Abstract: A trigger sense circuit includes a pseudo-differential comparator circuit in signal communication with a pixel array. The pseudo-differential comparator circuit includes a first input in signal communication with a reference pixel group included in the pixel array to receive a pixel reference voltage, and a second input in signal communication with a target pixel group included in the pixel array to receive a pixel target voltage. The pseudo-differential comparator circuit is configured to selectively operate in a calibration mode to remove false trigger events and a comparison mode to detect at least one overheated pixel included in the target pixel group.

Abstract: A communication system includes an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly includes an optical communication layer including a plurality of electro-optical (EO) antennas for communicating via an EO signal and a radio-frequency communication layer including a plurality of radio frequency (RF) antennas for communicating via an RF signal. A processor operates the antenna assembly to communicate via one or both of the EO signal and the RF signal.

Abstract: A communication system includes an antenna assembly. The antenna assembly includes an optical communication layer including a plurality of electro-optical (EO) antennas for communicating via an EO signal and a radio-frequency communication layer including a plurality of radio frequency (RF) antennas for communicating via an RF signal. A processor operates the antenna assembly to communicate via one or both of the EO signal and the RF signal.

Abstract: A bolometer pixel trigger including a substrate, a bolometer formed on the substrate, and a thermal-sensitive film trigger. The thermal-sensitive film trigger includes a resistive varying thermal-sensitive material configured to change resistance in response to a change in temperature thereof. The thermal-sensitive film trigger is configured such that current flow therethrough varies in response to changes in the resistance of the resistive varying thermal-sensitive material.

Abstract: A bolometer pixel trigger including a substrate, a bolometer formed on the substrate, and a thermal-sensitive film trigger. The thermal-sensitive film trigger includes a resistive varying thermal-sensitive material configured to change resistance in response to a change in temperature thereof. The thermal-sensitive film trigger is configured such that current flow therethrough varies in response to changes in the resistance of the resistive varying thermal-sensitive material.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system includes a pixel array having a plurality of pixel groups. Each pixel group including a plurality of pixel rows and a trigger sense circuit including a pixel group input line in signal communication with the plurality of bolometer pixels pixel row containing a plurality of bolometer pixels. The pixel group further includes a selector switch that selectively establishes an electrical connection between the pixel group and the trigger sense circuit. The selector switch operates in a first state to disconnect the pixel group from the pixel group input line while connecting the pixel group to the integration unit such that the integration unit generates the image, and a second state to disconnect the pixel group from the integration unit while connecting the pixel group to the pixel group input line such that the trigger sense circuit monitors the pixel group for a high temperature bolometer.

Abstract: A thermal imaging system includes a pixel array having a plurality of pixel groups. Each pixel group including a plurality of pixel rows and a trigger sense circuit including a pixel group input line in signal communication with the plurality of bolometer pixels pixel row containing a plurality of bolometer pixels. The pixel group further includes a selector switch that selectively establishes an electrical connection between the pixel group and the trigger sense circuit. The selector switch operates in a first state to disconnect the pixel group from the pixel group input line while connecting the pixel group to the integration unit such that the integration unit generates the image, and a second state to disconnect the pixel group from the integration unit while connecting the pixel group to the pixel group input line such that the trigger sense circuit monitors the pixel group for a high temperature bolometer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing a spectrally variable radiation source and systems including same is disclosed. An embodiment of a spectrally variable radiation source is disclosed including a broadband radiation source, a collimating element, a dispersive element, an imaging element, an output aperture and an optional output collimating element. An embodiment of a spectrally encoded infrared chromatograph incorporating the inventive spatially variable radiation source is disclosed. An arbitrary spectrum projector for simulating emission or absorption spectra for chemical and biological agents, as well as projecting calibration and test spectra for characterizing sensors is also disclosed.

Abstract: A variable acousto-optic spectrum projector is disclosed. The invention may include a radiation source, an entrance slit, a lens or mirror, a Bragg cell, an arbitrary function generator for driving a transducer of the Bragg cell, another lens or mirror, an exit slit, and a collimating lens. In a first embodiment of the invention, the Bragg cell comprises a Tl3AsSe3 crystal and emits light in the 7 to 11 &mgr;m range (long-wave infrared) with a spectral resolution of between 4.5 and 7 cm−1. In a second embodiment of the invention, the Bragg cell comprises a TeO2 crystal and emits light in the 420 to 720 nm range (visible) with a spectral resolution of between 50 and 80 cm−1.