Abstract: The invention, in its various aspects and embodiments, comprises a method and apparatus for an optical filament launch. In one aspect, the present invention generates a plurality of plasma filaments defining a radio frequency propagation path. In a second aspect, the present invention generates a pulsed plasma filament RF transmission line.

Abstract: The present invention presents a technique for use in registering two images. In a first aspect, the invention includes a computer-implemented method for use in registering a first image to a second image, comprising: generating a base transform between the first and second image; generating a plurality of candidate control points from the first and second images; generating a plurality of meshed regions from the base control points and the actual control points from which the first image may be mapped to the second image. In other aspects, the includes a program storage medium encoded with instructions that, when executed by a computing device, will perform the method; a computing apparatus programmed to perform the method; a data product produced by the method; a program storage medium encoded with a data product produced by the method; and a computing apparatus on which resides a data product produced by the above method.

Abstract: A LADAR system and with lookdown and loitering capabilities is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus includes a LADAR sensor and a gimbal. The LADAR sensor is mounted to the gimbal, which is capable of scanning in azimuth sufficient to provide a look down and loitering capability. In another aspect, a method includes flying an airborne vehicle through an environment; and scanning a LADAR signal forward and to at least one side into a field of regard.

Abstract: A laminar flow tool is for channeling water, air or other fluids through a down drill pipe or tubing for pressurization of other tools or other purposes. The tool provides a flow divider having an 180 degree twist separating a driven fluid chamber from a buffer fluid pocket. Fluid in the tool is calmed as it travels and loses some of the spin (“turbulence”) inherent in the water or other fluid. A buffer pocket on one side absorbs shocks and stabilizes the driven side. Ports in the buffer side help equalize pressure.

Abstract: A laser apparatus includes a laser capable of generating a laser signal; structure for conditioning the laser signal; and structure for varying the beamwidth of the laser signal as it is scanned into the field of view.

Abstract: A technique for use in security screening and detection contexts employs an X-ray explosive imager that acquires images from backscattered RF modulated X-ray signals on which a time series analysis is performed to detect image change across the time series of images that represent pixels changing at the rate of the difference frequency of the RF frequency and the a priori NQR signature frequencies.

Abstract: The present invention is a time division multiplexed beam combination for laser signal generation. In one aspect, the time division multiplexed beam combination employs a mechanical implementation. In a second aspect, the time division multiplexed beam combination employ a polarization interlacing.

Abstract: The present invention includes a multifaceted imaging semi-active laser system (“I-SALS”). In one aspect, the I-SALS closes on a laser designation of a target until it starts imaging the target, whereupon the I-SALS then homes on the target from the image. Some embodiments employ a slightly defocused designation. Other embodiments use existential jitter in the designation and other embodiments intentionally induce a jitter in the designation called dither. One particular embodiments provides a dual field-of-view optics package that has no moving parts.