Abstract: A zoom system includes a collection optic L1 and a reflective Fresnel Lens L2 having a variable focal length. The reflective Fresnel Lens L2 is implemented with a MEMS MMA in which the mirrors tip, tilt and piston form and alter the reflective Fresnel Lens to focus light at a common focal point to set the variable focal length f2, hence the magnification M. In different embodiments, the zoom system may be configured to be “focal” or “afocal”. In the focal system, both L1 and L2 are fixed such that the system affects the net convergence or divergence of the magnified beam. In an afocal system, a mechanism is used to translate L2 to maintain a separation between L1 and L2 of d=f1+f2 as f2 is varied to change the magnification M.

Abstract: A sensing system. In some embodiments, the system includes a first imaging radio frequency receiver, a second imaging radio frequency receiver, a first optical beam combiner, a first imaging optical receiver, a second optical beam combiner, and an optical detector array. The first optical beam combiner may be configured to combine optical signals of the imaging radio frequency receivers. The second optical beam combiner may be configured to combine the optical signals of the imaging radio frequency receivers, and the optical signal of the first imaging optical receiver.

Abstract: A beam steering architecture for an optical sensor is based upon a pair of Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Micro-Mirror Arrays (MMAs) and a fold mirror. The MEMS MMAs scan both primary and secondary FOR providing considerable flexibility to scan a scene to provide not only active imaging (to supplement passive imaging) but also simultaneously allowing for other optical functions such as establishing a communications link, providing an optical transmit beam for another detection platform or determining a range to target. A special class of MEMS MMAs that provides a “piston” capability in which the individual mirrors may translate enables a suite of optical functions to “shape” the optical transmit beam.

Abstract: A multiple target tracker and beam steerer utilizes a MEMs MMA for beam steering to simultaneously illuminate multiple tracked targets per frame. The MMA can be adaptively segmented to change the number of output beams, and the power in a given beam, based on a list of tracked targets, range to targets, threat level etc. The MMA can be adaptively configured to simultaneously perform one or more Designation, Range Finding and Active Imaging modes on the same or different tracked targets. The MMA can be segmented so that each segment includes a plurality of mirrors to “oversample” the input beam. The mirrors in a given segment may be controlled to provide wavefront correction to the corresponding output beam.

Abstract: Optical sensors and particularly gimbaled optical sensors transmit an active signal at a given wavelength and receive passive signals over a range of wavelengths while controlling pointing without benefit of measuring and locating the active signal return. The sensor includes a Tx/Rx Aperture Sharing Element (ASE) is configured to block the received active signal (e.g. reflections off a target in a scene) and process only the passive emissions. These optical sensors may, for example, be used with guided munitions or autonomous vehicles.

Abstract: An active imaging system uses a MEMS Micro-Mirror Array to form and scan an optical beam over a first portion of scene within a first edge region of the field-of-view of the optical receiver in the direction of motion of the imaging system. In addition to tip and tilt control of the mirrors, the MMA may have piston control which can be used to minimize diffraction losses when focusing and scanning the beam, provide wavefront correction or to compensate for path length variations. The MMA may be partitioned into segments to independently form and scan a plurality of optical beams, which may be used to scan the first or different portions of the scene. The different segments may be provided with reflective coatings at different wavelengths to provide for multi-spectral imaging. The different segments may be used to combine multiple optical sources to increase power or provide multi-spectral illumination.

Abstract: A dispersive optical element includes a substrate including a dielectric material, an optical coating arranged on the substrate, and a layer of material including a microscale feature arranged directly on the optical coating.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system for forming a segmented optical imaging array for receiving an incoming optical signal. The system makes use of an arrayed image switch (AIS) having a plurality of independently tiltable reflecting elements each forming at least one of a respective image channel or a portion of a respective image channel, and each configured to receive at least a portion of the incoming optical signal. Each of the elements is responsive to electrical element pointing commands, and each is positionable at more than two different angles for receiving and reflecting at least a respective portion of the incoming optical signal as a respective output therefrom, either along an optical output path or at least partially away from the optical output path. An electronic controller generates the electrical element pointing commands for each one of the elements.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical sensor protection system. The system may have a sensor for receiving an incoming optical signal, a passive sensing and modulation component, and an active sensing and modulation subsystem. The passive sensing and modulation component is configured to sense when a first characteristic is associated with the incoming optical signal is present that adversely affects operation of the sensor, and redirects at least a portion of the incoming optical signal thereof away from the sensor to thus reduce an intensity of the incoming optical signal reaching the sensor. The sensor is located on an image plane downstream of the ISM subsystem, relative to a path of travel of the incoming optical signal.

Abstract: A warning receiver includes an anamorphic lens positioned to receive light within a field-of-view (FOV) defined by first and second angles that are orthogonal to each other and compress the light along the first orthogonal angle into a single line along the second orthogonal angle. A dispersive element is positioned to separate the single line of light into a plurality of wavelengths to produce a two-dimensional light field indexed by the second orthogonal angle and wavelength. A pixelated detector is positioned to receive the light field and readout electrical signals indexed by the second orthogonal angle and wavelength. A processor coupled to the pixelated detector process the electrical signals to detect and characterize an optical source within the FOV.

Abstract: A dispersive optical element includes a substrate including a dielectric material, an optical coating arranged on the substrate, and a layer of material including a microscale feature arranged directly on the optical coating.

Abstract: Optical sensors and particularly gimbaled optical sensors transmit an active signal at a given wavelength(s) and receive passive signals over a range of wavelengths and the active signal in a common aperture. The sensor includes a Tx/Rx Aperture Sharing Element (ASE) configured with an annular region that couples an active signal having a ring-shaped energy distribution to the telescope for transmission and a center region that couples the passive emissions and the returned active signal to the detector. A beam shaping element such as an Axicon lens, LCWG, Risley Prism, Unstable Optical Resonator or MEMS MMA may be used to form or trace the ring-shaped active signal onto the annular region of the ASE. A focusing optic may be used to reduce the divergence of the active signal so that it is collimated or slightly converging when transmitted such that the returned active signal approximates a spot. A filter wheel may be positioned behind the ASE to present separate passive and active images to the detector.

Abstract: An RF imaging receiver using photonic spatial beam processing is provided with an optical beam steerer that directs the modulated optical signals to steer the composite optical signal and move the location of the spot on the optical detector array. The optical beam steerer may be implemented with one or more phase-dependent steering units in which each unit includes a waveplate and polarization grating to steer the modulated optical signals. The optical beam steerer may be configured to act on the individual modulated optical signals to induce individual phase delays that produce a phase delay with a linear term, and possibly spherical or aspherical terms, to steer the composite optical signal in which case the optical beam steerer may be implemented, for example, with an optical phase modulator and optical antenna in each optical channel which together form an OPA, a Risley prism or a liquid crystal or MEMs spatial light modulator.

Abstract: An active mode image sensor for optical non-uniformity correction (NUC) of an active mode sensor uses a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Micro-Mirror Array (MMA) having tilt, tip and piston mirror actuation to form and scan a laser spot that simultaneously performs the NUC and illuminates the scene so that the laser illumination is inversely proportional to the response of the imager at the scan position. The MEMS MMA also supports forming and scanning multiple laser spots to simultaneously interrogate the scene at the same or different wavelengths. The piston function can also be used to provide wavefront correction. The MEMS MMA may be configured to generate a plurality of fixed laser spots to perform an instantaneous NUC.

Abstract: An optical sensor uses a MEMS MMA to scan a narrow laser beam over a transmit FOR to provide active illumination and to correct the beam profile (e.g., collimate the beam, reduce chromatic aberrations, correct the beam profile or wavefront). A staring detector senses light within a receive FOR that at least partially overlaps the transmit FOR. By completely eliminating the dual-axis gimbal, this sensor architecture greatly reduces the volume and weight of the optical sensor while avoiding the deficiencies of known systems associated with either fiber or free-space coupling of the laser beam into an existing receiver.

Abstract: An RF imaging receiver using photonic spatial beam processing is provided with an optical beam steerer that directs the modulated optical signals to steer the composite optical signal and move the location of the spot on the optical detector array. The optical beam steerer may be implemented with one or more phase-dependent steering units in which each unit includes a waveplate and polarization grating to steer the modulated optical signals. The optical beam steerer may be configured to act on the individual modulated optical signals to induce individual phase delays that produce a phase delay with a linear term, and possibly spherical or aspherical terms, to steer the composite optical signal in which case the optical beam steerer may be implemented, for example, with an optical phase modulator and optical antenna in each optical channel which together form an OPA, a Risley prism or a liquid crystal or MEMs spatial light modulator.

Abstract: Thermal control of powered systems on-board a flight vehicle is achieved by leveraging the latent heat storage capacity of Phase Change Materials (PCMs) to maintain the operating temperature at or slightly above the melting temperature of the PCM. The invention is particularly well suited for use with powered systems such as laser, microwave emitters, RF sensors and high-density power electronics that must operate at a desired operating temperature while generating considerable waste heat in a confined packaging volume of smaller flight vehicles such as missiles, rockets, guided projectiles, drones or other such platforms.

Abstract: An optical sensor uses a MEMS MMA to scan a narrow laser beam over a transmit FOR to provide active illumination and to correct the beam profile (e.g., collimate the beam, reduce chromatic aberrations, correct the beam profile or wavefront). A staring detector senses light within a receive FOR that at least partially overlaps the transmit FOR. By completely eliminating the dual-axis gimbal, this sensor architecture greatly reduces the volume and weight of the optical sensor while avoiding the deficiencies of known systems associated with either fiber or free-space coupling of the laser beam into an existing receiver.

Abstract: An amplified laser device is provided with one or more Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Micro-Mirror Arrays (MMAs) having tip, tilt and piston capability positioned on either side of the optical amplifier to correct the profile of the beam to improve the gain performance of the optical amplifier or to compensate for atmospheric distortion while steering the amplified beam over a FOR. The MEMS MMAs may be positioned in front of, behind or on both sides of the amplifier. The MEMS MMAs can be configured to optimize the combined amplifier performance, static and time varying, and compensation for atmospheric distortion together or separately.

Abstract: A warning receiver includes an anamorphic lens positioned to receive light within a field-of-view (FOV) defined by first and second angles that are orthogonal to each other and compress the light along the first orthogonal angle into a single line along the second orthogonal angle. A dispersive element is positioned to separate the single line of light into a plurality of wavelengths to produce a two-dimensional light field indexed by the second orthogonal angle and wavelength. A pixelated detector is positioned to receive the light field and readout electrical signals indexed by the second orthogonal angle and wavelength. A processor coupled to the pixelated detector process the electrical signals to detect and characterize an optical source within the FOV.