux, Linda Mullen
  • Publication number: 20210080391
    Abstract: A method and system for optical vortex transmissometry. The method uses optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) and optical vortices to discriminate coherent non-scattered light from incoherent scattered light. The system includes a laser which transmits a Gaussian laser beam through a medium. An OAM generating device is placed before a photodetector receiver. Coherent, non-scattered light passing through the OAM generating device forms an optical vortex, used to discriminate against the unwanted scattered signal that does not form a vortex. Alternatively, the system includes a transmitter, which generates one or more OAM modes, which are transmitted through a turbid medium. At the receiver, an OAM detection device analyzes the OAM mode spectrum of the received light. Coherent non-scattered light retains the OAM encoded at the transmitter, while scattered light does not. The attenuation of the channel is determined by comparison of the received OAM mode spectrum relative to the transmitted OAM mode spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Publication date: March 18, 2021
    Inventors: Brandon Cochenour, Amanda Alley, Alan Edward Laux, Linda Mullen
  • Patent number: 10871445
    Abstract: A method and system for optical vortex transmissometry. The method uses optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) and optical vortices to discriminate coherent non-scattered light from incoherent scattered light. The system includes a laser which transmits a Gaussian laser beam through a medium. An OAM generating device is placed before a photodetector receiver. Coherent, non-scattered light passing through the OAM generating device forms an optical vortex, used to discriminate against the unwanted scattered signal that doesn't form a vortex. Alternatively, the system includes a transmitter which generates one or more OAM modes which are transmitted through a turbid medium. At the receiver, an OAM detection device analyzes the OAM mode spectrum of the received light. Coherent non-scattered light retains the OAM encoded at the transmitter, while scattered light does not. The attenuation of the channel is determined by comparison of the received OAM mode spectrum relative to the transmitted OAM mode spectrum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brandon Cochenour, Amanda Alley, Alan Edward Laux, Linda Mullen
  • Publication number: 20200249159
    Abstract: A method and system for optical vortex transmissometry. The method uses optical orbital angular momentum (OAM) and optical vortices to discriminate coherent non-scattered light from incoherent scattered light. The system includes a laser which transmits a Gaussian laser beam through a medium. An OAM generating device is placed before a photodetector receiver. Coherent, non-scattered light passing through the OAM generating device forms an optical vortex, used to discriminate against the unwanted scattered signal that doesn't form a vortex. Alternatively, the system includes a transmitter which generates one or more OAM modes which are transmitted through a turbid medium. At the receiver, an OAM detection device analyzes the OAM mode spectrum of the received light. Coherent non-scattered light retains the OAM encoded at the transmitter, while scattered light does not. The attenuation of the channel is determined by comparison of the received OAM mode spectrum relative to the transmitted OAM mode spectrum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2019
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Brandon Cochenour, Amanda Alley, Alan Edward Laux, Linda Mullen
  • Patent number: 10725154
    Abstract: A method and system for imaging in degraded visual environments. The system includes a laser that is positioned to transmit a Gaussian beam toward a target object located within the degraded visual environment. An optical receiver is positioned to receive return signals. A helical phase element is positioned between the target object and the optical receiver. The return signals pass through the helical phase element. The helical phase element separates coherent and incoherent light by imparting orbital angular momentum on the coherent returns to form an optical vortex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Brandon Cochenour, Lila Rodgers, Alan Edward Laux, Linda Mullen
  • Publication number: 20190285731
    Abstract: A method and system for imaging in degraded visual environments. The system includes a laser that is positioned to transmit a Gaussian beam toward a target object located within the degraded visual environment. An optical receiver is positioned to receive return signals. A helical phase element is positioned between the target object and the optical receiver. The return signals pass through the helical phase element. The helical phase element separates coherent and incoherent light by imparting orbital angular momentum on the coherent returns to form an optical vortex.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2018
    Publication date: September 19, 2019
    Inventors: Brandon Cochenour, Lila Rodgers, Alan Edward Laux, Linda Mullen