Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for tracking and condensing sunlight of a sliding type which tracks a direction of sunlight according to variations of an altitude or orbit of the sun pivots a solar module plate to maximize condensing efficiency, and strengthens a fixing structure on an inclined ground or inclined building surface by suing a frame structure on the bottom without using a concrete base harmful to natural environment.

Abstract: A system controller for position controlling a photovoltaic (PV) panel in a PV system including a power sensor sensing output power (P), and a motor for positioning the PV panel. The system controller includes a computing device having memory that provides motor control signals and implements an iterative adaptive control (IAC) algorithm stored in the memory for adjusting an angle of the PV panel. The IAC algorithm includes an iterative relation that relates P at current time k (P(k)), its elevation angle at k (?s (k)), P after a next step (P(k+1)) and its elevation angle at k+1 (?s (k+1)). The IAC algorithm generates a perturbed power value P(k+1) to provide a power perturbation to P(k), and calculates a position angle ?S (k+1) of the PV panel using the perturbed power value. The motor control signals from the computing device cause the motor to position the PV panel to achieve ?S (k+1).

Abstract: Photovoltaic systems with managed output and methods for managing variability of output from photovoltaic systems are described. A system includes a plurality of photovoltaic modules configured to receive and convert solar energy. The system also includes a sensor configured to determine an orientation for each of the plurality of photovoltaic modules, the orientations based on a maximum output from the photovoltaic system. The system also includes an orientation system configured to alter the orientation of one or more of the plurality of photovoltaic modules to provide a reduced output from the photovoltaic system, the reduced output less than the maximum output.

Abstract: A target scene generator for testing an imaging ladar in a Hard Ware in the Loop arrangement, such as might be employed for testing an optical seeker on a guided missile, the generator comprising an array of pixel elements, a photodetector for detecting incident light from a ladar a laser source for generating pulses of light representing returned ladar pulses, and a reconfigurable fiber network including an optical switch selectively coupling the laser to the pixel elements, and a controller which selectively reconfigures the fiber network, to present to selected pixel elements the pulses of light with selected time delay characteristics such that light emitted from the pixels represent light returned from a target illuminated by the ladar.

Abstract: The technology can include a high power laser beam delivery system. The system includes a rotary turret platform rotatable along multiple axes for aiming of a high power laser beam. The system further includes a turret payload device coupled to the rotary turret platform that is a truncated sphere and configured to rapidly deploy from a vehicle and stow within the vehicle. The system further includes at least two conformal windows in a spherical side of the turret payload. The system further includes an off-axis telescope coupled to the turret payload, having an articulated secondary mirror for correcting optical aberrations, and configured to reflect the high power laser beam to a target through the first of the at least two conformal windows.

Abstract: An imaging device includes a sensor to locate and track an object of interest; an imaging camera having a plurality of detectors juxtapositionally aligned to increase the field of regard of an image of interest and a plurality of corresponding illuminators, each illuminator co-aligned with the field of view of a corresponding detector; and a digital processor connected to the sensor to receive tracking signals indicative of the track of the object of interest and connected to the imaging camera to provide a control signal to the imaging camera to activate each one of the detectors when the object of interest is within the field of view of a detector.

Abstract: A display device is applied to a light sensing system. The display device includes a display module and a pattern layer. The pattern layer is made of optical material and formatted on the display module. The pattern layer includes patterned optical material and gaps without optical material. The pattern layer selectively reflects or absorbs invisible light with specific wavelength emitted from the display module, such that a light sensor cannot sense the invisible light reflected or absorbed by the optical material or just can sense a little invisible light through the optical material. However, the invisible light can be emitted out of the gaps without the optical material, such that the light sensor can selectively sense the invisible light. Based on the light sensing result, the light sensor can recognize the corresponding pattern.

Abstract: A laser energy detector may include at least one photodetector device formed on a semiconductor substrate. The photodetector device may have an active area effective to detect laser energy at a laser wavelength. The active area of the laser energy detector may be substantially transparent for a first wavelength band within an infrared portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Abstract: An active tracking solar assembly includes a main actuator cable and a secondary cable having a first end and a second end. The first end is connected to the main actuator cable and the second end is connected to a roof weight. An actuator bar has a counter weight attached to a first end and a first pulley attached to a second end, and the secondary cable engages the first pulley.

Abstract: In a sensing system and a method for obtaining a position of a pointer, the sensing system includes a sensing area, a reflective mirror, an image sensor and a processing circuit. The reflective mirror is configured for generating a mirror image of a pointer when the pointer approaches the sensing area. The image sensor is configured for sensing the pointer and the mirror image thereof when the pointer approaches the sensing area. When the pointer approaches the sensing area, the processing circuit calculates a coordinate value of the pointer according to an image sensed by the image sensor and a predetermined size of the pointer. The pointer forms an imaginary orthographic projection in the sensing area, the processing circuit regards the imaginary orthographic projection as a round projection, and a radius of the round projection is the predetermined size.

Abstract: One embodiment of a machine for the detection, tracking, and removal of 1-10 cm sized space debris is described. This machine utilizes a communications channel comprising both software and hardware in order to make use of information from the players of an augmented reality computer game, so as to combine this information with other information from a global network of tracking optical space debris sensors. This approach to solving the problem of 1-10 cm space debris has a number of advantages over prior art. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A system for calibrating a broadband detector includes a first narrowband telescope for viewing a celestial body, and an earth viewing telescope. The broadband detector is selectively coupled to the first narrowband telescope or the earth viewing telescope. A first narrowband filter is selectively inserted in an optical path of the first narrowband telescope, or the earth viewing telescope. A processor is configured to calibrate the broadband detector based on viewing the celestial body with the first narrowband telescope or the earth viewing telescope, and selectively inserting the first narrowband filter in the optical path. The first narrowband telescope includes a first narrowband filter inside its optical train. The first narrowband filter, which is selectively inserted in the optical path, is spectrally similar to the first narrowband filter inside the optical train of the first narrowband telescope.

Abstract: A star tracker is used to measure the direction of stars. Preferably a wide imaging range is provided so that a reliable orientation of the star tracker can be computed from measurements of the directions of star at substantially different directions. The star tracker comprises a light baffle and located between the light baffle and an image sensing arrangement. The light baffle comprises an array of walls, including sidewalls and at least one internal wall between the sidewalls. Preferably, the side walls and the at least one internal wall are oriented at mutually different orientations emanating from a virtual line of intersection of the planes of the walls. Thus a range of star directions can be imaged with constant sensitivity.

Abstract: A sensing system is adapted to sense a pointer and calculate a location of the pointer. The sensing system includes a panel, a reflective element, an image sensor and a processor connected to the image sensor. The panel has a first plane and a first area located at the first plane. The first area is quadrangular and has a first boundary, a second boundary, a third boundary and a fourth boundary connected in order. The reflective element is disposed at the first boundary and located on the first plane. A second plane of the reflective element which is a reflective mirror plane is substantially perpendicular to the first plane and mirrors the first area to form a second area. The image sensor sensing the first and the second areas is disposed at a corner at which the third boundary and the fourth boundary intersects and located on the first plane.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a spectrometer, while orbiting a celestial body, includes the steps of: (a) obtaining an estimate of radiance emanating from the celestial body; (b) raster scanning the celestial body using the spectrometer; (c) measuring filtered radiance of the celestial body based on step (b); and (d) determining gain of the spectrometer using steps (a) and (c). A calibrated spectrometer of the present invention is based on the determined gain of step (d). The method includes the step of: (e) raster scanning another celestial body to determine the albedo radiance of the other celestial body, after determining gain of the spectrometer in step (d). The celestial body may be the moon and the other celestial body may be the Earth.

Abstract: An optical tracking system can include at least one scanning detector having a scanning mirror and one or more fixed photo-detectors located near the scanning mirror. The scanning mirror can be configured to deflect a light beam from a source towards a retroreflective target and the photodetectors are configured to collect a portion of the light beam that is retroreflected from the target. A scanning optical detector apparatus may optionally comprise a substrate, a scanning mirror having at least one portion monolithically integrated into the substrate, and one or more photodetectors monolithically incorporated into the substrate. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the claims' scope or meaning.

Abstract: In a co-boresighted SAL/IR seeker, the optical system and particularly the secondary lens and position of the SAL detector are configured to produce a well-corrected spot of laser energy at the SAL detector. A spreader is positioned between the secondary mirror/lens and the SAL detector, possibly on the secondary mirror, away from the aperture stop and not in the optical path to the IR detector. The spreader is configured to spatially homogenize the laser energy to increase the size of the spot of focused laser energy at the SAL detector to set the system transfer function to meet slope requirements. Spatial homogenization serves to reduce both boresight shift and slope non-linearities. This approach greatly simplifies the time and labor intensive calibration of the SAL detector's system transfer function.

Abstract: Concentrating solar collector systems that utilize a concentrating reflector to direct incident solar radiation to a solar receiver are described. In one aspect, the reflective surface is arranged to direct light to the receiver in a non-imaging manner in which the solar rays reflected from the opposing edges of the reflective surface are generally directed towards a central portion of the solar receiver. Rays reflected from selected central portions of the reflective surface are directed closer to the edges of the receiver than the solar rays reflected from the edges of the reflective surface. The described reflectors are generally intended for use in solar collector systems that track movements of the sun along at least one axis.

Abstract: An off-axis telescope having a primary optical element configured to reflect an energy beam from an optical reference source that emits the energy beam along an optical path. The telescope includes angle sensors arranged on a periphery of the primary optical element to determine angular motion of the energy beam from the optical reference source. The angle sensors are operable to be biased to positional settings associated with a desired pointing direction of the energy beam. A secondary optical element is arranged in the optical path and translated along three orthogonal axes. A plurality of steering mirrors arranged between the optical reference source and the secondary optical element is configured to be tilted in response to a control signal. A controller auto-aligns the telescope by at least translating the secondary optical element and tilting the steering mirrors via the control signal using at least inputs from the plurality of angle sensors.

Abstract: A detector having a field of view in elevation on the order of one hundred eighty degrees in one plane and three hundred sixty degrees in a perpendicular plane includes a generally hemispherical lens in combination with an optical frustum. The combination directs incident radiant energy within the field of view onto a centrally located sensor.

Abstract: A gimbal system, including components and methods of use, configured to track moving targets. More specifically, the disclosed system may be configured to orient and maintain the line of sight (“los”) of the gimbal system toward a target, as the target and, in some cases, the platform supporting the gimbal system are moving. The system also may be configured to calculate an estimated target velocity based on user input, and to compute subsequent target positions from previous positions by integrating the estimated target velocity over time. A variety of filters and other mechanisms may be used to enable a user to input information regarding a target velocity into a gimbal controller.

Abstract: A gimbal system, including components and methods of use, configured to track moving targets. More specifically, the disclosed system may be configured to orient and maintain the line of sight (“los”) of the gimbal system toward a target, as the target and, in some cases, the platform supporting the gimbal system are moving. The system also may be configured to calculate an estimated target velocity based on user input, and to compute subsequent target positions from previous positions by integrating the estimated target velocity over time. A variety of filters and other mechanisms may be used to enable a user to input information regarding a target velocity into a gimbal controller.

Abstract: Image sequences are accessed, the sequences each taken, from a different perspective, of a portion of a radiation region defined by projected electromagnetic radiation. The image sequences each include a projection image taken during an emitting period in which the projected electromagnetic radiation is emitted, the projection image being of ambient electromagnetic radiation and of an object within the portion being illuminated with the projected electromagnetic radiation, and an ambient image taken during an extinguishing period in which the projected electromagnetic radiation is extinguished, the ambient image being of the ambient electromagnetic radiation. A position of the object using the projection images and the ambient images is determined, an application is controlled based on the determined position.

Abstract: A system for detection of optical type devices being used by an enemy sniper subject without alerting the enemy is shown. A coherent laser beam of a wave length in the visible color range, is sent along an axis and passing through a beam splitter device. A detection means is arranged to generate a signal when it detects retro-reflections from the target optical devices or subject including clutter reflections in a 180 degree direction relative to axis. The detection means is coaxially mounted with the source of illumination with a second detection means off axis therefrom to generate a second detection signal when it detects clutter reflections from the target optical devices or subject. A comparator means forms a difference signal between the retro-reflected detection signal and the second detection signal and indicates when the difference signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A method for optically communicating, from a user to a laser tracker, a command to control operation of the laser tracker includes steps of providing a rule of correspondence between each of a plurality of commands and each of a plurality of spatial patterns, and selecting by the user a first command from among the plurality of commands. The method further includes the steps of moving by the user, between a first time and a second time, a retroreflector in a first spatial pattern from among the plurality of spatial patterns, wherein the first spatial pattern corresponds to the first command, and projecting a first light from the laser tracker to the retroreflector.

Abstract: A solar servo control tracking device is disclosed. The device includes: an integrated control device having a solar cell sensor unit detecting luminance at a solar azimuth, and an integrated control panel transmitting a control signal at a maximal solar azimuth, calculated by comparing a solar azimuth from the luminance at a solar azimuth; and solar tracking devices, respectively having a tracking device controller receiving the control signal via a wireless link, a high torque driving unit with an AC single phase inductor to generate driving torque by the control signal from the tracking device controller, solar module assemblies driven by the high torque driving unit to track the solar azimuth in accordance with the control signal, and an operating angle sensor unit installed to the high torque driving unit to detect operating angles of the solar module assemblies that track the sun by the control signal.

Abstract: A method of tracking a moving object by an emissivity of the moving object including receiving first frame data containing emissivity image data of an emissivity from the moving object within a scene, extracting characterization image data from the first frame data that represents edges and gradients of the emissivity, and analyzing the characterization image data for tracking information.

Abstract: This scanning array scans an area around the array for nearby objects, collision obstructions, and terrain topography. The scanning array can scan for sounds emitted by objects in the vicinity of the scanning array, passive energy receipt sources, or it can also send out an energy beam and scan for reflections from objects within the energy beam. The energy beam can be optical, laser, radar or other energy emitting sources. The scanning array of the invention can be used for helicopter detection and avoidance of collision risk and can be used for other scanning purposes. Scanning of an entire hemisphere or greater is accomplished by manipulating the scanner platform through the coordination of either linear actuators or gimbals so as to produce nutation without rotation. This motion allows transceivers to be directly coupled to transmitting and sensing modules without the losses associated with slip rings and other coupling devices.

Abstract: A compact instrument enables placement of the instrument such that the image of the laser beam, as retro reflected and diffracted, forms outside the tracking field of view. The target source and beam camera can be located at the focus of a Cassegrain objective. Embodiments include shared objective and twin objective design. With a shared objective design, both the beam projector and profiling camera can see the same focal length. A two objective design can use two different focal lengths.

Abstract: Concentrating solar collector systems that utilize a concentrating reflector to direct incident solar radiation to a solar receiver are described. In one aspect, the reflective surface is arranged to direct light to the receiver in a non-imaging manner in which the solar rays reflected from the opposing edges of the reflective surface are generally directed towards a central portion of the solar receiver. Rays reflected from selected central portions of the reflective surface are directed closer to the edges of the receiver than the solar rays reflected from the edges of the reflective surface. The described reflectors are generally intended for use in solar collector systems that track movements of the sun along at least one axis.

Abstract: Commercial aircraft are protected from attack by infrared seeking guided missiles through the utilization of a ground-based directed infrared countermeasure system in which the deployment of an IR guided missile is detected off-aircraft and more particularly on the ground. An infrared laser beam is projected towards the detected missile such that the projected laser infrared radiation impinges upon the missile from the rear. The off-axis infrared radiation illuminates the IR transmissive dome at the head of the missile where it is internally reflected back towards the IR detector carried by the missile through the total internal reflection characteristics of the dome. The domes of these missiles are typically made of a high index of refraction IR transmissive materials such that the material is prone to total internal reflection. The infrared laser generated radiation is a modulated so as to interfere with the guidance system of the missile causing it to execute a turn and plunge to the ground.

Abstract: A system (100) for directing incident sun light to a receiver (150) based on an integral imager (116) is disclosed. The system includes an imager (116) mounted to a reflector (112); a tracking controller (226) coupled to the imager; and one or more actuators (114) connected to the reflector and tracking controller. The tracking controller (226) is configured to receive and process image data from the imager (116); determine angular positions of a radiation source and target relative to the mirror normal vector (N) based on the image data; and orient the reflector with the axis bisecting the angular positions of the sun and receiver (150). When the optical axis of the imager is precisely aligned with the vector normal to the reflector, the source and target will be detected as antipodal spots (320, 330) with respect to the center of the imager's field of view, which may be used to effectively track the sun or like object.

Abstract: A system, method and medium tracks a motion of a subject using a laser by synchronizing an incident axis of the input image with an exit axis of the laser in order to radiate the laser based on an input image. The system includes a half mirror to reflect a predetermined amount of incident light and to transmit a remaining amount of the incident light, an image input unit to input an image reflected from the half mirror, a position identifying unit to identify a position of a first subject included in the input image, and a target tracking unit to track the first subject with reference to the identified position by radiating a laser transmitted through the half mirror onto the first subject along an axis from the half mirror and onto the first subject.

Abstract: A light tracking device comprising first and second support members and at least one light receiving element supported on each support member by one or more resilient flexible beams which deform upon relative translational displacement of the first and second support members. The first and second support members are arranged such that relative translational displacement of the members generates rotational displacement of the element. One or more resilient flexible beams may comprise spiral arms extending from the first to the second support members.

Abstract: A sensor for laser spot trackers. The novel sensor includes a detector array comprised of a predetermined number of subsets, each subset including a plurality of detector elements, and a readout circuit for providing a first output and a second output, the first output including subset signals that represent the total energy received in each subset and the second output including signals representing energy received by each individual detector element. In an illustrative embodiment, the array is divided into four subsets and the first output includes four subset signals that are compatible with four-quadrant guidance systems. A subset signal is generated by thresholding signals received from each individual detector element to remove noise, and then summing the thresholded signals from each detector element in the subset.

Abstract: A method and system for aligning a tracking beam and a high energy laser (HEL) beam includes a tracking beam and a HEL beam. A detector receives at least a portion of the tracking beam, wherein the tracking beam received at the detector has been reflected from the airborne target. The detector also receives a first portion and a second portion of the HEL beam prior to output through a housing. A processor processes the signals to determine a relationship between the tracking beam and the HEL beam; and generates a control signal to steer the HEL beam to the airborne target based upon the determined relationship.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the position of a target are disclosed. The method includes collecting onboard the platform a first set optical radiation in a first bandwidth and a second set of optical radiation in a second bandwidth reflected from a field of view; and determining the position of the target from the difference between the detected first and second sets of optical radiation. The apparatus includes a pair of detection channels a pair of detection channels, each of which further includes at least three optical channels, each detection channel capable of collecting onboard the platform a first set optical radiation in a first bandwidth and a second set of optical radiation in a second bandwidth, respectively, reflected from a field of view. The apparatus further includes a plurality of electronics capable of determining the position of the target from the difference between the detected first and second sets of optical radiation.

Abstract: An optical module is disclosed. The optical module includes: (1) a mirror part for controlling its reflection angle in an analog method; (2) an aperture for controlling an amount of light incident to the mirror part, the aperture being installed facing the mirror part; (3) a detector for detecting an optical signal from a light transmitted from the mirror part; (4) a beam emitter for emitting a beam, the beam emitter being adjacently installed to the optical signal detector; and (5) a controller for controlling the mirror part so as to locate an object, detected by the optical signal detector, at the center portion of the optical signal detector, and for controlling the beam emitter and the mirror part so as to emit a beam from the beam emitter to the object detected by the optical signal detector. The optical module can observe an object both in a wide field of view (FOV) and in detail, effectively track a rapidly moving object, and emit a beam to the object.

Abstract: An automated method causes a terrestrial solar cell array to track the sun. The solar cell system includes motors that adjust a position of the array along different respective axes with respect to the sun, wherein a first motor adjusts the inclination angle of the array relative to the surface of the earth and a second motor rotates the array about an axis substantially perpendicular to that surface. The method includes (a) using a software algorithm to predict a position of the sun at a future time; (b) using a computer model to determine respective positions for the motors corresponding to the solar cell array being substantially aligned with the sun at the future time; and (c) activating and operating the motors at respective particular speeds so that at the future time the solar cell array is substantially aligned with the sun.

Abstract: A display device is applied to a light sensing system. The display device includes a display module and a pattern layer. The pattern layer is made of optical material and formatted on the display module. The pattern layer includes patterned optical material and gaps without optical material. The pattern layer selectively reflects or absorbs invisible light with specific wavelength emitted from the display module, such that a light sensor cannot sense the invisible light reflected or absorbed by the optical material or just can sense a little invisible light through the optical material. However, the invisible light can be emitted out of the gaps without the optical material, such that the light sensor can selectively sense the invisible light. Based on the light sensing result, the light sensor can recognize the corresponding pattern.

Abstract: A threat detection system and method protects an object of interest (such as, but not limited to, manned and unmanned aircrafts, vehicles, vessels, and buildings) from potential weapons (such as, but not limited to, a missile, an aircraft, a vehicle, a vessel, or the like). The threat detection system transmits a hi-powered, extremely short-pulsed non-directional laser signal. Because the pulse time of the laser signal is so short (a few tenths of a nanosecond), the laser signal is substantially only reflected off optics that are pointed or aimed at the object to be protected. The reflected laser signals are received by the threat detection system and are then compared with the transmitted laser signals to determined the direction, speed, distance and potentially identity of the potential weapon. Because the threat detection system is not based on movement alone, it is capable of detecting a potential weapon while in flight or prior to launch.

Abstract: Multiple observations using a reconfigurable space-based telescope are performed by independently targeting one or more sensor units, within a field of view, relative to a main body of the space-based telescope. The sensor units are capable of simultaneously obtaining an image of one or more targets, respectively. At least one of the sensor units is independently retargetable relative to the main body of the space-based telescope to obtain an image of at least one other target. Further, the sensor units are independently maneuverable in formation relative to the main body of the space-based telescope to obtain various lines of sight without changing an optical axis of the main body of the space-based telescope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absolute target system intended to be incorporated in observation satellites. To establish an absolute target system provided with maximum accuracy, the present invention proposes coupling a star sensor (4) to an optical metrological system (5N, 5R). Since these two items of equipment are normally already on board the satellites, in particular for formation flight missions, this solution adds no extra weight or cost.

Abstract: A optical instrument (e.g., coronagraph) is described herein that has a pick-off mirror with a surface having an array of reflective structures (reflective occulting mask) machined therein which enables an optical image of one or more low intensity objects (e.g., planets) to be obtained when the low intensity object(s) are located in close proximity to a high intensity object (e.g., sun). Also described herein, is a method for manufacturing the pick-off mirror which has a surface with an array of reflective structures (reflective occulting mask) that are machined therein.

Abstract: An object detection system has an image detection system with an imaging detector, a position detection system with a position detector, and optics which guide incident radiation onto both detectors. The two detectors are arranged one behind the other, in particular adjacent to one another, in the beam path. This makes it possible to achieve a simple, compact and reliable object detection system.

Abstract: A laser warning receiver is disclosed which has up to hundreds of individual optical channels each optically oriented to receive laser light from a different angle of arrival. Each optical channel has an optical wedge to define the angle of arrival, and a lens to focus the laser light onto a multi-wavelength photodetector for that channel. Each multi-wavelength photodetector has a number of semiconductor layers which are located in a multi-dielectric stack that concentrates the laser light into one of the semiconductor layers according to wavelength. An electrical signal from the multi-wavelength photodetector can be processed to determine both the angle of arrival and the wavelength of the laser light.

Abstract: A light source detection device includes first photo sensors disposed on a reference plane along a first direction and a control unit. Each first photo sensor has a first sensing surface for detecting a photo intensity of a light source to output a photo intensity signal. The first sensing surfaces are back to back or face to face. An included angle between a normal vector of one of the first sensing surfaces and a normal vector of the reference plane is equal to an included angle between a normal vector of another one of the first sensing surfaces and the normal vector of the reference plane. The normal vectors are coplanar. The control unit is adapted to receive the photo intensity signals and normalize the difference of the photo intensities of the light source sensed by the first photo sensors, so as to detect a position of the light source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assigning weighting coefficients to measurements of a succession of stars acquired by a star sensor connected to a client device in order to determine a spatial orientation, characterized in that higher or lower preference is given to refreshment of the positions of measurements with the highest weights and/or stars on which these measurements are made by the star sensor and/or its client device, so as to displace part of the power of the error associated with the set of star measurements within the frequency spectrum.

Abstract: A laser-designated target simulator for testing laser-guided munitions and in particular the laser-seeking heads thereof. In one embodiment, the simulator includes: (1) a laser light source configured to provide laser light, (2) a waveguide configured to receive the laser light via an end thereof, (3) a baffle structure having a plurality of cavities associated therewith and (4) an actuator coupled to the laser light source and the end and configured to establish a distance therebetween, an intensity of the laser light entering the end being a function of the distance and a number of cavities interposing the laser light source and the end.

Abstract: One version of the invention relates to a laser detection system that includes a ball lens and a plurality of fiber optic bundles placed adjacent the ball lens so that incoming light rays are focused onto the bundles by the ball lens. In one particular version of the invention, a ball lens is one that can provide an almost infinite number of “principal” axes for off-axis light. Each fiber optic bundle is aimed in a different direction from each other bundle so that each bundle will have a different FOV even though the same ball lens is used to focus the incoming light rays.