Abstract: A duo-frame normalization technique and system for use in range gate imag to determine a range coded image by use of two image frames. A transmitter emits a modulated energy pulse which is not gated when received by a single gated imaging camera to obtain an integrated first image frame and gated by the same camera when received as an integrated second image frame. The second integrated frame is divided by the first integrated frame to yield a range coded pixel intensity image. Three gated imagining cameras can also be used that share common imaging optics via filters and beam splitters so as to compensate for phenomenological issues that can vary the signals from one frame to another and lead to degraded range images.

Abstract: A laser interrogator system and technique establishes low-observable idenication friend or foe (IFF) between two distinct positions. An interrogating laser transmits a laser pulse from a first position to a passive retroreflector fiber optic bundle located at a second position. The bundle retransmits a delayed laser retroreflector pulse. A receiver and processor at the first position processes the received retroreflected delayed laser pulse to determine a presence of a predetermined delay such that an IFF determination of the second position is achievable.

Abstract: Night vision goggles that is internally modified such as to provide a reatic simulator without activation of any night vision enhancement and includes a depth perception loss. An assembly is positioned after the objective assembly on the same optical axis for the transfer of the focused incoming light, which light is also color filtered. A fiber optic rod achieves the transfer of the focused incoming light without any use of an image intensifier tube.

Abstract: A nanoporous semiconductor material and fabrication technique for use as thermoelectric elements. Starting precursors are mixed in solution so as to thoroughly dissolve in solution which is then reduced. A second phase may be added in solution to provide nanoinclusions which may be subsequently removed. A nanoporous semiconductor is formed whereby lattice thermal conductivity is greatly reduced, due to enhanced phonon scattering on the order of 10 W/cm.multidot..degree.K. The nanoporous semiconductor material may be used as the n- and p- legs in a Peltier couple utilized for a thermoelectric cooler, a cryogenic cooler, thermoelectric power generator, or a thermoelectric heat pump.

Abstract: A ferroelectric material, its fabrication technique, and use as a detector aterial, in a ferroelectric detector array is disclosed. The material is an alloy of essential pure components of Pb.sub.2 (Fe, Nb)O.sub.2 and Pb.sub.2 (Fe, Ta)O.sub.2 each with respective Curie temperatures. An essentially linear relationship is made for mole fraction compositions versus Curie temperatures of each component in the alloy, between the pure mole fractions and respective Curie temperatures of the pure components. A Curie temperature for the composition of Pb.sub.2 (Fe, [Ta.sub.(1-x), Nb.sub.x ])O.sub.6 is determined, where x is the mole fraction of Pb.sub.2 (Fe,Nb)O.sub.2 and 1-x is the mole fraction of Pb.sub.2 (Fe, Ta)O.sub.2, with x having a value greater than zero and less than one.

Abstract: Lightweight low power IR locater for reflection enhanced targets with .apeq.20 microsecond pulsed IR diode laser and 26 40 microsecond synchronized range-gated image.

Abstract: A self contained protective shutter assembly for an imager eye piece inclng an eyecup, a powered shutter, switch, power supply and interface coupling.

Abstract: A phase compensation technique and apparatus utilizes a laser transmitter, acousto-optic/electro-optic modulators and a GRIN lens array to send out and receive phase shifted laser beams. Turbulence and optical phase distortions are compensated on outgoing and received wavefronts utilizing signal processing of the detected, mixed received and local oscillator beams.

Abstract: A cryogenic cooler system which allows continuous and uninterrupted cooling ithin the system with minimized moving parts. A compressor assembly is included with more than one compressor so that at any one time, one of the compressors is active so as to provide a working gas pressure modulated by piston action. An expander assembly includes an expander associated with each compressor where working gas pressure expansion from the active compressor is expanded within. A conduit line couples each compressor to each expander for working gas connection between each compressor and respective expander. Heat pipe is coupled at one end to each expander for the transfer a coolant fluid to a cooling plate which includes a temperature sensor. Thermal switches within each of the heat pipes control coolant fluid flow to allow the activation of another heat pipe and associated compressor when failure of the currently operating compressor occurs.

Abstract: A night vision goggle aided flight simulation system and technique allows an flight simulator operator wearing night vision goggles to view an approximate simulation of night vision goggle aided flight. A processor generates at least one look-up table of brightness values utilizing database sources including any selected options. A scene generation computer will then generate the scene image with the contrast based on values provided by the look-up table. An image display system displays the scene at light levels with sufficient dynamic range so that approximate simulation of night vision goggle aided flight is achieved. A neutral density filter can be placed over a CRT display if the CRT display as the display system cannot produce sufficient dynamic range.

Abstract: A dynamic rotating ballistic shield for protecting an enclosed viewing dee. A rotating inner armor sleeve around the device includes a sleeve opening. When the sleeve aligned with a cap opening of an outer armor cap which concentrically surrounds the rotatable inner armor sleeve, a substantially unobstructed field-of-view for the objective window is obtained, with substantial ballistic shield protection.

Abstract: A real-time wavelength detection system having an infrared detector respove to focused input radiation indicative of a source image over a given frequency range. Diffraction means positioned on a detector surface window obtaining a diffraction pattern of the focused radiation. Output means provide an output of the image and diffraction pattern. The diffraction pattern is used for determining a discrete wavelength for the given frequency range of the source detected, without substantial impairment of system imagery.

Abstract: An improved infrared detector element and an improved method for manufactng same is provided. A commercially available rough art wafer of ferroelectric material is ion milled under conditions which provide an extremely thin element with a near flawless detection surface.

Abstract: A liquid crystal modified by the addition of an organic dye is used as a non-linear optical material in two devices which limit the optical radiations to sensitive photodetectors.

Abstract: An interchangeable laser cavity cartridge includes side, front and back ws which include v-way elements to provide optical alignment and releasable spring loaded locks to lock into a cartridge receptacle coupled to a weapon. Spring loaded electrical connections allow electrical connection to a laser cavity housed within the cartridge to activated a laser system within.

Abstract: A near infrared illuminator for enhancing viewing of a target viewed with infrared viewing device when the target falls within a predetermined range. A pulse generator generates a laser pulse in the near infrared with a pulse clock for control of laser brightness and a pulse frequency adjust for control of laser blink rate. The pulse is transmitted along an optical path at a specific brightness and blink rate to a target. A detector within the optical path detects a reflected infrared signal from the target and converts the signal to an electrical signal which is processed by a processor to obtain target range information. A trigger logic controls the pulse clock rate means whereby when the target range falls within a predetermined range the laser pulse rate is increased such that increased illumination of the target is viewable with an infrared viewing device.

Abstract: A method and means for converting a high resolution machine monitored phoiode array, comprising staircased linear sets of detectors operating in a time-delay-integration mode, to a low resolution visually monitored array, by delaying the output signal of odd sets in the staircase by the time required to scan one set and integrating the outputs of odd and even sets.

Abstract: A focal plane array dual processing system and technique utilizes a single ocal plane array to provide scene imagery and temporal processing of a sub-region of the scene. Resultant data from a row by column focal plane array detector elements is processed for imaging and image processing by an image processor. A smaller data subset from a row by column subset of the focal plane array with resultant spatial data subset is temporally processed by a temporal processor. The data and data subset which is multiplexed, digitized and formatted as raster-formatted raw data vector format is addressed for image and temporal processing by a data buffer integrator.

Abstract: A universal IFF technique and system utilizes a real-time communication l established between both parties allowing the approximate immediate transferral of digital information with positive direction and identification of both parties achieved. A pump laser emits a first signal at a first position and a remote laser beacon emits a second signal at a second position, both signals at nominally the same wavelength. A MPPCM receives the first signal which establishes a beam fan. The MPPCM and first signal scans about a region of interest to intercept the second signal. The second signal provides a second input signal into the MPPCM so that a two-way phase conjugation signal builds up and lock-on is established.

Abstract: (S) A first optical material with a linear index of refraction is distributed as particles in a second optical material with an index of refraction dependent on the incident radiation intensity. Below some threshold intensity level the combination of materials is transparent to incident radiation directed toward a sensitive optical detector. Above this level, high-intensity incident radiation induces a change in refractive index of the second material, and the combination is limiting to incident radiation.