Abstract: A rigid three dimensional diffraction grating is provided in the form of an ABA block copolymer that forms domains. The A domain of the block copolymer is preferably polystyrene and the B domain of the copolymer is preferably a diene such as polybutadiene or polyisoprene. The molecular weight of the diene can be synthetically controlled to regulate the interelement spacing of the polystyrene domains and control the diffraction obtained from the grating.

Abstract: The optical device can examine a spectrum at low resolution and subsequently choose a portion of that spectrum to be examined at higher resolution, using a single detector array for both spectra. The latter spectrum can be chosen to be arbitrarily anywhere within the low resolution spectrum. The device comprises a source of input light, a wedged shaped dispersive device, a first reflective mirror, a second reflective mirror, a RF generator connected to the dispersive device, and a detector array. In operation, the dispersive device provides a low dispersion spectrum in the zero order light when the source of light is impinged upon it. When the RF generator is turned on, a second spectrum which is diffracted is obtained. This will be the high resolution spectrum. By operating near 100% diffraction efficiency, it is possible to switch from one spectrum to the other. By adjusting the RF frequency the band center of the high resolution spectrum can be varied to fall anywhere within the low resolution spectrum.

Abstract: A source of broad-band and/or narrow band optical radiation is detected and identified by apparatus including a pair of acousto-optical tunable filters which diffract from orthogonally polarized components of the optical radiation, a diffracted ordinary polarized beam and diffracted extraordinary beam, respectively. Undiffracted polarized radiation from the two AOTFs is combined and directed to a first detector which may comprise a small array such as a quadrant array. The diffracted ordinary and extraordinary polarized beams are directed to a second detector which is preferably a single large imaging array. A signal processor uses signals from the first detector generated by the undiffracted beams to detect the presence of the source, and polarized spectral signals from the large imaging array to identify the source of the radiation . A control unit generates radio frequency signals which can be rapidly varied in frequency to control wavelength of the polarized beams diffracted by the AOTFs.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the bandpass characteristic of an acousto-optic tunable filter in which two optically birefringement crystal parts are oriented so that their respective optic axes are tilted with respect to each other. The amount of tilt as well as the angle of incidence to the first part is selected so as to subject the light to a first bandpass characteristic in a first part of the crystal and a second bandpass characteristic in a second part of the crystal such that the bandpass characteristics have a common center frequency. When the bandpass characteristics have a ratio of 1.5, sideband suppression is significantly improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the angular aperture of an acousto-optic dispersive light filter in which acoustic frequencies of differing frequencies are launched into a crystal at differing angles to each other. Input light phase matches with corresponding ones of the acoustic frequencies so that the angular aperture is enlarged.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a conductive polymer from a non-aromatic ethylenically unsaturated gaseous monomer comprising bombarding an inert substrate with the monomer at a velocity greater than Mach 1. This can be accomplished in a vacuum using a molecular beam. Ethylene or other suitable monomer can be mixed with an inert carrier gas such as nitrogen, helium, or argon for use in the process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for selectively exciting and separating a selected isotope or molecule from a mixture of isotopes or molecules, particularly useful in separation of isotopes of uranium and other heavy metals. The method serially includes placing the mixture of isotopes in an excited gaseous state, selectively de-exciting one or more isotopes of the mixture, and subsequently permanently separating the de-excited and excited isotopes.

Abstract: Sensitizer impurities absorb a portion of pump radiation in a laser generator that is not absorbed by the activator impurity. The sensitizer transfers the otherwise wasted radiation to the activator impurity. Mn.sup.+2, UO.sub.2.sup.+2 and Ce.sup.+3 are examples of sensitizer ions. The foregoing sensitizer ions may, in turn, be sensitized by other impurities, known as cosensitizers to further utilize pump radiation.

Abstract: An improved self Q-switching Nd--UO.sub.2 -glass laser is provided in which a diffusing medium is included, either within the laser rod or externally thereof to increase the effective volume of the laser rod. Various diffusing means are disclosed including optical inhomogeneities, diffusion coatings, and curvilinear resonators.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for increasing the angular aperture of an acousto-optic device employing an acoustic zone plate positioned on an acoustic input face of an acousto-optic device. The angular spread of acoustic energy within the acousto-optic device is increased over the angular spread obtainable with a single transducer of the same length; thus providing an increased angular aperture for the resultant acousto-optic device.