Abstract: An anti-dazzle imaging camera is provided that includes a photorefractive crystal that is wavelength-agnostic. The photorefractive crystal is configured to receive an optical beam. When the optical beam includes no laser, the photorefractive crystal is configured to pass the optical beam unchanged to an imaging detector. When the optical beam includes a laser, the photorefractive crystal is configured to attenuate the laser to generate a modified optical beam and to pass the modified optical beam to the imaging detector.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and photovoltaic devices converting broad spectrum incoherent optical power into electrical power by utilizing nonlinear multi-photon absorption and optionally enhanced by the application of magnetic fields, electric fields, or both during the power conversion process.

Abstract: An anti-dazzle imaging camera is provided that includes a photorefractive crystal that is wavelength-agnostic. The photorefractive crystal is configured to receive an optical beam. When the optical beam includes no laser, the photorefractive crystal is configured to pass the optical beam unchanged to an imaging detector. When the optical beam includes a laser, the photorefractive crystal is configured to attenuate the laser to generate a modified optical beam and to pass the modified optical beam to the imaging detector.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and photovoltaic devices converting broad spectrum incoherent optical power into electrical power by utilizing nonlinear multi-photon absorption and optionally enhanced by the application of magnetic fields, electric fields, or both during the power conversion process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, detecting a target includes directing a laser beam towards an area and detecting the laser beam reflected from the area. Whether the received laser beam comprises an optically augmented reflection indicating retro-reflection from a target is determined. The target indicates presence of an explosive device. The target is detected if the received laser beam comprises the optically augmented reflection.

Abstract: In one embodiment, detecting a target includes directing a laser beam towards an area and detecting the laser beam reflected from the area. Whether the received laser beam comprises an optically augmented reflection indicating retro-reflection from a target is determined. The target indicates presence of an explosive device. The target is detected if the received laser beam comprises the optically augmented reflection.

Abstract: A laser protection device employing a gas plasma switch wherein applied laser radiation is focused inside a gas chamber, and a nuclear source is employed to pre-ionize the gas volume, whereupon focused laser radiation causes gas breakdown and plasma formation that attenuates the radiation. Specifically, the invention reduces the threshold of plasma switch initiation by incorporating a nuclear source within the gas chamber that constantly injects plasma forming seed particles into the vicinity of a focused laser beam. The plasma resulting from avalanche ionization of the seed particles reflects, absorbs and deflects the laser radiation. The nuclear source introduces charged particles, excimers and metastable atoms with low ionization potential into the gas chamber. Such charged particles are effective plasma initiators because they have low ionization thresholds. The present invention has been found well suited to protect against pulsed laser sources because of fast rise times and high attenuation levels.