Abstract: A vessel docking system has a vessel such as a scow and/or a tugboat, a platform such as a barge and/or a dredger, an optical distance measuring means, a vessel display unit, and a control means. The vessel display unit is configured to display a position and a location of the vessel and/or the platform. The optical distance measuring means is in communication with the vessel display unit. The optical distance measuring means includes a sensor, a laser, and lens. The optical distance measuring means is configured to determine a distance and a pathway between the platform and the vessel.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for a vibrated polarizing beam splitter for improved return light. An example method may involve emitting, by an emitter, a first light pulse. The example method may also involve reflecting, by a polarizing beam splitter in a first position, the first light pulse, wherein the polarizing beam splitter is at a first angle of incidence in the first position. The example method may also involve adjusting, subsequent to the polarizing beam splitter reflecting the first light pulse, a position of the polarizing beam splitter from the first position to a second position, wherein the polarizing beam splitter is at a second angle of incidence in the second position. The example method may also involve transmitting, by the polarizing beam splitter, a return light pulse through the polarizing beam splitter, the return light pulse based on the first light pulse. The example method may also involve detecting, by a detector, the return light pulse.

Abstract: Parametric flat lenses, which are an alternative to conventional flat lenses, are described for performing near-field imaging and electronic beam scanning. These lenses can electronically direct the near or far fields, and in some cases even achieve a conversion gain. The lens incorporates a plurality of input and output antennas between which are a plurality of parametric mixers. The parametric mixers can be utilized as well to change phase relationships in accommodating different input pattern or directing the output in different ways. The disclosure also describes a proof of concept implementation using off the shelf components.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to techniques for three dimensional (3D) object detection and localization. A computing system may cause a radar unit to transmit radar signals and receive radar reflections relative to an environment of a vehicle. Based on the radar reflections, the computing system may determine a heading and a range for a nearby object. The computing system may also receive an image depicting a portion of the environment that includes the object from a vehicle camera and remove peripheral areas of the image to generate an image patch that focuses upon the object based on the heading and the range for the object. The image patch and the heading and the range for the object can be provided as inputs into a neural network that provides output parameters corresponding to the object, which can be used to control the vehicle.

Abstract: A radar system for detecting aircraft signatures is provided. The system comprises a plurality of radar clusters where each radar cluster further comprises a plurality of transmit antennas and a plurality of receive antennas. In this context, the plurality of transmit antennas and the plurality of receive antennas are co-located within each radar cluster. Furthermore, the plurality of transmit antennas are time synchronized and/or phase coherent with the plurality of receive antennas.

Abstract: A machine vision system comprises a camera configured to generate one or more images of a field of regard of the camera, a lidar system, and a processor. The lidar system includes a laser configured to emit light, where the emitted light is directed toward a region within the field of regard of the camera and a receiver configured to detect light returned from the emitted light. The processor is configured to receive an indication of a location based on the returned light and determine, based on the one or more images generated by the camera, whether the indication of the location is associated with a spurious return.

Abstract: Disclosed are a laser scanning device, a radar device, and a scanning method thereof. The laser scanning device comprises a scanning prism comprising a plurality of scanning mirror surfaces, wherein the plurality of scanning mirror surfaces rotates about a scanning axis, a normal of each of the scanning mirror surfaces forms a certain angle with respect to the scanning axis, and the angles thereof are not all the same; a transceiving component comprising a laser transmitting unit and a laser receiving unit, wherein the laser transmitting unit generates a scanning line by rotation of the scanning mirror surfaces, and the same laser transmitting unit generates a plurality of scanning lines by rotation of the scanning prism.

Abstract: A laser radar system according to the present invention includes: a light source to output light having a first frequency in a first period and light having a second frequency in a second period; an optical splitter to split the lights, outputted from the light source, into signal light and local oscillator light; an optical modulator to modulate the signal light into pulsed light; an optical antenna to output the pulsed light into space and to receive, as reception light, the scattered light from a target; an optical heterodyne receiver to perform heterodyne detection on the reception light by using the local oscillator light; and a measurement unit to measure the distance to the target or the movement characteristics of the target by using the reception signal detected by the optical heterodyne receiver, wherein the optical heterodyne receiver performs the heterodyne detection on the first frequency of the reception light by using the second frequency of the local oscillator light.

Abstract: Examples disclosed herein relate to an autonomous driving system in an ego vehicle. The autonomous driving system includes a radar system configured to detect and identify a target in a path and a surrounding environment of the ego vehicle. The autonomous driving system also includes a sensor fusion module configured to receive radar data on the identified target from the radar system and compare the identified target with one or more targets identified by a plurality of perception sensors that are geographically disparate from the radar system. Other examples disclosed herein include a method of operating the radar system in the autonomous driving system of the ego vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method for localization includes a processing system with at least one processing device. The processing system is configured to obtain sensor data from a sensor system. The sensor system includes at least one radar sensor. The processing system is configured to obtain map data. The processing system is configured to determine if there is a predetermined number of detected features. The detected features are associated with the sensor data of a current sensing region of the sensor system. The processing system is configured to generate localization data based on the detected features of the current sensing region upon determining that the predetermined number of detected features is satisfied. The processing system is configured to obtain tracked feature data upon determining that the predetermined number of detected features is not satisfied and generate localization data based on the tracked feature data and the detected features of the current sensing region.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a metamaterial-based object detection system. An intelligent antenna metamaterial interface (IAM) associates specific metamaterial unit cells into sub-arrays to adjust the beam width of a transmitted signal. The IAM is part of a sensor fusion system that coordinates a plurality of sensors, such as in a vehicle, to optimize performance. In one implementation, an MTM antenna structure is probe-fed to create a standing wave across the unit cells.

Abstract: A self-moving device capable of automatically recognizing an object in front is provided. The self-moving device includes a signal transmission module, a gradient determination module, and a control module. The signal transmission module transmits recognition signals propagated along at least two different paths. The gradient determination module obtains, according to the recognition signals, a first determination result indicating whether an object in front is a slope. The control module controls a traveling path of the self-moving device according to the first determination result.

Abstract: An intermediate network for a radiocommunication system, the intermediate network includes one or more stations located on high-altitude platforms in order to connect a set of remote base stations to one or more ground stations. The high-altitude platforms are networked by way of communication links, for example high-speed free-space optical links. The invention also proposes to connect remote base stations positioned outside of the area of coverage of the stations located on high-altitude platforms via for example microwave-link relay stations or base stations at the edge of the area of coverage.

Abstract: A lidar scanning device for use in a motor vehicle includes a lidar sensor having a predefined scanning field, the lidar sensor being configured for determining the distance of an object within the scanning field, and a pivot device for varying an alignment of the scanning field of the lidar sensor as a function of a driving direction of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A millimeter-wave radar cover housing a millimeter-wave radar including an antenna and an electronic circuit configured to drive the antenna includes: a first site provided in front of the millimeter-wave radar to protect the millimeter-wave radar and transmit millimeter waves emitted from the antenna; and a second site including a housing space in which the antenna and the electronic circuit except for the first site are housed. The first site is made of a stacked structural body obtained by stacking at least one layer of a first constituent material having a negative permittivity in the frequency band of the millimeter waves and a second constituent material having a positive permittivity in the frequency band of the millimeter waves.

Abstract: A system contains a light source for generating a plane wave light beam. A MicroElectroMechanical (MEM) system includes an array of micro-mirrors for generating a light beam having a plurality of orbital angular momentum modes multiplexed together within the light beam responsive to the plane wave light beam and control signals for controlling the array of micro-mirrors. A controller generates the control signals to dynamically control a position of each of a plurality of micro-mirrors of the array of micro-mirrors to apply the plurality of orbital angular momentum modes on to the light beam. The controller controls the position of the plurality of micro-mirrors to dynamically generate a plurality of holograms for dynamically applying the plurality orbital angular momentum modes to the plane wave light beam and to dynamically encode a phase and amplitude of the light beam responsive to the control signals.

Abstract: Provided is an object detecting method and apparatus using a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensor and a radar sensor, the method may include collecting LIDAR data and radar data associated with a search region in which objects are to be found using the LIDAR sensor and radar sensor, extracting each of objects present within the search region based on the collected LIDAR data and radar data, generating shadow regions of objects extracted through the LIDAR sensor and setting an ROI of LIDAR sensor based on the extracted objects, setting an ROI of radar sensor based on a reflectivity depending on a range and a movement speed of moving object among the objects extracted through the radar sensor, comparing the ROI of the LIDAR sensor to the ROI of the radar sensor, and verifying whether the moving object is present based on a result of the comparing.

Abstract: An industrial visualization system generates and delivers virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) presentations of industrial facilities to wearable appliances to facilitate remote or enhanced interaction with automation systems within the facility. VR presentations can comprise three-dimensional (3D) holographic views of a plant facility or a location within a plant facility. The system can selectively render a scaled down view that renders the facility as a 3D scale model, or as a first-person view that renders the facility as a full-scale rendition that simulates the user's presence on the plant floor. Camera icons rendered in the VR presentation can be selected to switch to a live video stream generated by 360-degree cameras within the plant. The system can also render workflow presentations that guide users through the process of correcting detected maintenance issues.

Abstract: Provided is a target detecting apparatus including: a frequency modulation continuous wave (FMCW) radar that obtains a first beat signal; a linear frequency intensity modulation (LFIM) light detection and ranging (LiDAR) that transmits a second transmission signal obtained by modulating intensity of a continuous wave laser based on an FMCW signal and obtains a second beat signal based on a microwave signal into which a second reception signal reflected from a target is converted and the FMCW signal; and a controller that receives the first beat signal and the second beat signal and obtains information regarding the target based on the first beat signal and the second beat signal.

Abstract: A sensor array for an autonomous vehicle. The sensor array includes a center sensor mounted to a center sensor mounting device, which is configured to telescope to adjust a height of the center sensor. A first side sensor is mounted to a first side sensor mounting device, which is configured to pivot to adjust an angle of the first side sensor. A second side sensor is mounted to a second side sensor mounting device, which is configured to pivot to adjust an angle of the second side sensor.

Abstract: A system that can determine and provision speed and mapping information of a moving object. Time of flight data over a time period can be processed to determine ranges between the system and the moving object and the speed can be determined therefrom. The speed can be determined by calculating the radial velocity and tangential velocity of the object and taking the square root of the addition of the square of each. Alternatively, the speed can be determined by calculating a linear regression curve fit for instantaneous distances of the moving object in the direction of motion for a plurality of ranges and determining the slope of the linear regression curve fit. After a lock of the determined speed, system coordinates can be identified and associated with the speed. A map can be received based upon the system coordinates and the map, speed and speed related parameters can be communicated.

Abstract: An aiming and status indicator system for surgical lightheads, cameras, and other lighting system accessory devices. The system includes a plurality of marker lights mounted to a housing for the accessory device. Each marker light produces a respective marker light beam that is directed towards a work area (surgical site) to provide a marker indicator pattern. The marker indicator patterns can be used to indicate the boresight of a lighthead or camera, whether a lighthead is in a focused or unfocused condition, and status information associated with the lighting system.

Abstract: Detection of sunlight as noise is avoided in obtaining point clouds by using a laser scanner. A laser scanner controlling device includes a sun direction calculating unit 115, a brightness measuring unit 116, and a scan condition setting unit 118. The sun direction calculating unit 115 calculates the direction of the sun. The brightness measuring unit 116 measures the brightness of an image that contains the direction of the sun. The scan condition setting unit 118 sets a condition for restricting laser scanning in the direction of the sun when the brightness is not less than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The solid object fusion portion includes a lane slope estimation portion, a grouping area set portion and an identity determination portion. The lane slope estimation portion performs estimate processing to estimate a lane slope angle ? in a detecting position of a solid object detected by an autonomous recognition sensor. The grouping area set portion performs setting processing to set a grouping area GA used in determination processing in the identity determination portion. Based on the grouping area GA, the identity determination portion determines whether or not the solid object detected by a certain autonomous recognition sensor is identical to the solid object detected by an autonomous recognition sensor which is different from the certain autonomous recognition sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle movement estimation device has a radar that is provided in a vehicle and that performs transmission of a radar wave and reception of a reflected wave that is the radar wave reflected by an object, a radar movement estimator that estimates a radar movement velocity and a radar movement direction of the radar based on the received reflected wave, an angular velocity estimator that estimates a rotational angular velocity of the vehicle, and a vehicle movement estimator that estimates a movement velocity and a movement direction of a prescribed position of the vehicle based on the estimated radar movement velocity and radar movement direction, the estimated rotational angular velocity, and a spatial relationship between the radar and the prescribed position.

Abstract: The present invention is designed so that a radio base station controls base station parameters dynamically, in accordance with changes in the surrounding propagation environment. The radio base station according to the present invention has a surrounding environment information acquiring section that acquires surrounding environment information, which is information about the environment in a service area, a propagation environment information extraction section that extracts propagation environment information, which is information about electric wave propagation, based on the surrounding environment information, and a base station parameter generating section that generates base station parameters, which are information about the control of electric waves to transmit and receive, based on the propagation environment information.

Abstract: A test set system and related method are provided comprise a first direct digital synthesizer (DDS) having a balanced output configured to produce a first signal, and a second DDS having a balanced output signal configured to produce a second signal that differs from the first signal. The test set system also comprises a fully differential amplifier (FDA) having a balanced input that is connected to the balanced output of the first DDS and the balanced output of the second DDS, and a balanced output at which a combination of the first signal and the second signal is provided that suppresses even-order intermodulation products.

Abstract: A multi-view display system or optical vortex 3D display in a multi-view or multilayer embodiment or configuration. The new 3D display system encodes and decodes images into independent modes of optical angular momentum (OAM). In some embodiments, the 3D display system uses pixel-based OAM. In such systems, transformation optics are used to sort the OAM modes. These transformation optics convert the OAMs' spiral wavefronts to linear gradient wavefronts, which are then deflected by a simple lens. The transformation optics, thus, are used in image-based (per pixel) decoding/sorting. In other embodiments, the 3D display system uses image-based OAM. In such systems, convolution of the OAM modes with the image is used rather than the direct modulation of the OAM mode and the image (as used in the prior system discussed above) for image-based encoding and decoding/sorting of images in different OAM modes.

Abstract: Minimizing incorrect associations of sensor data for an autonomous vehicle are described. A driving environment of the autonomous vehicle includes a stationary object and a dynamic object. Such objects can be detected by radar sensors and/or lidar sensors. In one example, a history of radar observation can be used to minimize incorrect sensor data associations. In such case, the location of a stationary object in the driving environment can be determined. When a dynamic object passes by the stationary object, lidar data of the dynamic object is prevented from being associated with radar data obtained substantially at the determined location of the stationary object. In another example, identifiers assigned to radar data can be used to minimize incorrect sensor data associations. In such case, lidar data of an object can be associated with radar data having a particular identifier.

Abstract: A radar device which receives reflected waves from objects, and derives still targets, includes: a determining unit that determines whether any other still target exists at a position in the vicinity of a reference target which is a still target existing at a position closest to a position of a vehicle in a longitudinal direction; and a setting unit that makes it easy to determine the reference target as a roadblock, in a case where the number of other still targets existing at positions in the vicinity of the reference target is equal to or less than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A system performs operations including receiving pairs of sensor signals indicative of imaging of an environment, each pair of sensor signals including (i) a first sensor signal received from a first sensor and including first spatial coordinates and a first signal characteristic and (ii) a second sensor signal including second spatial coordinates and a second signal characteristic. The operations include identifying valid pairs of sensor signals, including determining that an address including the first coordinates of the first sensor signal of a given pair and the second coordinates of the second sensor signal of the given pair corresponds to an admissible address in a set of admissible addresses stored in a data storage.

Abstract: A target detection apparatus includes a first target detection section which detects a target which exists ahead of a vehicle and has a height sufficient to strike against the vehicle; a second target detection section which detects the target in an area different from an area in which the target is detected by the first target detection section, and a reliability degree setting section which sets a target reliability degree indicating probability that the target exists. When the target is detected only by the first target detection section or the second target detection section, and after the target is detected by both the first and the second target detection sections, the reliability setting section sets the target reliability degree based on an overlap detection time which is a period of time during which both the first and the second target detection sections continuously detect the target.

Abstract: A flight path planning approach may be deterministic and guarantee a safe, quasi-optimal path. A plurality of three-dimensional voxels may be determined as cells of a rectangular grid. The cells may have a predetermined length and width. A shortest safe path through the grid graph may be calculated from a local start to a local goal defined as points on a nominal global path. Geometric smoothing may be performed on the basis line from the local start to the local goal to generate a smooth three-dimensional trajectory that can be followed by a given rotorcraft. Dynamic smoothing may be performed on the three-dimensional trajectory to provide a maximum possible speed profile over a path defined by the dynamic smoothing. The three dimensional path information may be provided to an autopilot, which may then control the rotorcraft to fly along the defined path.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing a point cloud data set are provided. According to aspects of the present disclosure, a method includes receiving a point of a point cloud data set, the point having three-dimensional coordinates. The point's coordinates are mapped to a location to determine whether a different point's coordinates have already been mapped to the location. The point is discarded when a different point's coordinates have been mapped to the location.

Abstract: An imaging Doppler lidar (IDL) enables the measurement of the velocity distribution of a large volume, in parallel, and at high spatial resolution in the wake of a wind turbine. Because the IDL is non-scanning, it can be orders of magnitude faster than conventional coherent lidar approaches. Scattering can be obtained from naturally occurring aerosol particles. Furthermore, the wind velocity can be measured directly from Doppler shifts of the laser light, so the measurement can be accomplished at large standoff and at wide fields-of-view.

Abstract: A number of apparatuses are provided, for sensing and/or emitting energy along one or more desired apparatus line of sights (LOS) with respect to the respective apparatus. In an embodiment, an apparatus includes an assembly that is rotatably mounted on a base with respect to a switching axis. The assembly has two or more sensing/emitting units, each having a respective sensing/emitting unit line of sight (ULOS). Each sensing/emitting unit has an operative state, wherein the respective unit ULOS is pointed along a LOS of the apparatus for sensing and/or emitting energy along the LOS, and a corresponding inoperative state, where the respective unit ULOS is pointed along a direction different from this LOS. A switching mechanism enables switching between the sensing/emitting units to selectively bring a desired sensing/emitting unit exclusively into its respective operative state while concurrently bringing a remainder of the sensing/emitting units each to a respective non-operative state.

Abstract: A laser detection and warning system and associated methods of warning a pilot of an aircraft of incoming laser radiation and determining a location of a source of laser radiation including a detector configured to be mounted to an aircraft, the detector having an optical subsystem, a detector subsystem, and a processor subsystem to determine characteristics of incoming laser radiation and transmit a laser warning output signal, wherein the laser warning output signal may include wavelength characteristics of the laser radiation, corresponding protective eyewear type, and location of the source of the laser radiation.

Abstract: A system for determining a coverage region of a radar device is disclosed. The system may have one or more processors and a memory. The memory may store instructions that, when executed, enable the one or more processors to receive radar data generated by a radar device and lidar data generated by a lidar device. The radar data may include radar data points representing objects detected by the radar device and the lidar data may include lidar data points representing objects detected by the lidar device. The one or more processors may be further enabled to determine a radar coverage region for the radar device by comparing one or more radar data points to one or more lidar data points, and to generate data used to display a graphical representation of the radar coverage region.

Abstract: A land-based Smart-Sensor System and several system architectures for detection, tracking, and classification of people and vehicles automatically and in real time for border, property, and facility security surveillance is described. The preferred embodiment of the proposed Smart-Sensor System is comprised of (1) a low-cost, non-coherent radar, whose function is to detect and track people, singly or in groups, and various means of transportation, which may include vehicles, animals, or aircraft, singly or in groups, and cue (2) an optical sensor such as a long-wave infrared (LWIR) sensor, whose function is to classify the identified targets and produce movie clips for operator validation and use, and (3) an IBM CELL supercomputer to process the collected data in real-time. The Smart Sensor System can be implemented in a tower-based or a mobile-based, or combination system architecture. The radar can also be operated as a stand-alone system.

Abstract: Imaging system comprising an illuminator configured to illuminate a target area using at least one illumination beam, the illumination beam having a substantially elongated cross-section for illuminating at least one respective elongated first section of the target area; a detector having at least one detector part, each with an elongated field of view, for detecting radiation emanating from a respective elongated second section of the target area; the illuminator and detector being arranged such that each elongated first section the target area traverses each elongated second section of the target area.

Abstract: A weapon-locating ladar system estimates a backward trajectory of an airborne target by using flow field measurements to follow the wake turbulence trailing the airborne target from a position at which the target is detected backwards until the wake is no longer observable. The system may use the backward trajectory to estimate the point-of-origin of the target. The system may also use the flow field measurements along the backward trajectory to classify the target. Target classification may be used to refine the point-of-origin estimate, to influence counter-fire or to adapt the flow field measurements.

Abstract: A weapon-locating ladar system estimates a backward trajectory of an airborne target by using flow field measurements to follow the wake turbulence trailing the airborne target from a position at which the target is detected backwards until the wake is no longer observable. The system may use the backward trajectory to estimate the point-of-origin of the target. The system may also use the flow field measurements along the backward trajectory to classify the target. Target classification may be used to refine the point-of-origin estimate, to influence counter-fire or to adapt the flow field measurements.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a method and a system for recognizing a space of a road shoulder using an ultrasonic wave sensor, a radar and an imaging device. The method includes: controlling the radar to transmit a radar beam within a preset range based on the vehicle location; detecting a fixed object located within the preset range using a reflective wave of the radar beam received by the radar; calculating a distance between the fixed object and the vehicle using the radar when the fixed object is located within the preset range; detecting a solid line lane marking in a front image of a travel lane obtained from the imaging device; and recognizing the calculated distance between the fixed object and the vehicle as a space width of the road shoulder when the solid line lane is in the front image of the travel lane.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting weather conditions including sunlight using onboard vehicle sensors are described. In one example, a method is provided that includes receiving laser data collected for an environment of a vehicle. The method also includes associating laser data points with one or more objects in the environment, and determining given laser data points that are unassociated with the one or more objects in the environment as being representative of an untracked object at a given position with respect to the vehicle. The method also includes determining that the untracked object remains at a substantially same relative position with respect to the vehicle as the vehicle moves, and identifying by the computing device an indication that a weather condition of the environment of the vehicle is sunny.

Abstract: Example methods and systems for detecting weather conditions including wet surfaces using vehicle onboard sensors are provided. An example method includes receiving laser data collected for an environment of a vehicle. The method also includes determining laser data points that are associated with one or more objects in the environment, and based on laser data points being unassociated with the one or more objects in the environment, identifying an indication that a surface on which the vehicle travels is wet. The method may further include receiving radar data collected for the environment of the vehicle that is indicative of a presence of the one or more objects in the environment of the vehicle, and identifying the indication that the surface on which the vehicle travels is wet further based on laser data points being unassociated with the one or more objects in the environment indicated by the radar data.

Abstract: A photonic-assisted digital radar system comprising an active electronically-scanned antenna; a transmitting section comprising a waveform generator to generate a modulating signal; and a modulator to receive a transmission carrier and the modulating signal and to modulate the transmission carrier by means of the modulating signal; and a receiving section comprising a photonic-assisted analog-to-digital converter to convert electric analog signals into electric digital signals; and a digital signal processor to receive and process the electric digital signals. The photonic-assisted analog-to-digital converter comprises a mode-locked laser to generate an optical clock signal; and an electronic analog-to-digital converter; wherein the electronic analog-to-digital converter, the waveform generator, the modulator and the digital signal processor are configured to operate based on electric clock signals generated based on the optical clock signal.

Abstract: A method, a radar image registration manager, and a set of instructions are disclosed. A primary sensor interface 430 may receive a primary sensor image and a camera model of the primary sensor image. A data storage 420 may store a digital elevation model. A processor 410 may automatically align the primary sensor image with the digital elevation model.

Abstract: Methods and systems for object and ground segmentation from a sparse one-dimensional range data are described. A computing device may be configured to receive scan data representing points in an environment of a vehicle. The computing device may be configured to determine if a test point in the scan data is likely to be an obstacle or ground by comparing the point to other points in the scan data to determine if specific constraints are violated. Points that do not pass these tests are likely to be above the ground, and therefore likely belong to obstacles.

Abstract: A missile includes a radar system that has a radome through which a main antenna sends and receives signals. The radome includes a radome body and a radome tip include different transmissive materials, with for example the radome body primarily made of a lossy optically nontransparent material, and the radome tip primarily made of a lossless (permittivity with low imaginary part) glass material that may also be optically transparent. A laser may be used in conjunction with the radome to send and receive encoded signals. The laser may be located behind (aft of) the main antenna, and one or more optical fibers may extend into and/or along the radome to guide laser signals to the radome tip. The laser may be used to emit encoded signals so as to allow multiple radar systems operating in the same area at the same time to discriminate between different targets.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for non-destructive measurements of coating thicknesses on a curved surface by measuring components of the microwave energy reflected from the surface. Preferred embodiments of the present invention provide a portable microwave thickness detector with a rounded rocker-type base allowing the microwave beam to be moved through a range of angles with respect to the target surface. An optical alignment system determines when the microwave angle of incidence is at a desired angle when the components of the reflected microwave energy are measured. Preferred embodiments of the present invention also provide a portable microwave thickness detector which maintains a constant standoff distance between the between the microwave detector and the sample to be measured.