US Patent 7575191 Binary optics SAL seeker (BOSS)

The present invention relates to a strap down SAL seeker that includes an optical system having an engineered diffuser for transforming a laser spot into a uniform distribution of optical energy with a predetermined shape. The predetermined shape is preferably a square “top hat” or uniform scatter pattern. The SAL seeker further includes a silicon quad detector, having a focal plane defined by at least two axes. The detector is operatively associated with the engineered diffuser, and it generates signals indicative of the position of the optical energy with respect to the focal plane of the detector.