Importance

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Abstract

A multi-detector intensity interferometer includes plural radiation detectors positioned in a predetermined geometric array. Incoherent radiation signals from a body are received by the respective detectors, time-delayed relative to one another, and the time-delayed signals are fed to a multiplier circuit. The multiplier circuit produces an output signal comprising the product of the time-delayed signals from each of the detectors. This output signal is then integrated by an integrator circuit. A significant output signal is produced by the integrator circuit only when the time-delays of the respective detected signals correspond to the location of the object relative to a reference location. In a preferred embodiment employing at least four such detectors, the three-dimensional coordinates of the body relative to a reference coordinate system can be determined from the time-delays. Also, in this preferred embodiment, the multiplier circuit includes respective multipliers for combining two of the time-delayed signals, three of the time-delayed signals and four of the time-delayed signals. These combined signals are then fed to respective integrators to provide additional information concerning the location of the body. Also, a preferred embodiment of a three-detector intensity interferometer is disclosed, for more limited applications. In addition, the apparatus may operate as both a passive system, receiving incoherent signals generated by a body or source, and as an active system in which radiation is scattered from the body and the scattered radiation is detected.

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First Claim