Abstract: Methods and systems for detection of. One method includes receiving light of a predetermined wavelength range from a source, and splitting the received light into multiple components having differing wavelengths. The method further includes directing the components toward individual locations spaced from one another. In addition, this illustrative method includes detecting at least some of the components at the locations. One illustrative system includes a plurality of detectors provided along an image facing plane of an array, wherein each detector has a width less than or equal to that of its conesponding pixel location, wherein at least two detectors are located within a single pixel location, wherein the size of each pixel location is approximately equal to the blur spot or smallest visible spot for the focal plane array, and a plurality of light pipe regions, wherein at least two light pipe regions are located within a single pixel location.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively limiting undesired radiation from a scene which, in one embodiment, includes an optic that is operative to attenuate radiation by selectively losing transparency in response to radiation within a first wavelength band from a source. The loss of transparency affects the passage through the optic of radiation within a second wavelength band from that source. The optic can be positioned between a sensor and the scene such that the sensor is configured to receive radiation from the scene through the optic. In one embodiment, an optical limiter includes a plurality of such optics, wherein the optical limiter is configured to facilitate transmission of light corresponding to a scene, and wherein each optic is configured to receive a respective portion of the light corresponding to a respective portion of the scene. A light detector assembly and a method of limiting light energy are also included.

Abstract: A method for forming a monitoring deposit on a substrate comprises determining a temperature range to subject the substrate to provide a high temperature of operation up to less than a critical substrate deterioration temperature; selecting a binder to monitor temperature by emitting an indicator within the determined temperature range; combining the indicator and the binder; and applying the combined indicator and binder to the substrate to form the monitoring deposit. An article comprises a substrate; and a combined indicator and binder applied into the substrate, wherein the binder emits the indicator within a temperature range determined to subject the substrate to high temperature operation up to less than a critical substrate deterioration temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively limiting undesired radiation from a scene is provided. One embodiment includes an optic that is operative to attenuate radiation by selectively losing transparency in response to radiation within a first wavelength band from a source, wherein the loss of transparency affects the passage through the optic of radiation within a second wavelength band from that source. The optic can be positioned between a sensor and the scene such that the sensor is configured to receive radiation from the scene through the optic. Also disclosed is an optical limiter which in one embodiment includes a plurality of such optics, wherein the optical limiter is configured to facilitate transmission of light corresponding to a scene, and wherein each optic is configured to receive a respective portion of the light corresponding to a respective portion of the scene. A light detector assembly and a method of limiting light energy are further disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detection of multiple wavelengths of radiation are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for detecting multiple wavelengths of light received within a predetermined wavelength range. The method comprises receiving light of a predetermined wavelength range from a source, and splitting the received light into multiple components having differing wavelengths. The method further comprises directing the components toward individual locations spaced from one another. In addition, this embodiment comprises detecting at least some of the components at the locations.

Abstract: A method for forming a monitoring deposit on a substrate comprises determining a temperature range to subject the substrate to provide a high temperature of operation up to less than a critical substrate deterioration temperature; selecting a binder to monitor temperature by emitting an indicator within the determined temperature range; combining the indicator and the binder; and applying the combined indicator and binder to the substrate to form the monitoring deposit. An article comprises a substrate; and a combined indicator and binder applied into the substrate, wherein the binder emits the indicator within a temperature range determined to subject the substrate to high temperature operation up to less than a critical substrate deterioration temperature.

Abstract: A method for nondestructive/noncontact detection of alpha case on a surface of a workpiece made of titanium or a titanium-based alloy. Infrared radiation is reflected off of a selected portion of the workpiece surface and sensed by a detector which may comprise a scanning infrared radiometer, an infrared camera, or a spot radiometer. The presence of any alpha case in the selected portion of the workpiece surface is detected by comparing the intensity of the reflected infrared radiation to a predetermined intensity known to be indicative of the absence of alpha case. An image of the reflected infrared radiation may be created and the step of detecting the presence of alpha case may include the step of comparing the intensity of the reflected infrared radiation within the image to the predetermined intensity. According to a preferred embodiment, a target may be disposed between the source of the infrared radiation and the workpiece surface so as to create a predetermined pattern within the image.

Abstract: A heat shield which is adapted to be formed on an article which must operate in an environment in which the article is subject to thermal radiation while at an elevated service temperature. The heat shield is composed of a barrier layer formed or deposited on the surface of the article, and a reflective layer on the barrier layer. The reflective layer serves to reflect a majority of the thermal radiation which is incident on the article. The barrier layer serves to substantially prevent degradation of the reflective layer at the elevated service temperature, so as to prevent the reflectivity of the reflective layer from being degraded while the article is in service. The reflective layer is preferably a noble metal, a noble metal alloy or aluminum, while the barrier layer is preferably a nitride, aluminum oxide, yttria-stabilized zirconia, or an oxide which can be grown by oxidation of the article's surface.

Abstract: A heat shield which is adapted to be formed on an article which must operate in an environment in which the article is subject to thermal radiation while at an elevated service temperature. The heat shield is composed of a barrier layer formed or deposited on the surface of the article, and a reflective layer on the barrier layer. The reflective layer serves to reflect a majority of the thermal radiation which is incident on the article. The barrier layer serves to substantially prevent degradation of the reflective layer at the elevated service temperature, so as to prevent the reflectivity of the reflective layer from being degraded while the article is in service. The reflective layer is preferably a noble metal, a noble metal alloy or aluminum, while the barrier layer is preferably a nitride, aluminum oxide, yttria-stabilized zirconia, or an oxide which can be grown by oxidation of the article's surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting nonmetallic parts, including composite parts for, e.g. aircraft engines by quantifying their porosity, wherein a laser beam is directed to one side of the part to heat a portion thereof, with a delay being noted for the applied heat to transmit through said part to the opposite side thereof. An infrared radiometer (IR) is mounted to view such opposite side and to read (after such delay) the heat transmitted therethrough in the form of voltage (increase) readings. Such IR readings are taken at points across the part being inspected and the readings are then compared to a known data base of temperature change against vol. % porosity or the resulting calibrated porosity curve, to quantify the % porosity at various points on the sample. The inventive method can read or quantify porosity parts of simple geometry as well as of complex geometry, including engine housing flanges of small radii of curvature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a defect in a workpiece are disclosed. The workpiece is positioned with a surface of the workpiece to be inspected in an optical path of an infrared radiation detector. A selected portion of the workpiece is heated by scanning with electromagnetic radiation for a selected duration to cause an increase in radiance from any defect present in the selected portion. Any defects, present in the workpiece selected portion, which may cause a failure of the workpiece, may be detected and distinguished from minor surface anomalies by analyzing a transient response of the irradiance received by the infrared radiation detector.