Abstract: An optical detector array is disclosed to locate dynamically the source position of an incoming beam of light. For example, the incoming beam of light may be a reflection of a low-divergence laser beam from a scattering surface in target space. A system and a method are disclosed for determining the position of a light spot generated by an optical beam when it falls on a scattering surface based on a one-dimensional detector array.

Abstract: A multi-color IR imaging device includes optics that direct mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) radiation onto a focal plane array having LWIR and MWIR detection layers. Pixel groups that include at least one first pixel and one second pixel are defined on the focal plane array, and a first filter and a second filter which form part of an inhomogeneous filter is placed over the respective first and second pixels in a checkerboard pattern, in close proximity to the detection layers. This allows MWIR radiation in M band, and LWIR radiation in an L1 band to pass therethrough and illuminate the first pixels, and M, L1, and a separate LWIR band designated L2 to pass therethrough and illuminate the second pixels. To simultaneously image both MWIR and LWIR, the focal plane array is placed at a predetermined distance from the optics so that the MWIR spot size covers a single pixel and the LWIR spot size is about the same area as the area of a group of two first pixels and two second pixels.

Abstract: Coupling between narrow-and wide-channel optical waveguides is found to be very efficiently performed by coupling regions in the form of parabolas. Design equations for parabolic coupling regions are given.

Abstract: A planar, optical star and access coupler for multiterminal communication systems which use multimode fibers as the transmission line either as a plurality of single fiber lines, in multichannel fiber cable or in minibundles. The fibers are placed in a row so that the core ends abut the end of a high-aspect angle rectangular cross section clad ribbon fiber which is preferably not as thick as the diameter of the core of the individual fibers for optimum packing fraction loss. Optical radiation, such as from a laser or light-emitting diode, entering the ribbon-fiber mixer element from all of the fibers on one end will be mixed by the ribbon fiber and be transmitted equally on each of the output fibers. Also, radiation from any one fiber will be divided equally between all of the transmission fibers on the opposite end of the ribbon fiber.

Abstract: Optical access and duplex couplers for multimode, fiber, data transmission ines. Access couplers are for use with multiterminal communication systems whereas duplex couplers allow a single fiber to be used for data transmission in both directions. Grooves of different depths and widths are etched into silicon along natural crystal planes to position fibers of different diameters and to provide reflective silvered surfaces. Optical communication signals pass through smaller-diameter transmission lines to larger lines. Light surrounding the smaller-diameter line from the larger line is reflected by the reflective surfaces. Thus, information may be received and added as desired.

Abstract: A four-part electro-optical switch for switching optical radiation from one aveguide to another. Parallel waveguides are embedded in the surface of a substrate and provided with separating ends for transmitting radiation through the waveguides. Curved electrodes on the outer side of each waveguide in cooperation with a central electrode and separate voltage sources change the electro-optic properties of the waveguide such that radiation may be switched from one waveguide to the other when the voltage source is in the "on" state.

Abstract: A bidirectional optical communication system which includes a transmission ine which directs radiation onto a reflective surface through which a smaller-diameter fiber is inserted. The smaller-diameter fiber directs radiation into the larger-diameter fiber for transmission away from the reflective surface simultaneous with radiation transmitted through the larger-diameter fiber toward the reflective surface. A reflective surface and small fiber may be at each end of the larger-diameter fiber for bidirectional operation.

Abstract: An optical waveguide power divider which uses a two-dimensional slab waveguide. An input confined to one arm propagates to a point where synchronism between two closely adjacent guides is abruptly introduced by introducing an overlay with a fast taper. The coupled guides are here sufficiently synchronous and close together that the symmetrical and asymmetrical normal modes of the coupled structure will be excited, each with 1/2 of the input power. Synchronism is then slowly removed by tapering the overlay to zero so that mode "a" selects arm #1 while mode "b" selects arm #2. These latter changes are adiabatic, i.e., slow enough tAfter synchronism has been removed, the two arms may be spatially separated to split the power into two directions.

Abstract: A series-parallel scan, IR, focal plane array which uses small InSb CID mles. The CID is used to premultiplex photocurrent through a preamplifier before the photosignal is introduced into a Si CCD TDI signal processor.

Abstract: A multiterminal single mode communication system using single mode fibers d a single centrally located laser source. An electro-optical switch at the terminal switches pulses of light from the communication channel to a distribution channel comprising a single mode fiber. Information is switched on by an electrical modulator which controls the light switching of the switches and information is taken off by light detectors.

Abstract: An optical waveguide linear modulator array comprising an optical waveguide having an input coupler and an output coupler. The waveguide or substrate is formed of electrooptical material with different shaped electrodes secured thereto. An electrical field applied between the electrodes modulates the radiation passing through the waveguide so that the radiation may be phase shifted or shaped into desired outputs.

Abstract: An optical coupler system in which optical communications from separate cers are transmitted over separate lines of a single optical fiber to a coupler which combines the information and transmits the combined information over different single fibers to other communication centers.

Abstract: This system couples light from a single fiber transmission line to a sepae output line which passes some light through the coupler to a single fiber transmission line which transmits the light on over a single optical fiber. A mirror within a portion of the coupler reflects out a portion of the light to the coupler output.

Abstract: A connector to provide multiple input-output couplings to a multi-mode opal transmission line without interrupting the radiation flow. A local scrambling cylinder is placed between a multiple input-output bundle and a bidirectional T-coupler. A mirrored surface covers an area of the rod leaving uncovered the core area of the bundle that leads to the T. Input light is reflected by the mirror evenly to provide an optical path between the inputs and the outputs without affecting transmission through the T.

Abstract: An optical connector to provide input-output coupling to an optical transsion line without interrupting completely the flow of optical radiation. An optically transparent dielectric block is inserted between portions of a fiber bundle transmission line. The block has one flat side along its length which is bonded to a second material having at least one flat side along its length cooperating with the flat side of the block. The input-output bundles are attached to the second material which has the same index of refraction as the first block.