Optical beam position active sensing using satellite beams

Abstract

A directed beam position sensing system and method includes a beam source configured to emit a beam. A satellite beam generator is aligned to receive the beam and to transmit a main beam portion and to generate a pair of symmetrically positioned satellite beams. A first detector arrangement is positioned to detect a first satellite beam of the pair and to generate a first detector signal. A second detector arrangement is positioned to detect a second satellite beam of the pair, and to generate a second detector signal, wherein the first detector signal and the second detector signal are used to determine a position of the main beam. In accordance with another aspect of the present application, further provided is a second pair or satellite beams, wherein the first pair of satellite beams is generated at one of an x axis or a y axis, and the second pair of satellite beams is generated in the other axis. The first pair of satellite beams and second pair of satellite beams being perpendicular to each other and including third and fourth detectors to detect the position of the satellite beams. In a further embodiment of the present application, a beam position sensing system includes a beam source configured to generate a directed beam. A satellite beam generator is aligned to receive the directed beam and to transmit a main beam and generate a single-sided satellite beam at a known position. A detector arrangement positioned to detect the satellite beam generates a detector signal. The detector signal is then used to determine the position of the main beam. In accordance with another aspect of the present application, the satellite beam generator is a scanning satellite beam generator which scans the satellite beams, while transmitting a main beam substantially undisturbed.