Abstract: A method of forming an object from a material includes directing a first beam of light toward a first target location of the material to define a first portion of the object. The method also includes, after directing the first beam of light toward the first target location, determining an optical correction to be applied by an optical system. The optical correction is based on an atmospheric change in an atmospheric distortion region proximate the first target location due, at least in part, to interaction of the first beam of light and the material. The method further includes directing a second beam of light toward a second target location of the material to define a second portion of the object. The second beam of light is directed through at least a portion of the atmospheric distortion region while the optical correction is applied.

Abstract: An image analyzer is configured to use an image processing technique to detect coordinates of a region of a first image frame that matches a target template and update the target template by copying a portion of the first image frame corresponding to the coordinates and a first size. The image analyzer is also configured to receive a second image frame and generate a plurality of pixel match counts based on a comparison of the target template with a plurality of regions of the first size of the second image frame. The image analyzer is further configured to determine that a region of the second image frame matches the target template based on a pixel match count of the second region. The image analyzer is configured to generate an output indicating coordinates of the region of the second image frame.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for shaping fuselage sections. A first fuselage section is held in a holding structure in a cradle in a cradle system. Force are applied to the first fuselage section with an actuator system to a portion of the first fuselage section such that a first current shape of the first fuselage section changes towards a first desired shape for the first fuselage section to join the first the fuselage section to a second fuselage section.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, system, and computer program product for monitoring a platform. Images are received by a computer system from a sensor system positioned to monitor movement of human beings relative to the platform. A set of the human beings is identified by the computer system in the images. The movement of the set of the human beings relative to the platform is determined by the computer system using the images. A count of the human beings on the platform is determined by the computer system based on the movement determined for the set of the human beings. A set of actions is performed by the computer system based on the count of the human beings on the platform.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a supply chain including a production system. Sensor data is received from a sensor in the production system or elsewhere in the supply chain. The sensor data identifies an event in the production system or elsewhere in the supply chain. Event information for the event is stored in an events blockchain. The event information from the events blockchain is used in a process model simulation of the production system or the supply chain to identify an undesirable condition in the production system or elsewhere in the supply chain. System theoretic process analysis is used to identify a change in the production system or elsewhere in the supply chain to prevent occurrence of the undesirable condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for processing fuselage sections. The apparatus comprises a cradle system, a metrology system, and a controller. The cradle system holds a first fuselage section and applies forces to the first fuselage section to change a current shape of the first fuselage section. The metrology system makes measurements of the current shape of the first fuselage section. The controller receives the measurements from the metrology system, identifies the forces needed to change the current shape of the first fuselage section towards a desired shape for connecting the first fuselage section to a second fuselage section, and sends commands to the cradle system to apply the forces to change the current shape of the first fuselage section towards the desired shape.

Abstract: An image analyzer is configured to use an image processing technique to detect coordinates of a region of a first image frame that matches a target template and update the target template by copying a portion of the first image frame corresponding to the coordinates and a first size. The image analyzer is also configured to receive a second image frame and generate a plurality of pixel match counts based on a comparison of the target template with a plurality of regions of the first size of the second image frame. The image analyzer is further configured to determine that a region of the second image frame matches the target template based on a pixel match count of the second region. The image analyzer is configured to generate an output indicating coordinates of the region of the second image frame.

Abstract: A laser defense system may be used to generate a plasma shield for protecting a structure against a directed-energy source. The laser defense system may include a short pulsed laser which generates plasma in a plasma shield region between the structure and the directed-energy source. Because plasma is opaque to electromagnetic radiation, the laser signal emitted by the directed-energy source is absorbed by the plasma shield rather than striking the structure.

Abstract: A system that comprises a quantum key device configured to generate quantum information and transmit the quantum information over a first and second quantum communication channel. The system also comprises a first device, communicatively coupled to the quantum key device over the first quantum communication channel, and a second device, communicatively coupled to the quantum key device over the second quantum communication channel. The system further comprises an encryption module configured to encrypt data to create encrypted data, at the first device, using a first quantum encryption key. The system also comprises a decryption module configured to decrypt the encrypted data to create decrypted data, at the second device, using a second quantum encryption key. The first quantum encryption key is the same as the second quantum encryption key. The system further comprises a termination module configured to prevent access to the decrypted data after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: Surface sensing methods for imaging a scanned surface of a sample via sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy are disclosed herein. The methods include exposing a sampled location of the scanned surface to a visible light beam and exposing the sampled location to a tunable infrared beam such that the tunable infrared beam is at least partially coincident with the visible light beam. The methods also include varying a frequency of the tunable infrared beam an inducing optical resonance within an imaged structure that extends at least partially within the sampled location. The methods further include receiving at least a portion of an emitted light beam from the sampled location and scanning the visible light beam and the runnable infrared beam across the scanned portion of the scanned surface. The methods also include generating an image of the scanned portion of the scanned surface based upon the receiving and the scanning.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a particle shooter system. The particle shooter system comprises a non-carbon topological insulator nanotube defining a bore extending between first and second ends thereof. A particle shooter is operably coupled with the first end of the non-carbon topological insulator nanotube, and configured to transmit a single particle through the bore of the non-carbon topological insulator nanotube. A positioning mechanism is operably coupled with the non-carbon topological insulator nanotube and configured to aim the non-carbon topological insulator nanotube at a target disposed proximal the second end thereof.

Abstract: Various techniques provide systems and methods for facilitating data encryption/decryption and almost immediate erasure of associated information. In one example, a method includes receiving first data in a first memory. The method further includes receiving a first key in a second memory. The method further includes generating, by a logic circuit, second data based on the first data and the first key. The method further includes providing the second data for transmission. The method further includes erasing the first data and/or the first key in one-half clock cycle of generating the second data. Related methods and devices are also provided.

Abstract: Surface sensing methods for imaging a scanned surface of a sample via sum-frequency vibrational spectroscopy are disclosed herein. The methods include exposing a sampled location of the scanned surface to a visible light beam and exposing the sampled location to a tunable infrared beam such that the tunable infrared beam is at least partially coincident with the visible light beam. The methods also include varying a frequency of the tunable infrared beam an inducing optical resonance within an imaged structure that extends at least partially within the sampled location. The methods further include receiving at least a portion of an emitted light beam from the sampled location and scanning the visible light beam and the runnable infrared beam across the scanned portion of the scanned surface. The methods also include generating an image of the scanned portion of the scanned surface based upon the receiving and the scanning.

Abstract: Various techniques provide systems and methods for facilitating iterative key generation and data encryption and decryption. In one example, a method includes encrypting, by an encryption logic circuit, a current data portion of plaintext data using a current encryption key to provide an encrypted current data portion. The method further includes generating, by the encryption logic circuit, a next encryption key for encryption of a next data portion of the plaintext data based on the current encryption key. Related methods and devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method for increasing a service lifetime of an electronic component includes applying a topological insulator coating layer on a surface of the electronic component and performing a test on the electronic component with the topological insulator coating layer applied thereto. The electronic component with the topological insulator coating layer exhibits at least a 100% improvement during the test when compared to an otherwise equivalent electronic component without the topological insulator layer applied thereto. The electronic component with the topological insulator coating layer exhibits at least a 100% improvement during the test when compared to an otherwise equivalent electronic component with a graphene layer applied thereto. The test includes at least one of: a waterproofness test, an acetic acid test, a sugar solution test, and a methyl alcohol test.

Abstract: Various techniques provide systems and methods for facilitating truly random bit generation. In one example, a method includes receiving a first truly random bit stream in a first memory that includes a plurality of memory cells. Each of the plurality of memory cells stores a respective one bit of the first truly random bit stream. The method further includes generating, by a logic circuit, each bit of a second truly random bit stream based on a respective pair of bits of the first truly random bit stream. The method further includes storing the second truly random bit stream in a second memory. Related methods and devices are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is a coated optical element that includes: an optical element; and a coating disposed on the optical element. The coating includes at least one layer of a topological insulator.

Abstract: In one aspect, coated electrical components are described herein. In some implementations, a coated electrical component comprises an electrical component and a graphene coating layer disposed on a surface of the electrical component. The graphene coating layer, in some implementations, has a thickness of about 300 nm or less. In another aspect, methods of increasing the service life of an electronic apparatus are disclosed herein. In some implementations, such a method comprises disposing a graphene coating layer on an environment-facing surface of an electronic component of the apparatus, wherein the electronic apparatus exhibits at least a 10 percent improvement in environmental testing performance compared to an otherwise equivalent electronic apparatus not comprising a graphene coating layer, the environmental testing performance comprising performance in a waterproofness test, acetic acid test, sugar solution test, or methyl alcohol test described herein.

Abstract: Jamming systems uses wireless signals (e.g., radio waves) to deliberately prevent a target from accurately receiving desired wireless signals. The examples herein disclose an anti-jamming system that mitigates an effect that jamming signals have on a radio receiver. To do so, the anti-jamming system generates a plasma shield in a region of space between the target and the jamming system. Plasma is opaque to electromagnetic energy meaning that radio signals, lasers, microwave energy, and the like are unable to pass through the plasma, and instead, are absorbed by the plasma. As such, the jamming signals emitted by the jamming system are absorbed by the plasma shield and do not interfere with the target's radio receiver.

Abstract: Various techniques provide systems and methods for facilitating truly random bit generation. In one example, a method includes receiving a first truly random bit stream in a first memory that includes a plurality of memory cells. Each of the plurality of memory cells stores a respective one bit of the first truly random bit stream. The method further includes generating, by a logic circuit, each bit of a second truly random bit stream based on a respective pair of bits of the first truly random bit stream. The method further includes storing the second truly random bit stream in a second memory. Related methods and devices are also provided.