Abstract: A sensor array includes a plurality of sensor locations at which sensed signals are produced. A tension element holds locations at a given maximum spacing. The tension element includes an optical fiber. Light propagating on the optical fiber is applied to converters at each location for generating electrical power for the electrically powered portions of the array. The electrically powered portions may be a part of the sensor suite at each location, telemetry equipment, or both.

Abstract: A sensor array includes a plurality of sensor locations at which sensed signals are produced. A tension element holds locations at a given maximum spacing. The tension element includes an optical fiber. Light propagating on the optical fiber is applied to converters at each location for generating electrical power for the electrically powered portions of the array. The electrically powered portions may be a part of the sensor suite at each location, telemetry equipment, or both.

Abstract: Micro electromechanical, MEM, components are created which include at least one integrated circuit die (110p). A cavity in the MEM component modules (300a, 300e) further allows for the flush mounted attachment of component modules when the component modules are stacked to create MEM system structures. Commonly positioned via holes within the component modules provide for communication among the dies (110a, 110b, 110c) on the stacked modules. In one embodiment of the invention, module layers are stacked in an alternating manner that further creates, within in the structure horizontal interlocking slots and vertical chambers. The interlocking slots can be used to join a plurality of structures together and the vertical chambers can be used to draw heat from the structure (400).

Abstract: A method and system for determining atmospheric disturbances or turbulence is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensor arrays, including at least one sensor element, distributed in a predetermined manner. Each of the sensor elements is in communication with a corresponding receiving system that is operable to receive and process energy received from the aircraft. A determination is then made regarding air turbulence by determining a rate of change of signal phase among selected sets of signals received at the receiving systems. A turbulence map is then determined from the determined rate of change of the phase and the angle of the received signal. When the rate of phase change exceeds known levels an indication of turbulence is made.

Abstract: A method and system for determining atmospheric disturbances or turbulence is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensor arrays, including at least one sensor element, distributed in a predetermined manner. Each of the sensor elements is in communication with a corresponding receiving system that is operable to receive and process energy received from the aircraft. A determination is then made regarding air turbulence by determining a rate of change of signal phase among selected sets of signals received at the receiving systems. A turbulence map is then determined from the determined rate of change of the phase and the angle of the received signal. When the rate of phase change exceeds known levels an indication of turbulence is made.

Abstract: A method and system for determining atmospheric disturbances or turbulence is disclosed. The system includes a plurality of sensor arrays, including at least one sensor element, distributed in a predetermined manner. Each of the sensor elements is in communication with a corresponding receiving system that is operable to receive and process energy received from the aircraft. A determination is then made regarding air turbulence by determining a rate of change of signal phase among selected sets of signals received at the receiving systems. A turbulence map is then determined from the determined rate of change of the phase and the angle of the received signal. When the rate of phase change exceeds known levels an indication of turbulence is made.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring deformations in a cavity comprising a method for sensing deformations within a body comprising inserting into the body an optical, deforrmable probe having a plurality of imaging devices spaced at predetermined positions within the probe, providing a light source for illuminating the probe at a first time instant, processing first composite imaging information in response to activation of the light source; at a second time instant, processing second composite imaging information in response to activation of the light source; and comparing the processed first and second imaging information to obtain positional information indicative of movement of at least a portion of the probe occurring between the first and second time instants.

Abstract: Micro electromechanical, MEM, components are created which include at least one integrated circuit die (110p). A cavity in the MEM component modules (300a, 300e) further allows for the flush mounted attachment of component modules when the component modules are stacked to create MEM system structures. Commonly positioned via holes within the component modules provide for communication among the dies (110a, 110b, 110c) on the stacked modules. In one embodiment of the invention, module layers are stacked in an alternating manner that further creates, within in the structure horizontal interlocking slots and vertical chambers. The interlocking slots can be used to join a plurality of structures together and the vertical chambers can be used to draw heat from the structure (400).

Abstract: An underwater viewing system includes a dry and wet end. Illumination energy is provided to the wet end where it is scanned and the resulting scanned illumination is directed to a scene of interest. Energy reflected from the scene is received by the wet end where it retraces the path of illumination to the dry end. The received energy is directed to a detector and ultimately to a video processor. The wet end may be disposed in a remote piloted vehicle with optical waveguide payed out from the dry end to supply the illumination and to conduct the received energy. Communication information may be transferred between the dry and wet end may be over the same path followed by the illumination energy but at a different frequency. The illumination and communication energy may be separated based on their frequency. A polarization device may be provided for maximizing the amount of received energy that is provided to the detector.

Abstract: An underwater viewing system includes a dry and wet end. Illumination energy is provided to the wet end where it is scanned and the resulting scanned illumination is directed to a scene of interest. Energy reflected from the scene is received by the wet end where it retraces the path of illumination to the dry end. The received energy is directed to a detector and ultimately to a video processor. The wet end may be disposed in a remote piloted vehicle with optical waveguide payed out from the dry end to supply the illumination and to conduct the received energy. Communication information may be transferred between the dry and wet end may be over the same path followed by the illumination energy but at a different frequency. The illumination and communication energy may be separated based on their frequency. A polarization device may be provided for maximizing the amount of received energy that is provided to the detector.

Abstract: A novel acoustic vibration sensor and novel acoustic vibration sensing system are described having principal application to hydrophones and operating upon the optical heterodyning principle. The sensor employs a pair of single mode fibers, optically coupled by a path whose length is varied by the acoustic vibrations, and including a partially reflecting discontinuity at the sensitive end of each fiber. Optical signals of one frequency are supplied to one fiber, and of another frequency to the other fiber. Optical signals of the same difference frequency emerge from the "dry end" of each fiber. When these two emergent signals are photodetected, and the phase or frequency difference is obtained, the acoustic vibration is sensed. The process effectively cancels out noise pickup in the single mode fibers and in other parts of the system, such as laser noise and oscillator instabilities.