Abstract: An apparatus and method for imaging a sample, the apparatus comprising: a source for irradiating a sample with a beam of substantially continuous electromagnetic radiation having a frequency in the range 25 GHz to 100 THz; means for subdividing an area of the sample which is to be imaged into a two dimensional array of pixels; means for detecting radiation from each pixel wherein the detector is configured to detect a phase dependent quantity of the detected radiation which is measured relative to the radiation which irradiates the sample.

Abstract: A self-propelled infrared emission aerial target has an aircraft- or a missile-shaped body and a nose, wings and/or control surfaces, a system for feeding fuel and oxidizer to a combustion chamber in which combustion gases are produced and for supplying the combustion gases to a propulsion nozzle, and an infrared radiation emitter. The target has at least one conduit connecting the combustion chamber or propulsion nozzle of the propulsion system to a nose, wing and/or control surface of the target, or to an outside element attached thereto.

Abstract: A powdered far-infrared radiator includes a quartz schist pulverized into a powder having a grain diameter not exceeding 6 &mgr;m and heat-treating the powder at or above 200° C. The quartz schist radiates far-infrared rays at an ordinary temperature.

Abstract: A radiation system has at least two elongated envelope tubes permeable to light and infrared radiation which are joined together and sealed from the ambient atmosphere, a first envelope tube of which contains an incandescent coil which is electrically connected through sealed tube ends and external contacts to an external power supply and emits infrared radiation in the near IR range; furthermore, at least a second envelope tube is provided which has an elongated carbon strip as an infrared radiator for radiation in the medium IR range, which is likewise connected through sealed ends and external contacts with the external power supply or with an additional external power supply. Preferably a carbon strip is used as the radiator strip, which is configured either as an elongated coil or forms an elongated strip.

Abstract: Radiation source for emitting radiation in pulses with a duration and at intervals within chosen ranges, comprising at least one plate-shaped radiant element (1), and at least two electrical conductors coupled to the element(s). The source also includes at least one plate-shaped surrounding, thermally conductive element (2) being thermally coupled to a radiation element at its inner edge, and being thermally coupled to a cooling device (3) at its outer surface.

Abstract: A pulsed solar simulator, and corresponding methods of solar simulation, consists of one or more mirrors and a flashlamp adjacent to the one or more mirrors. The flashlamp produces pulsed light beams comprising wavelengths from 400 nm to 1800 nm, wherein one or more primary pulsed light beams are directed at a target and one or more secondary pulsed light beams are directed at respective ones of the one or more mirrors and are directed toward the target as one or more reflected pulsed light beams by respective ones of the one or more mirrors. And, one or more respective spectral filters are positioned such that the one or more reflected pulsed light beams comprise light having a desired wavelength spectrum directed at the target. The one or more reflected pulsed light beams provide enhanced irradiation in the desired wavelength spectrum at the target compared to the irradiation provided by the one or more primary pulsed light beams alone.

Abstract: A radiation source assembly and transducer incorporating same are suitable for use in measuring spectral absorption properties of a substance to be analyzed, such as a gas. The radiation source assembly has an optical axis. A measuring radiation source provides radiation in the direction of the axis and a reference radiation source provides radiation in the direction of the axis. An optical diffuser is spaced from the radiation sources along the axis. Radiation from the measuring radiation source and radiation from the reference radiation source are applied to the diffuser and the diffuser forms an exiting radiation beam for the assembly from the radiation of the measuring radiation source and reference radiation source. The exiting radiation beam extends along the axis.

Abstract: An infrared imaging device includes a board which is movable inside the infrared imaging device, plural kinds of magnification lenses, and plural kinds of infrared light radiation parts which radiate infrared lights having respective radiation temperatures, wherein the lenses and the infrared light radiation parts are situated on the board.

Abstract: A white light source has a light emission device, in particular an IR laser diode, whose emitted radiation beam is converted, in a nonlinear-optical element and a conversion element, into a radiation beam with wavelengths &lgr;1, . . . &lgr;n which can be perceived as white light and can have a higher power rating.

Abstract: An infrared aircraft light (100) for use with night-vision imaging equipment as an anticollision light. The light uses infrared light sources (112) coupled to a fiber optic cable (114). The infrared light sources (112) are regularly switched on and off by control electronics (200) to generate bursts of infrared light, aiding the prevention of collisions between covert aircraft. The fiber optic cable (114) distributes the infrared light to create a band of light for improved visibility.

Abstract: A system and method for focusing electromagnetic energy on a moving target. Generally, the inventive system sends a pilot beam to a target and analyzes a return wavefront to ascertain data with respect to any distortions and other phase and/or amplitude information in the wavefront. This information is then used to pre-distort an output beam by so that it is focused on the target by the intervening distortions. In an illustrative embodiment, the pilot beam is provided by a beacon laser mounted off-axis with respect to the output beam. The reflected wavefront is received through a gimbaled telescope. Energy received by the telescope is detected and processed to ascertain wavefront aberrations therein. This data is used to predistort a deformable mirror to create an output beam which is the phase conjugate of the received wavefront. In a first alternative embodiment, a nonlinear optical phase-conjugate mirror is employed to generate the required wavefront-reversed replica of the received wavefront.

Abstract: Analog signal voltages are updated sequentially in a first sample-and-hold circuit, while an emitter element displays a pixel of a first display frame in response to a stored analog signal voltage in an isolated parallel second sample-and-hold circuit. After all unit cells are updated, the switches are reversed for the two parallel sample-and-hold circuits, displaying a pixel of a second display frame in response to an updated stored analog signal voltage in the first sample-and-hold circuit. The operation of the two parallel circuits alternates for each sequential frame. A constant current source in the unit cell provides constant power dissipation and temperature, independent from variations in emitter element current, up to a predetermined constant current limit. For emitter element currents greater than the predetermined limit, an independent current source in the unit cell is automatically activated without involving external control logic.

Abstract: A radiant device comprising an envelope tube, which tube contains a long axis, and inside the tube, at least one radiant source oriented in the direction of the long axis of the envelope tube which is sealed at both ends, with a metal, electrical connecting part at each end of the envelope tube, and at least one elastic intermediate part which absorbs length changes of the radiant source and which is firmly joined at one end to an electrical connecting part and at the other end to the radiant source, and wherein the intermediate part comprises a molybdenum sheet provided with at least one folding portion having two kink points perpendicular to the long axis.

Abstract: A radiation system has at least two elongated envelope tubes permeable to light and infrared radiation which are joined together and sealed from the ambient atmosphere, a first envelope tube of which contains an incandescent coil which is electrically connected through sealed tube ends and external contacts to an external power supply and emits infrared radiation in the near IR range; furthermore, at least a second envelope tube is provided which has an elongated carbon strip as an infrared radiator for radiation in the medium IR range, which is likewise connected through sealed ends and external contacts with the external power supply or with an additional external power supply. Preferably a carbon strip is used as the radiator strip, which is configured either as an elongated coil or forms an elongated strip.

Abstract: A radiation system has at least two elongated envelope tubes permeable to light and infrared radiation which are joined together and sealed from the ambient atmosphere, a first envelope tube of which contains an incandescent coil which is electrically connected through sealed tube ends and external contacts to an external power supply and emits infrared radiation in the near IR range; furthermore, at least a second envelope tube is provided which has an elongated carbon strip as an infrared radiator for radiation in the medium IR range, which is likewise connected through sealed ends and external contacts with the external power supply or with an additional external power supply. Preferably a carbon strip is used as the radiator strip, which is configured either as an elongated coil or forms an elongated strip.

Abstract: A new class of media for control of emission of thermal radiation from an object or part thereof is disclosed. These materials can be used for a wide variety of thermal control applications.

Abstract: An IR scene projector having an array of resistive elements which radiate a predetermined pattern of IR energy. A collimator in front of the array has a plurality of hollow chambers, each positioned in front of a resistive element. Each chamber has a reflective inner surface which directs any radiation from the resistive elements which impinges upon the surface to a more forwardly direction, thus increasing the intensity of the projected pattern.

Abstract: An infrared LASER diode based high intensity light (100) for use as an aircraft landing light or searchlight in conjunction with night vision imaging systems. The high intensity light (100) uses infrared LASER diodes (110) installed into a heat sink (112) for temperature stability. The infrared light emitted from the LASER diodes (110) is transmitted to an optical positioning plate (106) by optical transmission means (108). The optical positioning plate (106) combines the emissions of the individual LASER diodes (110) to a single infrared light beam, which is collimated by an aspheric lens (102).

Abstract: Apparatus for efficiently modulating the output from an infrared radiation source is provided by a collector/collimator for collecting and collimating the output of the radiation source and a modulator including a stator and at least one rotor. The stator includes a disc of alternating opaque and transparent radial segments having means associated therewith for gathering the radiation from the source and passing substantially all of it to the transparent segments including optical wedges arranged on the opaque segments and a central reflector/collector. The rotor includes a disc of alternating transparent and opaque radial segments. A second rotor may be provided for adding a second modulation and comprises a disc of alternating opaque and transparent radial segments also having optical wedges arranged on the opaque segments and a central reflector.

Abstract: A reflector structure is provided for improving irradiation uniformity of a linear lamp array applied in a semiconductor process. The reflector structure includes a central reflector, two side reflectors, and two inclined reflectors. The central reflector is horizontally set above the linear lamp array at a first predetermined distance from a wafer for reflecting light irradiated from a central part of the linear lamp array to the wafer. The two side reflectors are horizontally set above the linear lamp at a second predetermined distance to the wafer, wherein the second predetermined distance is less than the first predetermined distance, and respectively connected to two opposite side parts of the central reflector for reflecting light irradiated from side parts of the linear lamp array to the wafer.

Abstract: A radiation system has at least two elongated envelope tubes permeable to light and infrared radiation which are joined together and sealed from the ambient atmosphere, a first envelope tube of which contains an incandescent coil which is electrically connected through sealed tube ends and external contacts to an external power supply and emits infrared radiation in the near IR range; furthermore, at least a second envelope tube is provided which has an elongated carbon strip as an infrared radiator for radiation in the medium IR range, which is likewise connected through sealed ends and external contacts with the external power supply or with an additional external power supply. Preferably a carbon strip is used as the radiator strip, which is configured either as an elongated coil or forms an elongated strip.

Abstract: A dual sample-and-hold architecture in each unit cell of a read-in-integrated-circuit (RIIC) provides maximum frame rate without frame overlap. Analog pixel signals are updated sequentially in one sample-and-hold capacitor, while an emitter element displays a pixel of a display frame in response to a stored analog signal voltage on an isolated second sample-and-hold capacitor. After all unit cells are updated, the signals on the two capacitors are combined, updating all emitter elements for the next frame. A voltage mode amplifier as an emitter driver provides a more nearly linear dependence of infrared power output on signal voltage than do previous transconductance amplifiers. A digital to analog converter (DAC) on the RIIC substrate results in a simplified interface to the RIIC and in an increased immunity to noise.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for non-invasive local quantification of angiogenesis or destruction of existing blood vessels in living tissue, the use of the said method for local measurements of hemoglobin concentration and blood perfusion at the same location on the subject and an apparatus for carrying out the method according to the invention. The apparatus comprises a xenon flash unit, an optical filter and a Y-shaped optical fiber-bundle, one branch of the fiber-bundle being coupled to the flash unit and the other branch of the fiber-bundle being coupled to a detection unit and the merged part of the fiber-bundle being adapted to couple the apparatus to the tissue to be tested.

Abstract: An infrared radiation emitter is provided that is capable of producing infrared radiation modulating at high frequency. The IR emitter includes a low-thermal-mass resistive membrane that is suspended by long thermal isolation arms over a substrate. The membrane is suspended over the substrate such that a resonant emitting cavity is formed between the membrane and the substrate. The low-mass, thermally isolated membrane design maximizes the temperature change induced by Joule heating of the resistive membrane and allows the emitted IR radiation to be modulated at high frequencies.

Abstract: An infrared countermeasures system is provided by ganging a plurality of modulators each of which modulates the output of a radiant source to generate at least one collimated beam of radiation. The modulators are so disposed with respect to each other that the beams generated the reby are staggered in angular phase. When the modulators are rotated together they will provide at a point in space remote therefrom a signal comprising a burst of pulses followed by a dead time when no signal is present.

Abstract: A filter for absorbing electromagnetic radiation which is used in heating a welding zone wherein a first part is joined to a second part. The filter includes a filter housing which contains a chamber within which a fluid is placed. The fluid absorbs undesired wavelengths of radiation from a heating source before the radiation reaches the welding zone. A heat exchanger may be connected to the filter in order to cool the fluid during the filtering process.

Abstract: An illuminator for a digital camera includes a body of transparent material defining a cone shaped cavity with an opening at the apex of the cone for a taking lens of the camera and an opening at the base of the cone for locating an object to be photographed with the digital camera. A plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) are uniformly distributed throughout the body of transparent material with respect to the surface of the cone. A power supply applies power to the LEDs so that their brightness' are equal.

Abstract: A method and a device for repelling pit vipers (rattlesnakes, copperheads, water moccasins) and boids (pythons, anacondas, boa constrictors) are disclosed whereby the snakes are irradiated with IR radiation having an appropriate wavelength and intensity to stimulate the IR-receptors of the snakes, thereby “jamming” the IR-receptors and/or producing an inimical electromagnetic environment that the snakes cannot tolerate.

Abstract: An aircraft missile vulnerability reduction system based on missile hit acceptance whereby a targeted aircraft's most critical components are protected by a preprogrammed, missile-attracting infrared decoy strategically positioned on a sacrificial portion of the aircraft's structure. The decoy is optimally located based on vulnerability analyses and includes multiple modes of operation that configure to instantaneous survivability needs. The system is capable of providing aircraft survivability against shoulder launched man-portable air defense systems missiles during low-level mission flight scenarios.

Abstract: An improved IR radiation source is provided by the invention. A radiation filament has a textured surface produced by seeded ion bombardment of a metal foil which is cut to a serpentine shape and mounted in a windowed housing. Specific ion bombardment texturing techniques tune the surface to maximize emissions in the desired wavelength range and to limit emissions outside that narrow range, particularly at longer wavelengths. A combination of filament surface texture, thickness, material, shape and power circuit feedback control produce wavelength controlled and efficient radiation at much lower power requirements than devices of the prior art.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for heating at a distance by light radiance includes a support and narrow-beam lamps mounted on the support in a matrix of lines and columns. Each of the lamps produce a luminous beam having a central axis of projection. The lamps in each column can be oriented to make their central axes converge to a first focal area. The lamps in each line can be oriented to make their central axes converge to a second focal area.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal signaling device. The signaling device generally comprises a container including a thermal emitting surface and an interior space, and at least one heat source disposed within the interior space of the container. In operation, the heat source is activatable to heat the thermal emitting surface such that the thermal emitting surface can be detected by a thermal sensing system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for improving the durability of lubricating layers on the surfaces of disks. The lubricating layers on the disks are exposed to ultraviolet and infrared radiation of sufficient duration and energy to reduce the total thickness of the layer but retain at least about 40% of the thickness of the remaining layer in bonded form. The useable lifetime of the lubricating surface is prolonged by treatment of the lubricating layer in this manner.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an infrared detector, a method of controlling the stress in a polycrystalline SiGE layer and an infrared detector device is disclosed. The method of fabricating includes the steps of forming a sacrificial layer on a substrate; patterning said sacrificial layer; establishing a layer consisting essentially of polycrystalline SiGe on said sacrificial layer; depositing an infrared absorber on said polycrystalline SiGe layer; and thereafter removing the sacrificial layer. The method of controlling the stress in a polycrystalline SiGe layer deposited on a substrate is based on varying the deposition pressure. The infrared detector device comprises an active area and an infrared absorber, wherein the active area comprises a polycrystalline SiGe layer, and is suspended above a substrate.

Abstract: An array for projecting thermal images and a method of making same. The array of the present invention combines a two-tier architecture created with special processing whereby each pixel member resides on an elevated platform directly over discrete pixel control electronics and electrically conducting traces couple a plurality of pixels so that they can be controlled to project thermal images at equal to or faster than video frame rates. Microlens assemblies coupled to each discrete pixel improves the thermal efficiency of the array for certain applications. In the method of fabrication, a semiconductor microbridge-type structure obtains with the use of sacrificial layers under deposited pixel members in a compact array so that the pixel electronics reside beneath their associated pixel and the array electronics inhabit the same chip as the array thereby improving fill factor and time constant of the resulting array.