Abstract: A high voltage differential is applied across two separated electrodes by a oltage supply. Between these electrodes is located a sample of the solid propellant or other energetic material. The voltage differential across the electrodes generates a spark of measurable voltage, current and time duration in the sample in order to foretell at what energy level sustained ignition of the sample occurs. This spark is measured by a voltage monitor which, upon reaching a predetermined level, sends a signal to a short-circuiting network. The short-circuiting network, after a predetermined time delay, shorts the electrical path across the electrodes thereby removing the voltage differential across the sample and ending the ignition test. An operator is then able to determine visually whether or not the spark of known voltage, current and time duration has created sustained ignition of the sample material.

Abstract: Process for preparing a high temperature superconductor such as yttrium bum copper oxides, by dissolving suitable proportions of hydrolyzable salts, oxides, or organometallic compounds of yttrium, barium and copper in an acid pH-controlled water-containing organic solvent such as methanol, and subjecting the resulting solution to ultrasonic energy or to an oxidation-reduction reaction, preferably while passing oxygen under a positive pressure through the solution, and precipitating a hydrolyzed precursor material. Such precursor material is then heated or annealed at temperatures between about 300.degree. C. and about 600.degree. C., also preferably in the presence of flowing oxygen, to produce the desired high temperature superconductor material.

Abstract: A dye laser comprising a solid styate laser medium and a pumping energy sce, the laser medium comprising a lasing concentration of a water or alcohol soluble organic dye which is incorporated into a hydrolyzed silicon organometallic solution, and forming a gel which is dried to form a transparent silicate glass which is doped with the organic dye.

Abstract: A chemical coating consisting of a mixture of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), AC.sub.4 H.sub.9).sub.3, LiOH, Ti(OC.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.4, Zr( ).sub.2 C.sub.5 H.sub.7).sub.4, HNO.sub.3 for pH control, and glycerol which produces an environmentally protective barrier resistant to cracking or crazing to a glass fiber to which it is applied by the SOL-GEL process.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring peel force exerted on optical fiber being pulled m a bobbin upon which it is wound, the pull being in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the truncated-conically-shaped bobbin. One end of an elongaged lever arm holds the bobbin cantilevered from the bobbin end opposite that from which the optical fiber is pulled so that the bobbin is positioned generally horizontally over a horizontal base to which the opposite end of the lever arm is pivotally attached. An intermediate point on the arm beneath the bobbin is in contact with a load measuring device so that as the fiber is pulled any reaction by the arm upon the device provides a measure of the peel force upon the fiber.