Abstract: A method and apparatus for overcoming polarization induced signal fading in both heterodyne communication and interferometric sensing. An adjustable birefringent element in series with a linear-polarization beam splitter forms an elliptical-polarization beam splitter. The birefringent element controllably evolves the states of polarization of two input signals thereby controlling the power contribution of each signal onto the orthogonal axes used by the linear beam splitter. When the states of polarization are evolved such that there are equal signal to reference power ratios on the beam splitter axes, subsequent detectors generate a constant, optimum amplitude signal without the need for weighting or decision circuits.

Abstract: The large area plasma processing system (LAPPS) is a system wherein an elron beam is used to produce a plasma. A large area uniform plasma is produced where length and width can be comparable (10's-100's of cm) and very much larger than the plasma thickness (.about.1 cm). The plasma distribution is created independent of the surface to be processed and the bias applied to the surface. The beam-produced plasma has a low intrinsic electron and excitation temperature plasma, allowing the process to be conducted with better control of free radical production. A material, such as a substrate, being processed may be placed in close proximity to plasma with controlled ion bombardment or without substantial bombardment by energetic ions. The system also offers a large available area for gas inflow and removal from the processing chamber and cathode chamber so as not to contaminate the material being processed or damage the cathode.

Abstract: A moving target indicating system wherein a pulse source which generates radiofrequency drive pulses at a predetermined pulse repetition frequency is connected to the inputs of a pair of channels. The first channel includes a phase-dispersive filter having a first phase-slope dispersion characteristic, while the second channel has a phase-dispersive filter having a phase-slope dispersion characteristic which is the negative of that of the first filter. A pulse group comprising the output of the first and the second channels is transmitted periodically as each drive pulse is applied. The pulse repetition frequency is sufficiently low that when transmitted, echos of only one pulse of each group are received at a time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for generating high-density sheet plasma mirrors having a longitudinally slotted cathode, circular in shape, having an inner cavity and a slot of a predetermined width positioned along the length of the cathode. A discharge voltage is applied to the cathode within a vacuum chamber which is backfilled with gasses like oxygen and argon, or mixtures thereof, which in cooperation with a magnetic field, which is higher than the threshold field, causes electrons to flow through the slot in the cathode to an anode, positioned a predetermined distance from the cathode, thereby generating a high-density plasma sheet immersed in the magnetic field of a width and thickness proportional to the size of the slot in the cathode.

Abstract: The wick-interrupt temperature controlling heat pipe (WITCH) is a device for controlling the temperature of spacecraft temperature-sensitive, heat dispensing devices. A heat transporting working fluid is conveyed in saturated equilibrium with its vapor across a discontinuous internal capillary liquid wick, within a tubular cylindrical pressure vessel, from a condenser section to an evaporator section located on either side of the discontinuity. When the temperature within the WITCH rises to a predetermined level, a sliding wick located within the internal capillary liquid wick is inserted across the discontinuity by a temperature sensitive control rod, thereby allowing the heat transporting working fluid to circulate from the condenser section wick to the evaporator section wick. In this configuration, the WITCH operates identically to the "constant-conductance heat pipe" commonly used.

Abstract: This invention describes a nanometer scale interband lateral resonant tunneling transistor, and the method for producing the same, with lateral geometry, good fanout properties and suitable for incorporation into large-scale integrated circuits. The transistor is of a single gate design and operation is based on resonant tunneling processes in narrow-gap nanostructures which are highly responsive to quantum phenomena. Such quantum-effect devices can have very high density, operate at much higher temperatures and are capable of driving other devices.

Abstract: This invention describes a nanometer scale interband lateral resonant tunneling transistor, and the method for producing the same, with lateral geometry, good fanout properties and suitable for incorporation into large-scale integrated circuits. The transistor is of a single gate design and operation is based on resonant tunneling processes in narrow-gap nanostructures which are highly responsive to quantum phenomena. Such quantum-effect devices can have very high density, operate at much higher temperatures and are capable of driving other devices.

Abstract: A high frequency transducer capable of transmitting and receiving having an operational range from 100 kHz to 2 MHz, a free field voltage sensitivity (FFVS) greater than -218 dB re 1 V/.mu.Pa (300 kHz), and a maximum hydrostatic pressure rating of 20.68 Mpa (3000 psi). The sensor element is made of lead titanate with a radial mode of 150 kHz being suppressed by the use of a rubber grommet surrounding the lead titanate element. The sensor element is retained within a sensor housing by a plurality of annealed iron wires attached to an annealed iron ring, both of the faces of the sensor housing are then covered with an acoustically transparent window of natural gum rubber. The sensor housing is attached to a non-metallic preamplifier housing made of a rigid polyurethane containing a preamplifier circuit, a transmit protection circuit, and a plurality of relays for switching the preamplifier circuit during the transmit and receive modes.

Abstract: An intracavity-modulated laser includes a gain element, an electro-optic modulator (EOM), a frequency selective coupler (FSOC), and an optical isolator coupled in such a way that a ring laser cavity is formed. The EOM selectively affects the optical input in intensity, phase, or frequency according the radio frequency (RF) input signal applied. The FSOC is a three-port device that receives light at a first port and passes narrowbands of light out a second port and directs the remaining optical spectrum out a third port. The optical isolator assures single direction lasing. When the gain is sufficient to overcome the ring losses, the laser cavity will oscillate with longitudinal modes corresponding to the pass bands of the FSOC. The light exiting the second port of the FSOC is amplified by the laser gain element and is directed to the EOM. The EOM modulates each carrier (longitudinal mode) of the laser cavity thereby creating optical modulation sidebands associated with each carrier.