Patent ID: 11936991

Abstract:
An EO/IR optical imaging system comprises collection optics to collect light from a scene into a collimated or near-collimated space. An imaging detector is positioned at the image plane and configured to integrate incident light (radiant flux or photons) over an image frame and readout a sequence of pixelated images at a frame rate, said detector exhibiting a saturation threshold. To prevent saturation of the imaging detector, a MEMS MMA is positioned in the collimated or near-collimated space. A secondary detector (via a pick-off) samples light from the collimated or near-collimated space multiple times per image frame. A controller responsive to the sampled light commands a percentage of the mirrors to re-direct light incident on those mirrors to a light dump and commands the remaining mirrors to re-direct light incident on those mirrors to the imaging detector. Together the mirrors adjust a fraction of light reaching the imaging detector such that the integrated incident light for a given image frame is less than the saturation threshold.