Abstract: Improved resolution of a time-varying optical measurement is provided with optical intensity modulator(s) having a bandwidth greater than that of the detector array(s). The modulator configuration can have high photon collection efficiency, e.g. by using polarization modulation to split the incident light into several time-gated channels.

Abstract: This disclosure presents a process to determine characteristics of a subterranean formation proximate a borehole. Borehole material can be typically pumped from the borehole, though borehole material can be used within the borehole as well. Extracted material of interest can be collected from the borehole material and prepared for analyzation. Typically, the preparation can utilize various processes, for example, separation, filtering, moisture removal, pressure control, cleaning, and other preparation processes. The prepared extracted material can be placed in a photoacoustic device where measurements can be taken, such as a photoacoustic imager or a photoacoustic spectroscopy device. A photoacoustic analyzer can generate results utilizing the measurements, where the results of the extracted material can include one or more of fracture parameters, fracture plane parameters, permeability parameters, porosity parameters, and composition parameters.

Abstract: A single photon counting sensor array includes one or more emitters configured to emit a plurality of pulses of energy, and a detector array comprising a plurality of pixels. Each pixel includes one or more detectors, a plurality of which are configured to receive reflected pulses of energy that were emitted by the one or more emitters. A mask material is positioned to cover some but not all of the detectors of the plurality of pixels to yield blocked pixels and unblocked pixels so that each blocked pixel is prevented from detecting the reflected pulses of energy and therefore only detects intrinsic noise.

Abstract: An information processing apparatus includes a first self-position estimating section configured to estimate a self-position of a moving body using a visible image, a second self-position estimating section configured to estimate the self-position of the moving body using an infrared image, and a combining section configured to set, based on a situation in which the moving body is placed, a first weight for a first estimation result obtained by self-position estimation using the visible image and a second weight for a second estimation result obtained by self-position estimation using the infrared image, to thereby combine the first estimation result and the second estimation result using the first weight and the second weight. The present technology is applicable to moving bodies, for example, vehicles.

Abstract: A biometric device includes a substrate, an image sensor, an optical layer and at least one infrared light emitting diode (IR LED). The image sensor is disposed on the substrate. The optical layer is disposed on the image sensor and includes a diffraction pattern. The IR LED is disposed on the diffraction pattern of the optical layer. The optical layer is located between the IR LED and the image sensor.

Abstract: The TGC slide switches which provide the TGC control of an ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system have LEDs mounted on the sliders of the slide switches so that the switches can be easily visualized in a darkened room. The light emitted by the LED of a switch is changed to an indicative color or brightness when the slider of the switch is set in its default position for the application of a nominal gain to echo signals received from a given depth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a selective photothermolysis device comprising: a tunable radiation source configured to emit radiation; a patient interface comprising a radiation delivery unit configured to deliver the radiation to a tissue, and an ultrasonic detector for detecting photoacoustic waves excited by the radiation from one or more surgical targets in the tissue; and a control system configured to acquire characteristics of the tissue and one or more surgical targets based on measurements on detected photoacoustic waves, determine optimal characteristics of the tunable radiation source for optimal surgical outcome on one or more surgical targets in the tissue, prescribe characteristics and optimal characteristics, and adjust the tunable radiation source for optimal surgical outcome based on the optimal characteristics, and methods applicable to the device.

Abstract: A laser with a wide continuous wavelength tuning range is desirable for optimized selective photothermolysis (SP) laser surgeries that treat light-absorptive lesions and unwanted pigments in human tissue with minimal collateral damages. However, current SP laser surgical systems are limited to a few lasing lines including 1064 nm by Nd:YAG, 755 nm by Alexandrite, 694 nm by Ruby, and 532 nm by second harmonic generation of 1064 nm. This invention discloses techniques to implement a high power, tunable optical parametric oscillator (OPO) system for demanding SP applications such as laser tattoo removal. In addition to wavelength tuning, the OPO laser system's output pulse energy, pulse duration, and pulse-train duration are also adjustable by tuning the pump laser pulse energy, pump laser pulse duration, and pump laser pulse-train duration for optimizing SP laser surgical outcomes.

Abstract: A multi-component gas analysis system includes a spectrometric analysis device configured to obtain ratio of each of first components in a multi-component gas based on an absorption spectrum of light that has transmitted through the multi-component gas; a density measurement device configured to measure a first density of the multi-component gas; and a calculation device configured to calculate a ratio of each of second components in the multi-component gas using the ratio of each of the first components obtained by the spectrometric analysis device and the first density measured by the density measurement device, the second components being components that cannot be obtained by the spectrometric analysis device.

Abstract: A method includes receiving an n-level Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM-n) signal at a receiver from a transmitter via a channel. The method also includes determining one or more sampling times of the PAM-n signal. The method further includes determining one or more slicing levels of the PAM-n signal. The method also includes extracting and decomposing jitter in the PAM-n signal for each slicing level of the PAM-n signal to determine one or more jitter components. The method further includes extracting and decomposing noise in the PAM-n signal for each data level of the PAM-n signal to determine one or more noise components. The method also includes adjusting the receiver, the transmitter, the channel, or any combination thereof, based on the one or more jitter components, the one or more noise components, or both.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for performing dissolved gas analysis on electrical equipment having components immersed in electrical insulating liquid. The apparatus comprises an analyzer including a photo-acoustic spectroscopy (PAS) measurement system for performing gas analysis on a gas sample wherein the PAS measurement system has an elongated channel including a resonant cavity and an electromagnetic energy source. The resonant cavity includes a first portion and a second portion configured for containing at least part of the gas sample, wherein the first portion defines an optical pathway configured for propagation of electromagnetic energy from the electromagnetic energy source. The resonant cavity includes an element configured for obstructing the propagation of the electromagnetic energy through to the second portion of the resonant cavity.

Abstract: A pyroelectric device having a substrate and a first electrode overlying at least a portion of the substrate. A plurality of spaced apart nanometer sized pyroelectric elements are electrically connected to and extending outwardly from the first electrode so that each element forms a single domain. A dielectric material is deposited in the space between the individual elements and a second electrode spaced apart from said first electrode is electrically connected to said pyroelectric elements.

Abstract: An auto-focusing method of an electronic device is provided. The auto-focusing method includes collecting sensor information using a plurality of sensors of the electronic device when a camera of the electronic device is driven, determining at least one focusing sensor, from among the plurality of sensors, based on the collected sensor information, and focusing on a subject located in an image collected from the camera using the at least one determined focusing sensor.

Abstract: A lens mount design is presented. The mount can be used on a variety of imaging systems but is targeted at small camera systems such as might be used on mobile phones, cameras, sports cameras, computers and computer peripherals where interchangeable lenses are currently not common place. Embodiments include different attachment mechanisms, environmental barriers, electrical connections, a serial number marking system on the replaceable lens body and methods for using the lens mount and system.

Abstract: A STED microscope for producing a 3D image. The microscope has an excitation laser source for providing an excitation laser beam and a depletion laser source for providing stimulated emission depletion laser beam. The excitation beam is capable of exciting fluorescent markers in a sample placed in the sample region and the depletion beam is capable of inducing stimulated emission in the fluorescent marker in the sample in a region around the excitation beam to restrict the size of the region within which the fluorescent markers are excited and wherein the depletion laser source goes through an optical element which creates a cone refractive pattern which induces stimulated emission in the fluorescent marker in the sample. The shape of the light hollow of the cone refractive pattern varies at different distances from the source. This depth profile can be used to distinguish between positions at varying depths within a sample to create a 3D image.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to multiplex light signals are disclosed herein. An example method includes conveying a first light signal via a first optical path and conveying a second light signal via a second optical path. The example method also includes frequency-division multiplexing and time-division multiplexing the first light signal and the second light signal to enable generation of a multiplexed light signal. The example method further includes directing the multiplexed light signal into an optical detector.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an electromagnetic wave detection device includes an optical waveguide, an electromagnetic wave input unit, and a phase difference measurement unit. According to the thus constructed electromagnetic wave detection device, an optical waveguide is a nonlinear crystal, and includes a branching portion for receiving a probe light pulse, and causing the probe light pulse to branch into two beams of branching light, and two branching light transmission portions for receiving the branching light from the branching portion, and transmitting the branching light. An electromagnetic wave input unit inputs an electromagnetic wave having a frequency equal to or more than 0.01 [THz] and equal to or less than 100 [THz] tilted by an angle generating Cherenkov phase matching with respect to a travel direction of the branching light into one of the two branching light transmission portions.

Abstract: An inspecting device inspects an inspecting target that is a semiconductor device or a photo device. The inspecting device includes: a stage for holding an inspecting target; a femtosecond laser for emitting pulsed light; a galvano mirror for obliquely irradiating the inspecting target with the pulsed light, while changing an optical path of the pulsed light, to scan the inspecting target with the pulsed light; and a detection part for detecting an electromagnetic wave emitted non-coaxially with the pulsed light from the inspecting target in accordance with the illumination with the pulsed light.

Abstract: A terahertz wave generation element includes a plurality of waveguides including an electro-optic crystal, and an optical coupling member for extracting a terahertz wave to the outside. The terahertz wave is generated when light propagates through the waveguides. The waveguides are arranged to be rotationally symmetric with respect to a predetermined axis. The optical coupling member is arranged so that wave fronts of the terahertz waves generated from the waveguides are matched together.

Abstract: A radiation-emitting device includes a first active semiconductor layer embodied for the emission of electromagnetic radiation and for direct contact with connection electrodes, and a second active semiconductor layer embodied for the emission of electromagnetic radiation and for direct contact with connection electrodes. The first active semiconductor layer and the second active semiconductor layer are arranged in a manner stacked one above another.

Abstract: A fast switching arbitrary frequency light source for broadband spectroscopic applications. The light source may operate near 1.6 um based on sideband tuning using an electro-optic modulator driven by an arbitrary waveform generator. A Fabry-Perot filter cavity selects a single sideband of the light source. The finesse (FSR/??FWHM) of the filter cavity may be chosen to enable rapid frequency switching at rates up to 5 MHz over a frequency range of 40 GHz (1.3 cm?1). The bandwidth, speed and spectral purity are high enough for spectroscopic applications where rapid and discrete frequency scans are needed. Significant signal-to-noise advantages may be realized using the rapid and broadband scanning features of this system in many areas of spectroscopy, e.g., process monitoring and control, reaction dynamics, and remote sensing (e.g., greenhouse gas monitoring, biological/chemical agent screening).

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave emission device includes a nonlinear crystal, a prism, and a cylindrical lens. The nonlinear crystal has an optical waveguide, receives exciting light having at least two wavelength components, and outputs an electromagnetic wave having a frequency equal to or more than 0.01 [THz] and equal to or less than 100 [THz] by means of the Cherenkov phase matching. The prism includes an electromagnetic wave input surface receiving the electromagnetic wave from the optical waveguide and an electromagnetic wave transmission surface through which the electromagnetic wave which has entered from the electromagnetic wave input surface passes. The cylindrical lens has two bottom surfaces opposed to each other, a flat surface intersecting with the two bottom surfaces, and a curved surface intersecting with the two bottom surfaces and the flat surface, wherein the flat surface is in contact with the electromagnetic wave transmission surface.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an electromagnetic wave emission device includes a nonlinear crystal having an optical waveguide; and a prism including an electromagnetic wave input surface and an electromagnetic wave transmission surface. The electromagnetic wave transmission surface includes a rotation surface which is a trajectory of a tilted line segment rotated about a central axis of the electromagnetic wave input surface, the tilted line segment being tilted with respect to the central axis. The tilted line segment and the central axis are on the same plane. The central axis is in parallel to an extending direction of the optical waveguide. The central axis passes through a projection of the optical waveguide into the electromagnetic wave input surface.

Abstract: A night vision system for a motor vehicle is provided. The night vision system includes an infrared-light-emitting LED assembly. The infrared-light-emitting LED assembly is adapted to emit a bundled infrared beam and has a deflecting means for periodically moving the infrared beam through a predefined solid angle range. The night vision system further includes a sensor responsive in a wavelength range of the infrared beam.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed of sensing an object. A first radiation is spatially modulated to generate a structured second radiation. The object is illuminated with the structured second radiation such that the object produces a third radiation in response. Apart from any spatially dependent delay, a time variation of the third radiation is spatially independent. With a single-element detector, a portion of the third radiation is detected from locations on the object simultaneously. At least one characteristic of a sinusoidal spatial Fourier-transform component of the object is estimated from a time-varying signal from the detected portion of the third radiation.

Abstract: An optical ranging sensor includes an infrared LED encapsulated in a first light-permeable resin section, a light receiving device encapsulated in a second light-permeable resin section, a light-shielding resin member in contact with the first and second resin sections, a drive circuit section for driving the LED, a light receiving device control section for controlling the light receiving device, and a control section for the drive circuit section and light receiving device control section. Under control of the control section, a driving time of the LED coincides with an exposure time of the light receiving device. Further, while the LED is not driven, the light receiving device is also exposed for a time identical to the exposure time. An output difference between outputs at the exposure with driving the LED and at the exposure without driving the LED is calculated, and ranging is performed based on the output difference.

Abstract: An active infrared induction instrument powered by a dry battery capable of reducing power consumption through the adjustment of the emitter pulse width. The infrared emitted LED emits infrared signals, which, after being reflected by an object, are received by the infrared photodiode. The infrared signals received the infrared signals received by the infrared photodiode then enter an integrated circuit chip through a comparator. The pulse widths of the infrared emission pulse signals are dynamically adjusted after the width of the pulse series is received by the discrimination chip, thus reducing the emission power consumption to save energy.

Abstract: Herein is described a method for identifying semiconductor radiation detector materials based on the mobility of internally generated electrons and holes. It was designed for the early stages of exploration, when samples are not available as single crystals, but as crystalline powders. Samples are confined under pressure in an electric field and the increase in current resulting from exposure to a high-intensity source of ionization current (e.g., 60Co gamma rays) is measured. A pressure cell device is described herein to carry out the method. For known semiconductors, the d.c. ionization current depends on voltage according to the Hecht equation, and for known insulators the d.c. ionization current is below detection limits. This shows that the method can identify semiconductors in spite of significant carrier trapping. Using this method and pressure cell, it was determined that new materials BiOI, PbIF, BiPbO2Cl, BiPbO2Br, BiPbO2I, Bi2GdO4Cl, Pb3O2I2, and Pb5O4I2 are semiconductors.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are provided for measuring one or more sinusoidal Fourier components of an object. A structured second radiation is generated by spatially modulating a first radiation. The structured second radiation illuminates the object, The structured second radiation is scaled and oriented relative to the object. The object produces a third radiation in response to the illuminating. A single-element detector detects a portion of the third radiation from multiple locations on the object substantially simultaneously for each spatial modulation of the first radiation and for each orientation of the second radiation. A time-varying signal is produced based on said detected portion of the third radiations. One or more characteristics of the one or more sinusoidal Fourier components of the object are estimated based on the time-varying signal.

Abstract: A terahertz wave generation element includes a plurality of waveguides including an electro-optic crystal, and an optical coupling member for extracting a terahertz wave to the outside. The terahertz wave is generated when light propagates through the waveguides. The waveguides are arranged to be rotationally symmetric with respect to a predetermined axis. The optical coupling member is arranged so that wave fronts of the terahertz waves generated from the waveguides are matched together.

Abstract: A terahertz wave transceiver configured to generate and detect terahertz waves based on time-domain spectroscopy includes a photoconductive device having a photoconductive film, a first electrode, and a second electrode. An excitation light illumination region is formed between the first and second electrodes. A bias applying unit applies a bias between the first electrode and the second electrode to generate the terahertz wave in the excitation light illumination region. A current detection unit detects a terahertz-wave current that is a component of a current generated in the excitation light illumination region and that is generated by an electric field of a received terahertz wave arriving from the outside. A current drawing unit draws a current originating from the bias applied by the bias applying unit. An adjustment unit determines the amount of the current drawn, based on the amount of the bias applied by the bias applying unit.

Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a sample is disclosed. At least a portion of the sample is illuminated with modulated light from a light source, such as an infrared light source. Infrared energy from the sample is monitored with an infrared detector as the sample is being illuminated with the modulated light. The AC response of the infrared energy is analyzed to determine at least one of emission data or reflection data about the sample. The emission data or the reflection data can be used to enhance chemical contrast between varying substances on the sample.

Abstract: This application describes a spectrometer that includes a set of collimating optics to collimate received EMR to produce a collimated EMR. The spectrometer also includes a first dispersive optical element for dispersing the collimated EMR and a second dispersive optical element spaced apart from the first dispersive optical element to produce further dispersed EMR. The first dispersive optical element and the second dispersive optical element cooperate to disperse received EMR into a plurality of even frequency spaced EMR spectra. The spectrometer also includes a detector positioned to receive the EMR after passing though an optical path that includes the set of collimating optics, the first dispersive optical element, the second dispersive optical element, and a set of focusing optics.

Abstract: During rain, including a light source (5) for radiating light such that the light is transmitted through a vehicle window (2), a light receiving element (6) for sensing an optical signal when the light radiated from the light source (5) is reflected from the raindrop fallen on the vehicle window (2) and performing a photoelectric transduction, and a receiver (9) for receiving the photoelectrically transduced signal from the light receiving element (6) and judging the level of rainfall. The light source (5) and the light receiving element (6) are inclined with respect to the surface of the vehicle window (2) such that the light of the light source (5) directly reflected from the vehicle window (2) exits to the outside of the light receiving element (6) and the light reflected from a raindrop (8) on the vehicle window (2) is received by the light receiving element (6) to operate a vehicle wiper.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved method for visualizing the environment of a vehicle, especially in the dark. The invention also relates to a night vision system, which especially provides a visual image of the environment or the digital data thereof. Preferably, the visual image is a color image which indicates the visually perceptible objects of the environment. The system also provides an infrared image of the environment or the digital data thereof. The infrared image indicates the infrared radiation radiated by the visually perceptible and/or other objections. In a preferred form of embodiment, a merged image of the visual image and the infrared image of largely identical sections of the environment of the vehicle is represented on a display comprising at least one merged region and at least one region which is not merged or not merged to the same extent or not merged with the same weighting.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method which enable acquisition of a temporal waveform of a propagating terahertz wave by changing a propagation velocity of the terahertz wave. A waveform information acquisition apparatus includes a generation portion for generating a terahertz wave, a propagation portion for allowing the terahertz wave generated by the generation portion to propagate therethrough, a detection portion for detecting waveform information of the terahertz wave, a first delay portion for changing a propagation velocity of the terahertz wave, and a control portion for controlling the first delay portion to change the propagation velocity of the terahertz wave in the propagation portion, and acquires information regarding the temporal waveform of the terahertz wave detected by the detection portion.

Abstract: An optical ranging sensor includes an infrared LED encapsulated in a first light-permeable resin section, a light receiving device encapsulated in a second light-permeable resin section, a light-shielding resin member in contact with the first and second resin sections, a drive circuit section for driving the LED, a light receiving device control section for controlling the light receiving device, and a control section for the drive circuit section and light receiving device control section. Under control of the control section, a driving time of the LED coincides with an exposure time of the light receiving device. Further, while the LED is not driven, the light receiving device is also exposed for a time identical to the exposure time. An output difference between outputs at the exposure with driving the LED and at the exposure without driving the LED is calculated, and ranging is performed based on the output difference.

Abstract: A rangefinder, for locating an object moving parallel to a planar surface, is rigidly attached to a carrier that is pivotably movable between an obverse position and a reverse position relative to a planar surface. Preferably, an orienting mechanism is provided for determining which position, obverse or reverse, the carrier and rangefinder are in. Preferably, a pivot, for pivoting the carrier and the rangefinder between the two positions, is rigidly attached either to the plane surface or to an attachment mechanism for reversibly attaching the carrier to the planar surface.

Abstract: A detector calibration reference is disposed along a path of travel for radiation that extends from a radiation source to a radiation detector. The detector calibration reference has mutually exclusive first and second portions that are offset in a direction transverse to the path of travel, the first portion being substantially opaque to radiation from the source, and the second portion being substantially transmissive to radiation from the source. The detector calibration reference is moved relative to the path of travel in a manner so that the first and second portions become successively aligned with the path of travel.

Abstract: A robust, compact spectrometer apparatus for determining respective concentrations or partial pressures of multiple gases in a gas sample with single as well as multiple and even overlapping, absorption or emission spectra that span a wide spectral range.

Abstract: An image pickup device wherein the range in the amount of incident light (dynamic range) for obtaining an appropriate image can be expanded, and shutter and aperture functions are provided. A light shielding element for light shielding a photoelectric conversion section and an actuator for driving the light shielding element are provided on the pixel of the image pickup device using the MEMS technology, and the amount of light shielding is controlled for each pixel, whereby the dynamic range is expanded, and shutter and aperture functions are also provided.

Abstract: Provided is an infrared imaging optical system with an advantageously varying focal length across the field of view. More specifically, in a particular embodiment, provided is an inverse telephoto lens group having a field of view on the order of at least two radians. The focal length of the lens group is structured and arranged to vary in a pre-determined fashion across the field of view. An IR detector is optically coupled to the inverse telephoto lens group. A pupil is disposed between the IR detector and the inverse telephoto lens group.

Abstract: A light sensor protection system and method protects a light sensor system from a laser threat. The light sensor system has a sensor housing which contains optical elements disposed within the sensor housing and at a first end of the housing to converge light rays entering the housing at a focal plane. A focal plane array is disposed within the sensor housing substantially coincident with the focal plane. A means for protecting the light sensor system from a laser threat is disposed within the housing remote from the optical elements, the light rays, and the focal plane array. The method includes the steps of (a) providing a light sensor system as described above; and (b) protecting the light sensor system from a laser threat in the presence of a laser threat or upon a warning thereof with the means for protecting the light sensor system from a laser threat.

Abstract: The invention features methods including: (i) modulating multiple components (e.g., different spatial regions, different wavelengths, or both) of electromagnetic (EM) radiation emerging from an object with different time-varying functions; (ii) measuring at least one time-varying signal derived from the modulated EM radiation emerging from the object; and (iii) reconstructing information about the object based on the measured signal and the time-varying functions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a method for improved correction of drift in an infrared measuring instrument. The measurement signal furnished by a thermal detector is split into a direct voltage component and an alternating voltage component. By means of calibration curves (24, 27), a calculated comparison variable T DC , korr 900 is formed from a measured, averaged concentration value c AC1 900 . The correction value ?T for the drift correction is obtained from the difference between the corresponding measured size of the direct voltage component T DC 900 and the comparison variable T DC , korr 900 .

Abstract: An optical measurement apparatus operable with a test specimen has a light source with a laser having an output beam, and a beam splitter that splits the output beam of the laser into a first split beam and a second split beam. A test specimen holder holds the test specimen therein. A first optical fiber receives the first split beam and directs the first split beam against the test specimen in the test specimen holder. The apparatus further includes an instrumentation module. A second optical fiber receives the second split beam and conducts the second split beam to the instrumentation module. A third optical fiber receives signal light from the test specimen in the test specimen holder and conducts the signal light to the instrumentation module.

Abstract: Parametric processing capability is added to a typical sensor so that a target object can be more clearly distinguished from the background clutter in a given scenery. A polarizer with several segments of different polarization orientations is used to improve the typical sensor. The segments are sequentially advanced to pass therethrough infrared radiation images of pre-selected polarization orientations which are then collected by respective polarized frame grabbers. Image processing circuit processes these images to yield the polarization difference between any given pair of orthogonal polarizations. In a surveillance network, the polarization differences are subsequently used in the control center, to which such sensors are connected, to enhance the distinction of the observed objects against the background clutter suspended in the propagation medium.

Abstract: A gas sensor arrangement for detecting the presence or concentration of an analyte in a measuring gas comprises a gas measuring chamber having an inlet for receiving the measuring gas. A measuring radiation source is arranged in the gas measuring chamber. The measuring radiation source emits radiation in a non-uniform pulse sequence according to a signal from a controller. A radiation detector receives the radiation emitted from the measuring radiation source. The radiation detector sends an output signal to the controller for processing.

Abstract: Using biased, electrical power feedback to an electrical heater, the output signal from a pyroelectric detector is made to follow the waveform of incident electromagnetic radiation. The feedback power is applied to the detector to reduce the rate of change of the detector temperature that would otherwise be caused by the absorbed radiation. The combined signals from the radiation and feedback power produce a response that follows the radiation waveform with a fast rise time and with substantially less droop than previously reported. The high fidelity of the response waveform allows for a substantial simplification of the optical chopper designs and electronics needed to implement electrical calibration. In contrast to previous electrical calibration with pyroelectrics that needed very specialized electronics, with this method a variety instruments can be used for reading pyroelectric signals.

Abstract: A missile system wherein a missile carrier delivers a plurality of submissiles over a target area. A passive or active scanner on the missile carrier repeatedly scans the target area as the missile carrier descends by drag brake over the target area. Submissile assignment to identified targets is performed at a selected altitude. A data processor controls the launching of the submissiles and actively guides the submissiles for substantial portions of their flights via optical fiber or wire links separately connecting each submissile to the missile carrier. Each submissile includes either passive or active identification devices enabling the data processor to track the submissiles individually. A missile assignment table stores a correspondence between identified targets and submissiles assigned thereto. Submissile assignment is effected on the basis of the strength of target signature.