Abstract: A laser radar system in which a laser beam is used to illuminate a target region of interest. The density of the laser radiation at the target plane is low enough that the reflected energy from diffusing portions of the target is not detectable by the laser radar receiver. Target reflections from retroreflective portions of the target such as glint signal reflections are also not initially detectable by the radar however these reflections are of such greater signal strength that the radar system is arranged to respond to the glint signals after they are enhanced by optical processing which includes re-illumination of the target glint area by a phase conjugated and parametrically amplified enhancement of the original reflected glint signal. Plural uses and alternate arrangements of the invention are included.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for inventory monitoring a supply consumed in the manufacturing of a finished product. An inventory management system monitors the quantity of supplies in a storage facility. Based upon historical data related to the rate of usage of the supplies, the inventory management system determines the period of time until the stored supplies are depleted. If the supplies are depleted prior to a next scheduled delivery of replacement supplies, the inventory management system communicates with the supplier to move ahead the delivery date. Conversely, if the inventory management system determines that the supplies are being consumed at a rate lower than projected, the inventory management system will instruct the supplier to delay a shipment date. Supervisory personnel may access the system from a local location or a remote location. In addition, an alarm is activated when there is a sudden change in the rate of usage of the stored supplies.