Patents by Inventor Carl G. Witthoft

Carl G. Witthoft 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: 5164578
    Abstract: An improved two-dimensional optical centroid processor ("OCP") wavefront sensor is described in which a scanning mirror 146 scans the wavefront of input light 130 to provide a scanned beam 148 (i.e. a portion of the wavefront). The scanned beam 148 is focused on an OCP 168 filter comprising four rows of mask cells. The filtered light emanating from the cells impinges on one-dimensional photodetector devices 192, 198, 202, 206 (i.e. photodetector rows). Thus, the scanning of the wavefront by the scanning mirror provides two-dimensional measurement while employing one-dimensional photodetector devices. Each of the photodetector devices provides an output to a ratio calculator 201 which is used to correct the tilt in the wavefront by driving a deformable mirror (not shown).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Carl G. Witthoft, Allan Wirth, Lawrence E. Schmutz, Theresa L. Bruno, Bruce W. Baran
  • Patent number: 5083015
    Abstract: An improved optical centroid processor wavefront sensor is described in which an image is optically impinged on a plurality of mask arrays. A group of mask arrays, having a coarse dependant function, filters light onto corresponding photodetector arrays. The output of the photodetectors provide a coarse signal indicative of spot displacement over an increased tilt dynamic range. Another group of mask arrays, having a fine dependant function, filters light onto corresponding photodetector arrays. The output of the photodetectors provide a fine signal indicative of spot displacement with an increased accuracy. The coarse and fine signals may be employed by a deformable mirror to correct aberrations in a light beam wavefront.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 21, 1992
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Carl G. Witthoft, Allan Wirth, Lawrence Schmutz