Abstract: A monoblock laser cavity includes a plurality of discrete optical components disposed serially on a substrate and sharing a common optical axis. The optical components include a laser rod of gain material, a Q-switch, an OPO crystal, and an output coupler. The output coupler has at least one convex end face to improve the beam quality.

Abstract: Described is a method of image dissection that utilizes random, non-rectangular scan patterns and irregular size and shape picture elements. To do this, matched faceplates would be cut from a fused scrambled fiber optic bundle with fibers of random diameters and cross sections. One faceplate would be placed in contact with the imager focal plane surface. The other faceplate would be placed in contact with the light-emitting surface of the display device. Thus, the images input and output from the imaging system of the invention would match. A video link would connect the focal plane imager and the raster scan display. The raster scan would be accomplished in a random manner so as to provide the best quality refresh rate and image.

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 present invention provides a multi-split screen image with audio feed to document the training engagement. The multi video image combines an over-watch thermal image, the Loader's actions, the Gunner's actions, and the imagery from the vehicle's thermal imaging system. The audio track documents the communication within the vehicle and between the vehicle and the control tower. Further, the present invention provides a tower control module that also provides surveillance video over the firing range. Until the present invention no other gunnery-training device transmitted and displayed its imagery and audio in this manner.

Abstract: A monoblock laser cavity includes a plurality of discrete optical components disposed serially on a substrate and sharing a common optical axis. The optical components include a laser rod of gain material, a Q-switch, an OPO crystal, an output coupler, and a positive lens. The output coupler has a convex input end face and a concave output end face, and acts as the expanding lens element of a beam expander, and the positive lens completes the beam expander to improve the beam quality.

Abstract: The present invention is an encapsulated sensor suite that deploys remotely. After deployment, an imager in the sensor suite is raised by a variety of means and is capable of being turned by a motor that locks on to sounds coming from a potential target. The motor is actuated by three microphones that when used in concert, point the imager to the direction of the sound's origination. The imager is also activated by a seismic detector which is deployed at the base of the encapsulation. The encapsulation may be righted by soft to hard metal contacts that release the hard metal with sufficient force to flip the sensor to the correct side for deployment.

Abstract: Designs for constructing a surface with variable emittance are described. This is achieved by making a surface where the emissivity varies on a scale smaller than the resolution of a thermal imager viewing the surface. One design utilizes many cylindrical surfaces with their axis parallel and their surfaces nearly in contact. Individual cylinders have the property that when rotated to zero degrees they show a surface with an emissivity of one and when rotated to 180 degrees display a surface with an emissivity of zero. At intermediate angles of rotation a sensor that could resolve individual cylinders would see alternate lines with high and low emittance but a sensor unable to resolve individual cylinders sees a surface with an emittance that depends on the angle the cylinders are rotated. Variable emittance surfaces are expected to be useful for controlling target signature and for making spectral reflectivity measurements using a hyper-spectral radiometer.

Abstract: The invention enables the routine remote deployment of multi-function sensors from unmanned air ground platforms, such that a special assembly containing one sensor can be mounted and operated by remote control. The invention includes a circular frame with attached legs to grip the sensor during transport and recovery. The legs are stabilized (locked open or shut) by means of a threaded metal band/wire being retracted by means of a gear assembly pulling the threaded band and removing all slack. The legs' rotating point (fulcrum) is located between the circular frame and the top of the leg. The metal band is located nearer to the bottom of the legs and when it (band) is tightened, the legs are squeezed together sufficiently enough to grip the sensor inside their perimeter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a protective device for sensitive infrared sensors as Forward Looking Infrared imagers (FLIRs). A prior device using materials with higher order susceptibilities to electric polarization, which provides protection against extremely intense radiation from high-power lasers is combined with a low energy optical power limiters such as the chalcogenide glass and the vanadium dioxide which respond reversibly to infrared radiation.

Abstract: A common-aperture, multispectral device uses a folded beamsplitter to simultaneously image near infrared (NIR) and long wave infrared (LWIR) spectral bands. The folded-path optical design makes the sensor extremely compact and lightweight without compromising the F/# or field of view. The design is split into two channels; a NIR channel and a LWIR channel. A Zinc Sulfide environmental window provides the input to the device. The input first is split into the two channels via a Germanium (Ge) beam-splitter. For the NIR Channel, the input is focused directly onto a faceplate through a series of optics. For the LWIR Channel, the input is focused onto the Ge window via a folded design including a first Ge lens, a fold mirror, and then a second Ge lens. From the faceplate of the NIR channel and the Ge window of the LWIR channel, the input is then processed by respective focal planes.

Abstract: An improved monoblock laser cavity is made by elongating the Optical parametric oscillation (OPO) cavity. This can be accomplished by changing the coatings on the OPO material and Q-switch and by elongating the OPO cavity to approximately 2 to 3 times the OPO crystal length. The increase in the length of the OPO cavity will improve the beam divergence of the laser.

Abstract: An improved minesweeper having a two-sided frame adapted to be coupled to and pushed by a tractor and a rake pivoted from each side of the frame by respective pairs of coupling bars of different lengths so that as the rake moves away from the frame to bury itself in the soil, the coupling bars rotate it to a less aggressive digging angle that prevents the rake from stalling the tractor, wherein the improvement comprises apparatus connected to the frame for catching and sifting mines, soil, rocks and other objects buried in the soil passing over the rake without small amounts of vegetation and variances in soil conditions clogging the catching and sifting means.

Abstract: Two embodiments of a multilayered low energy optical power limiter device are disclosed which protect thermal sensors against laser threats in the far infrared spectral region. One limiter device has multiple layers in order from the incoming radiation side an antireflective coating layer, a window substrate layer, a layer of chalcogenide, a germanium substrate layer, a layer of vanadium dioxide (VO2), a window substrate, and an antireflective coating layer. As incoming radiation energy increases, the VO2 layer will heat up and change from an unswitched transmissive state to a switched reflective state. The excessive energy past the switched state is reflected back through the germanium and chalcogenide layer and is absorbed quickly therein so that these layers also heat up quickly and are switched almost simultaneously with the VO2 layer to provide high optical density at a low switching threshold temperature with high damage threshold.

Abstract: The methods for determining the probability of detection of a thermally camouflaged target at various ranges by the sensor includes determining an “inherent” temperature difference, ?TRSS, between the target and its immediate surroundings. Once ?TRSS is determined, a scaled N50 cycle criterion, or the number of resolvable cycles needed by the sensor for a fifty percent probability of detection, is determined according to the relationship N50=A/(?TRSS)B+C, where A, B and C are constants that are predetermined according to whether the immediate surroundings are of a woodland or a littoral nature. The scaled N50 cycle criterion is then used in an empirical Target Transfer Probability Function (TTPF) defined by P=(N/N50)E/(1+(N/N50)E), where E=2.7+0.7(N/N50), in order to determine the probability of detection of the thermally camouflaged target.

Abstract: A system, called the Laser Aim Scoring System, and method for automatically scoring gunner training sessions for simulated laser-guided missile, target engagements using the laser designator without the need for training or tactical rounds are disclosed. In the disclosed invention, a pop-up target and its surrounds are separately monitored for radiations at the laser designator frequency. “Hit” or “Miss” scoring is based on detection of the laser radiation at the laser designator frequency illuminating the appropriate region around or on the target at the appropriate time with respect to a simulated missile launch signal at the start of the training engagement, in accordance with the engagement profile programmed into the scoring computer prior to the start of training. The laser aim scoring system send a signal to lower the pop-up target in response to a “Hit” score, and if desired by the user, also sends a signal to initiate smoke and flash signals from a Hoffman Kill Simulator interfaced with the system.

Abstract: The invention employs a linear variable interference filter, which can be manually moved back and forth along its long axis in front of a slit parallel to its short axis. Thus, the filter pass-band varies linearly from 4,000 angstroms to 10,000 angstroms with a pass-band half-width no greater than 65 angstroms. Therefore, this combination of filter and slit can be placed in front of a charge coupled device (CCD) or other electro-optical imaging device and real time images can be taken as the filter is slid back and forth. Magnifying optics, beam-splitters and scale illuminators can be used to make the scale visible within the field of view of the camera imager. Or, as a simpler embodiment, the graduated image scale could in the form of a hologram of a graduated image scale taken at distance consistent with the desired depth of focus of the camera/imager.

Abstract: The laser obstacle avoidance device of the present invention includes an optical head which includes a laser source which produces a laser signal, crossed cylindrical lenses and through which the laser signal is transmitted, a transceiver including a receiving lens through which a reflected laser signal is received by the transceiver, a receiver and a line filter through which the reflected laser signal is filtered, and scanners which receive the reflected laser signal; and control electronics optically connected to the optical head, wherein the control electronics comprise scanner driver electronics, range processor electronics, power converters, and a display all which produce an x-y display of the terrain scanned by the laser signal wherein the X-axis is driven by a scanner position output and the Y-axis by range data. The system was designed to avoid hazards with emphasis simplicity and low cost. The device has been employed in the field to collect data from natural and man-made objects.

Abstract: A multi-color IR imaging device includes optics that direct mid-wave infrared (MWIR) and long-wave infrared (LWIR) radiation onto a focal plane array having LWIR and MWIR detection layers. Pixel groups that include at least one first pixel and one second pixel are defined on the focal plane array, and a first filter and a second filter which form part of an inhomogeneous filter is placed over the respective first and second pixels in a checkerboard pattern, in close proximity to the detection layers. This allows MWIR radiation in M band, and LWIR radiation in an L1 band to pass therethrough and illuminate the first pixels, and M, L1, and a separate LWIR band designated L2 to pass therethrough and illuminate the second pixels. To simultaneously image both MWIR and LWIR, the focal plane array is placed at a predetermined distance from the optics so that the MWIR spot size covers a single pixel and the LWIR spot size is about the same area as the area of a group of two first pixels and two second pixels.

Abstract: A multi-function combat laser is described that uses single or multiple laser sources (laser diodes) in a configuration such that when it is coupled with a dichroic substrate the laser sources outputs are coupled to produce a single desired output. The multi-function combat laser consolidates multiple laser functions for the dismounted soldier into a single package with shared power supplies, optics and laser sources.

Abstract: A twin spool counter-rotating turbofan gas turbine engine having a counter-rotating fan module integrated with the high pressure compressor and driven by a counter-rotating turbine utilizing only two drive shafts. The two drive shafts are aerodynamically coupled and rotate in opposite directions relative to each other with or without the use of a gearbox. The integration between the fan module and high pressure compressor allows the fan blade rows to operate at the same mechanical speed of the high pressure compressor blade rows. An afterburner module may be added to the present invention to provide thrust augmentation.