An integrated optical assembly is provided, with enhancements that are particularly useful when the integrated optical assembly forms part of a laser radar system. The integrated optical assembly produces a reference beam that is related to the optical characteristics of a scanning reflector, or to changes in position or orientation of the scanning reflector relative to a source. Thus, if the scanning reflector orientation were to shift from its intended orientation (due e.g. to thermal expansion) or if characteristics of the scanning reflector (e.g. the index of refraction of the scanning reflector) were to change on account of temperature changes, the reference beam can be used to provide data that can be used to account for such changes. In addition, if the scanning reflector were to be positioned in an orientation other than the orientation desired, the reference beam can be used in identifying and correcting that positioning.

An integrated optical assembly is provided, with enhancements that are particularly useful when the integrated optical assembly forms part of a laser radar system. The integrated optical assembly produces a reference beam that is related to the optical characteristics of a scanning reflector, or to changes in position or orientation of the scanning reflector relative to a source. Thus, if the scanning reflector orientation were to shift from its intended orientation (due e.g. to thermal expansion) or if characteristics of the scanning reflector (e.g. the index of refraction of the scanning reflector) were to change on account of temperature changes, the reference beam can be used to provide data that can be used to account for such changes. In addition, if the scanning reflector were to be positioned in an orientation other than the orientation desired, the reference beam can be used in identifying and correcting that positioning.

A vehicle warning sign comprises: a reflective material for at least visible light; and at least one of (i) a heating element for detection by a thermal sensor or (ii) a corner reflector for detection by a radar, the corner reflector oriented substantially in a common direction with the reflective material.

An improved mount for, and method of mounting, an optical structure having a grooved/relieved protruding member is provided. The mount may have the grooved/relieved protruding member extending from a surface of the optical structure, a base element for mounting the mount to another structure and an upper element extending from the base element having a first opening extending therethrough for receipt therein of at least a portion of the grooved/relieved member. The first opening defines first and second arms, each of the arms comprising a head portion and each of the head portions ending at an end. A second opening in the upper element extends through one of the head portions and the end thereof in a direction toward the other head portion, while a third opening exists in the upper element through the end of the other head portion in an orientation substantially opposite to and in communication with the second opening so that a tightening mechanism may be received through the second opening and the third opening. Tightening of the tightening mechanism into the third opening causes the ends of the head portions to draw toward each other so that the first opening of the upper element tightens around the at least a portion of the grooved/relieved protruding member.

An improved mount for, and method of mounting, an optical structure having a grooved/relieved protruding member is provided. The mount may have the grooved/relieved protruding member extending from a surface of the optical structure, a base element for mounting the mount to another structure and an upper element extending from the base element having a first opening extending therethrough for receipt therein of at least a portion of the grooved/relieved member. The first opening defines first and second arms, each of the arms comprising a head portion and each of the head portions ending at an end. A second opening in the upper element extends through one of the head portions and the end thereof in a direction toward the other head portion, while a third opening exists in the upper element through the end of the other head portion in an orientation substantially opposite to and in communication with the second opening so that a tightening mechanism may be received through the second opening and the third opening. Tightening of the tightening mechanism into the third opening causes the ends of the head portions to draw toward each other so that the first opening of the upper element tightens around the at least a portion of the grooved/relieved protruding member.

The invention relates to a retroreflector able to be placed in contact with an environment, comprising, by way of constituent material, a material enabling a parameter of said environment to be picked up, said material modifying the optical transmission properties of the retroreflector when said parameter is present, said retroreflector being able to receive an incident light beam via a first face and to reemit a light beam via said first face.

An electro-optic modulator comprising at least one nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal; first and second conductors operatively connected to the nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal adapted to be connected to a voltage source to modulate light passing there through; whereby light is modulated by passing through the nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal. A method for modulating light comprising providing at least one at least one nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal; providing first and second conductors operatively connected to the nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal adapted to be connected to a voltage source to modulate light passing there through; providing an interrogating light beam striking at least one nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal; modulating light passing through the nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal; and receiving a modulated light beam.

An electro-optic modulator comprising at least one nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal; first and second conductors operatively connected to the nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal adapted to be connected to a voltage source to modulate light passing there through; whereby light is modulated by passing through the nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal. A method for modulating light comprising providing at least one at least one nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal; providing first and second conductors operatively connected to the nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal adapted to be connected to a voltage source to modulate light passing there through; providing an interrogating light beam striking at least one nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal; modulating light passing through the nanodisordered potassium tantalate niobate crystal; and receiving a modulated light beam.

A reflective marker including first and second reflectors, each having a first and second reflective outer surfaces spaced apart by a peripheral rim. The first reflector further including a central region including a first open portion extending through the first reflector peripheral rim and a raised rib defining a blind hole extending from the first open portion for receiving a support post. The second reflector further including a central region including a second open portion extending through the second reflector peripheral rim and a raised rib defining a through bore extending from the second open portion for receiving the support post. The first open portion of the first reflector central region is sized to receive the raised rib of the second reflector central region and the second open portion of the second reflector central region is sized to receive the raised rib of the first reflector central region.

A reflector arrangement for position determination and/or marking of target points, comprising a retroreflector and a first sensor arrangement, by means of which the orientation measurement radiation passing through the retroreflector is acquirable. The first sensor arrangement comprises a first optical assembly providing a fisheye lens, and a first sensor, wherein the retroreflector and the first sensor arrangement are arranged in such a way that orientation measurement radiation passing through the retroreflector is projectable onto the detection surface of the first sensor by means of the first optical assembly.