Abstract:
Stabilization of the phase of the radiation utilized in a plural beam interferometric-type system is accomplished. Monitoring of the intensity of the interfering beams of radiation is performed so that a correction signal is generated. By applying the correction signal to control means, the speed of propagation of at least one of the radiation beams is altered to maintain a constant phase relationship.
Abstract:
A BEAM OF MONOCHROMATIC LIGHT IS DIRECTED SUCCESSIVELY TO LOCI OF A PHOTOSENSITIVE EMULSION HAVING A REFLECTIVE SURFACE TO FORM STANDING WAVES IN THE FILM AND PRODUCE STRATA OF SENSITIZED SURFACES BY THE PROCESS KNOWN AS LIPPMANN PHOTOGRAPHY. THE INTENSITY OF THE BEAM IS CONTROLLED BY A VARIABLE QUANTITY, SO THAT THE AMOUNT OF THE SENSITIZED CONSTITUENT OF THE EMULSION AT EACH LOCUS IS DEPENDENT ON THE VALUE OF ONE QUANTITY WHICH CONTROLS THE BEAM. DEVELOPMENT OF THE EMULSION REMOVES THE UNSENSITIZED CONSTITUENT AND CAUSES SHRINKAGE OF THE EMULSION SO THAT THE THICKNESS OF THE DEVELOPED EMULSION IS
INVERSELY PROPORTIONAL TO THE INTENSITY OF THE LIGHT BEAM AT EACH LOCUS AND IS A MEASURE OF THE VALUE OF THE QUANTITY. THIS SYSTEM AND METHOD MAY BE USED WITH A RANGING SYSTEM WHICH SCANS THE TERRIAN FROM AN ELEVATED POSITION, SUCH AS IN AN AIRCRAFT. THE BEAM OF THE RANGING SYSTEM MEASURES THE DISTANCE OF EACH POINT AS BY RADAR, THE RANGING SYSTEM THEN CONTROLLING, THE INTENSITY OF THE LIGHT BEAM TO RECORD THE DISTANCE VALUES ON THE PHOTOSENSITIVE EMULSION.