Abstract: A method and apparatus to amplify the magnetic field in an electromagnetic circuit is provided. Amplification factors of several orders of magnitude may be obtained. The system is applicable to a number of different systems, including melt levitation and electromagnetic pumping and propulsion. One embodiment of the invention uses a non-conducting permeable core wound around a dielectric core. An alternating voltage source is connected to a solenoid which is wound around a section of the permeable core. The permeable core has a gap within which a flux concentrating cold crucible is provided. Melt levitation processing takes place within the cold crucible.

Abstract: An abrasive material is proposed which is useful for the precision treatment of surfaces. This material may be in the form of an abrasive layer adhered by chemical and/or physical bonds to a carrier, the latter preferably made of a flexible material such as plastic. Alternatively, the abrasive material may be in the form of a free abrasive without a carrier. The abrasive material may be in the form of a vacuum condensate consisting of at least 80 atomic percent of an ultradispersed composite superhard diamond-like substance, preferably containing carbon, and including not more than 0.1 atomic percent hydrogen and oxygen, combined. The abrasive material is preferably obtained from the pulse-flows of an accelerated electroerosive plasma.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to analyze the aerial image of an optical system using a subwavelength slit. A slit configuration yields a higher signal-to-noise ratio than that achievable with a round aperture. The slit also allows the polarization of the aerial image to be analyzed. In an alternative embodiment a tunneling slit is used. The tunneling slit comprises an optically transparent ridge-like structure mounted to a substrate, the combined structure covered by a thin, planar metal film.

Abstract: RF modulation spectroscopy of a near-infrared tunable laser diode source is used to determine the oxygen concentration in a sample medium. A reference cell containing a known concentration of oxygen is used to calibrate the apparatus as well as to lock the laser on an oxygen absorption line. The temperature of the reference cell is monitored from which the pressure in the reference cell can be determined. Both the temperature and the pressure in the sample cell are monitored, either directly using independent transducers or indirectly using spectroscopic techniques. The oxygen content of the sample is determined, correcting for both temperature and pressure effects.

Abstract: This invention relates to solid state lasers and more particularly to laserable rods, slabs or other configurations where thermal effects and/or ground state absorption cause a degradation in lasing efficiency and/or beam quality. The improvement in operating efficiency is achieved by using a composite of lasing and non-lasing sections. The composite is formed using diffusion bonding techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-destructively detecting and identifying narcotics, explosives, and other forms of contraband concealed within a container or otherwise hidden from view. A radioactive source is used in conjunction with both neutron and gamma ray detector arrays. Depending upon the desired accuracy as well as the accessibility to all sides of the container, both back scattered and forward scattered radiation can be measured. Multiple detection systems mounted along different axes allow pseudo three dimensional images of the container in question as well as its contents to be produced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scheme for merging television schedule information received from multiple sources (26, 28, 30 and 34). In the preferred embodiment, a microprocessor (36) mixes and sorts the schedule information received from multiple source devices (26, 28, 30 or 34). The schedule information is then displayed in a television schedule guide (50). A user can select a program (60 or 62) by pointing to that program in the displayed schedule information (50). The system (10) then carries out an automatic switching/tuning such that the required source device (26, 28, 30 or 34) is input to the destination device (22), and a tuner is then tuned to the selected program's channel (52).