Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the longitudinal position of a tapered displaceable element positioned between two substantially orthogonally laterally opposing displacement sensors. A change in the longitudinal position of the displaceable element causes the sensors to each measure their distance to the displaceable element which relates directly to the local thickness and thus the longitudinal position of the displaceable element. The system factors out errors in measured lateral proximity position of the displaceable element since an erroneous proximity to one sensor is equal and opposite to an erroneous proximity to the other.

Abstract: An image stabilization system includes an optical assembly configured to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by a target and produce focused image of the target; a focal plane array, the focal plane array being configured to receive the image and integrate at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation making up the image to produce an electrical representation of the image; sensors configured to provide kinematic data; a control system receiving the kinematic data and estimating jitter-induced motion of the image on the focal plane and outputting a control signal; and actuators configured to receive the control signal and to translate the focal plane along two orthogonal axes and rotate the focal plane about a third orthogonal axis such that jitter-induced motion of the image on the focal plane is reduced.

Abstract: For transferring optical energy, a first multimode wave guide transmits radiant energy with a homogenized beam to a first plurality of optical sensors of an array of optical sensors. The array measures the homogenized radiant energy. Each optical sensor of the first plurality of optical sensors measures a pixelized portion of the homogenized radiant energy. A method and system also perform the functions of the apparatus.

Abstract: An OPO is disclosed capable of rapid frequency tuning by non-mechanical means. The OPO includes a resonant cavity including one or more non-linear crystals in an optical path thereof. A pump laser pulse is transmitted into the resonant cavity simultaneously with a seed beam having a desired wavelength. The output beam from the resonant cavity has the same center wavelength as the seed beam. The wavelength of the seed beam may be modulated at a frequency larger than the pulse rate of the pump laser or larger than the inverse of the pulse duration. The OPO disclosed may be used to perform DIAL analysis wherein intra-pulse modulation of an output beam is used to obtain measurements of absorption at multiple frequencies for each pulse of a pump beam.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for dispersive energy imaging are disclosed. The full three-dimensional velocity distribution function of a flowing particle stream may be measured and properties of the particle stream characterized. In some devices, an aperture system controls the entry of a stream of particles into the sensor where an electrostatic deflector separates the stream of particles into different species, and a detector system senses the separated species.

Abstract: A substrate formed of a suitable conductive-heat-transfer material is formed with small channels of a size selected to provide surface tension forces dominating a motion of a liquid-phase working fluid. A space above the channels of the substrate provides comparatively unobstructed space for the transport motion of a vapor phase of the working fluid effecting a heat-pipe effect in a multi-dimensional device. Channels may typically be formed in an orthogonal grid providing capillary return of liquids from a comparatively cooler condensation region to a comparatively warmer evaporation region, without any wicks other that the adhesion of the liquid phase working fluid to the vertices of the channels. Interference between the boundary layers of the liquid phase and the vapor phase of the working fluid are minimized by the depth of the channels, and the pedestals formed by the channel walls.

Abstract: A method of predicting sensor performance, such as focal plane array (FPA) behind optics casting an image based on radiant energy received from a target such as a star, planet, other celestial body, event, mass, artificial body, or the like. A user may select artificial, natural, or both types of bodies, and a dynamics module provides relative motion trajectories in space. Radiance proceeding from a target toward a sensor is modified by effects of bodies and the environment, considering any arbitrary selection of bodies and sensors, radiance effects, and relative motions therebetween, whether terrestrial or intergalactic in scale, location, or observation point. Thus, corrections and calibrations may improve images, factoring out cluttering effects of the environment and other bodies.

Abstract: A method for on-orbit calibration of the temperature sensors of a blackbody is disclosed. The method may include selecting a blackbody traveling in a micro-gravity environment and comprising a sensor, a container positioned proximate the sensor and containing a material, and a heat transfer device positioned proximate the at least one container. The heat transfer device may transition the material through a phase change. The temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the material during the phase change. Additionally, the state of the material may be measured by displacement of the container to improve the accuracy of the plateau temperature measurement. A correction may be calculated to correct any disparity between the temperature reported by the temperature sensor during the phase change and the known plateau temperature, measured at a threshold state of the material, corresponding to that phase change.

Abstract: A method and system that compensates for thermal induced stresses in structures composed of different materials fastened together. The system utilizes three compensation mounts made from a material with a coefficient of thermal expansion that is between that of the two materials being fastened together. These mounts can be linear or, for a thinner structure, the mounts are “C” shaped. The size of the “C” mounts and fastening locations are calculated based on the coefficient of thermal expansion for the two materials being fastened together and the “C” mount material. The geometry of the “C” mounts allows for fastening the two planar surfaces without introducing a large thickness increase to the structure. This system allows for materials to be fastened together, and when placed in an environment with temperature fluctuations, the system experiences zero, minimal or insignificant amounts of thermal induced stress.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the longitudinal position of a tapered displaceable element positioned between two substantially orthogonally laterally opposing displacement sensors. A change in the longitudinal position of the displaceable element causes the sensors to each measure their distance to the displaceable element which relates directly to the local thickness and thus the longitudinal position of the displaceable element. The system factors out errors in measured lateral proximity position of the displaceable element since an erroneous proximity to one sensor is equal and opposite to an erroneous proximity to the other.

Abstract: A method for on-orbit calibration of the temperature sensors of a simulated blackbody is disclosed. The method may include selecting a simulated blackbody traveling in a micro-gravity environment and comprising a sensor, a container positioned proximate the senor and containing a material, and a heat transfer device positioned proximate the at least one container. The heat transfer device may transition the material through a phase change. The temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the material during the phase change. A correction may be calculated to correct any disparity between the temperature reported by the temperature sensor during the phase change and the known plateau temperature corresponding to that phase change. The correction may be applied to subsequent temperature readings obtained using the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A system for determining the longitudinal position of a displaceable element positioned between two substantially orthogonally laterally opposing displacement sensors measures a distance from each displacement sensor to the displaceable element. The displaceable element has a tapered thickness along its length. A change in the longitudinal position of the displaceable element causes the proximity sensors to each detect their distance to the displaceable element, which distances then correspond directly to the local thickness and thus the longitudinal position of the displaceable element. The system calculates the position of the displaceable element. The system can easily factor out errors in measured lateral proximity position of the displaceable element, since an erroneous proximity to one sensor is equal and opposite to an erroneous proximity to the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing movable elements of a multiple-axis drive mechanism with respect to the fixed base thereof during launch to prevent damage while unpowered. Mating surfaces of the lock secure the mechanism about all three axes of motion. Thus, the drives need to be only sufficiently designed to break free one element of the launch lock from the other element. Tapered or other guiding surfaces of the two elements of the launch lock make it self-aligning, such that mating surfaces are guided together once placed in sufficiently close proximity.

Abstract: An image stabilization system includes an optical assembly configured to receive electromagnetic radiation emitted by a target and produce focused image of the target; a focal plane array, the focal plane array being configured to receive the image and integrate at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation making up the image to produce an electrical representation of the image; sensors configured to provide kinematic data; a control system receiving the kinematic data and estimating jitter-induced motion of the image on the focal plane and outputting a control signal; and actuators configured to receive the control signal and to translate the focal plane along two orthogonal axes and rotate the focal plane about a third orthogonal axis such that jitter-induced motion of the image on the focal plane is reduced.

Abstract: A control system stabilizes a turret having a gimbal and base and pointing a weapon mounted within the turret. The control system includes computer executable modules to receive turret data and operator commands and to modify operator commands in accordance with a generated line of sight vector and ballistic data. The modules include a time optimal controller to generate modified operator commands. The modules further include a gimbal stabilization controller to generate motor commands to stabilize the turret and point the weapon.

Abstract: The present invention features a fiber optic imaging system for generating a customized spectral response comprising (a) an optional optical source for generating optical energy, (b) an optical system for focusing multi spectral optical energy to form a focal surface; (b) a fiber optic element for conveying the optical energy, wherein the fiber optic element has an input end optically coupled to the focal surface to receive the optical energy and an output end to transmit the conveyed optical energy; and (c) a spectral filter optically coupled to at least one of the input and output ends of the fiber optic element, wherein the spectral filter has a filter passband configured to provide the fiber optic element with a pre-determined wavelength transmittance capacity, such that only pre-determined wavelengths of the optical energy are transmitted through the output end, thus achieving a customized spectral response.

Abstract: A method for determining the velocity of features such as wind. The method preferably includes producing sensor signals and projecting the sensor signals sequentially along lines lying on the surface of a cone. The sensor signals may be in the form of lidar, radar or sonar for example. As the sensor signals are transmitted, the signals contact objects and are backscattered. The backscattered sensor signals are received to determine the location of objects as they pass through the transmission path. The speed and direction the object is moving may be calculated using the backscattered data. The data may be plotted in a two dimensional array with a scan angle on one axis and a scan time on the other axis. The prominent curves that appear in the plot may be analyzed to determine the speed and direction the object is traveling.