Abstract: A laser beam profile sensor system for which is capable of accurately determining distances to both close and distant objects, particles, liquid interfaces and the like and of identifying the locations of ice layers on metal surfaces. Basically, the system includes a laser diode for generating a laser beam along a selected path, a receiver spaced from the laser diode for receiving light along a receiver axis, the laser beam and receiver axis intersecting at any desired angle from nearly 0.degree. to nearly 180.degree.. The receiver comprises a linear array of light responsive elements. An optical system is provided for directing light approaching the receiver along the receiver axis to the array. An electronic circuit processes signals from the array elements and produces a display showing the distance to any target lying along the laser beam path that reflects light along the receiver axis.

Abstract: A non-mechanical beam deflector forms and scans a beam of millimeter wave (MMW) radiation at a rapid rate. The beam deflector includes a semiconductor body in which a spatially varying density of charge carriers is selectively injected. The injected charge carriers--electrons and/or holes--alter the dielectric constant of the semiconductor body locally and thereby attenuate and reflect incident MMW radiation. The portions of the semiconductor body that do not have carriers injected therein allow the incident MMW radiation to be transmitted. The semiconductor body, modified with a spatially varying density of charge carriers, diffracts the radiation which passes through it into a beam. The beam may be scanned across space through selective control of the injected charge carriers. The diffractive conditions can be rapidly re-configured.

Abstract: A light-modulated photoconductor, exhibiting a variable permittivity, provides the basis for various instrumentation devices and methods. In one embodiment, the light-modulated photocondcutor is used as a dielectric between conductive plates to provide a light-modulated capacitor (photocapacitor). One of the conductive plates may be transparent to facilitate application of the modulating light to the photoconductor. The light-modulated capacitor may be used for numerous applications, such as instrumentation used to, e.g., measure the work function of surfaces during processing or as a non-contact voltmeter. In another embodiment, the light-modulated photoconductor is used as a mirror or lens wherein the index of refraction is optically modulated. Such light modulated lens or mirror assembly may be used as a beam steering device, e.g., a solid state infra-red (IR) beam steering device.