Abstract: The present invention presents an electrostatic discharge and power surge protected circuit board (10) and method for providing an electrostatic discharge and power surge protected circuit board. The protected circuit board (10) includes temperature sensitive conducting material (14) and semiconductor circuit components (12). The temperature sensitive conducting material (14) has a critical current density, provides a high impedance when the critical current density is exceeded, and preferably comprises a high temperature superconductor. Preferably, the temperature sensitive conducting material (14) and the semiconductor circuit components (12) are coupled in series. In a method aspect of the present invention, an electrostatic discharge protected circuit board (10) is provided by providing a current carrying mechanism (16) on the circuit board (10), and coupling the current carrying mechanism (16) to temperature sensitive conducting material (14).

Abstract: An optical device comprising an electrode (<200 ohms/square) that is transparent to infrared radiation through and beyond the mid-wavelength infrared (3-5 micrometers), and long wavelength infrared (8-12 micrometers), out to 30 micrometers. The optical device is comprised of a sandwich of a thin (.ltoreq.0.001") conductive silicon wafer optically contacted or bonded to an optically transparent substrate. Typical substrates that may be employed are cadmium telluride, zinc sulfide or zinc selenide substrates. The substrate provides the rigidity necessary to prevent optical distortion which can result from bowing caused by mounting stresses. The optical device provides an electrode having high infrared transmission without the optical diffraction effects produced by a conductive grid. Unlike conductive coatings, the optical device does not incur transmission degradation caused by temperature increases.

Abstract: A composite material of silicon carbide particles in an aluminum matrix is base coated with a layer of a nickel-boron alloy by an electroless process. The base-coated composite material is heat treated at a temperature of about 450.degree. C. to interdiffuse the base coating with the composite material. A nickel or gold top layer is electrolytically deposited over the base coat on the heat-treated composite material.

Abstract: A remote laser sensor incorporating a single integrated detector. The laser sensor comprises a laser for transmitting laser energy that is applied to a target, and a beamsplitter for sampling of the transmitted laser energy. A telescope is provided for collecting laser energy reflected from the target. The integrated detector comprises an integrating sphere for receiving the sampled transmitted laser energy and for receiving the laser energy reflected from the target, and a detector coupled to the integrating sphere for selectively detecting the sampled transmitted laser energy and the laser energy reflected from the target. A scatter plate may be disposed inside the integrating sphere for preventing photons from entering the detector that result directly from a first scattering event within the sphere. In operation, the laser provides a transmit beam that is directed at the target and reflected energy from the target is collected by the telescope and focused onto the detector.

Abstract: A spacecraft multilayer insulation blanket is made from multiple sheets of polyimide e.g. KAPTON. A preferred six sheet embodiment employs three carbon loaded sheets (26, 32, 34) separated by two dielectric sheets (28, 30). A third dielectric sheet (36) insulates the carbon loaded sheets from the spacecraft body. The outermost carbon loaded sheet (32) has a high resistivity and is primarily transmissive while the other two carbon loaded sheets (26, 34) have a low resistivity and are primarily reflective.

Abstract: A coaxial microwave device, such as a microwave switching device, for example, having improved thermal and power handling characteristics. At least one thermally conductive short-circuit element is located between inner (input and output) and outer conductors of the microwave coaxial or switching device. Consequently, heat losses generated in the inner conductors are conductively channeled away from heat sensitive materials. Typically, quarter-wavelength elements provide a thermal path to reduce heat buildup, thus enabling the microwave coaxial device or switching device to operate at higher RF power levels without overstressing components or materials. However, short circuit elements having element lengths other than one-quarter-wavelength may be employed to offset mismatches in a transmission line, for example. Furthermore, the short circuit elements may be used singularly or in pairs to provide for improved thermal and power handling characteristics in the devices in which they are used.