Abstract: The device permits a wide field of detection with high sensitivity and high locating precision. To this end, the device has a four-quadrant detector associated with a diaphragm formed by the central transparent zone of an opaque mask. The diaphragm preferably has a circular shape and no focusing lens. These elements are in parallel planes so that the line joining the centers of the diaphragm and the detector is perpendicular to these planes. The set is placed in a housing and is shielded by a transparent window. With a deviation measurement circuit that processes the detected signals, the assembly enables the computation of the angular offset of a pinpoint radiant source. With two elementary sensors of this type, it is possible to compute the spatial location of the source, for example a laser.

Abstract: A device for radiation detection over a broad field, especially for laser radiation detection. The device comprises a photodetector associated with an optical receiver formed by two diaphragms which delimit the field, and an optical diffusing element. In a preferred embodiment, a diffusing paint is deposited on a flat surface of a mechanical part, and a mirror for reflecting the diffused radiation makes it possible to mount at the rear end of the device either the photodetector or an optical fiber terminal to which the photodetector is remotely coupled.