Abstract: A method for carrying out electromagnetic cloaking using metamaterial devices requiring anisotropic dielectric permittivity and magnetic permeability may be emulated by specially designed tapered waveguides. This approach leads to low-loss, broadband performance in the visible frequency range, which is difficult to achieve by other means. We apply this technique to electromagnetic cloaking. A broadband, two-dimensional, electromagnetic cloaking is demonstrated in the visible frequency range on a scale ˜100 times the wavelength. Surprisingly, the classic geometry of Newton rings is suited for an experimental demonstration of this effect.

Abstract: An optical guidance system for guiding a projectile is disclosed. The optical guidance system includes a laser, a first and second cylindrical holographic lenses and a variable zoom lens. The laser generates a laser beam, and the first and second cylindrical holographic lenses transform the laser beam into a x-direction and y-direction scan patterns, respectively. The variable zoom lens projects the x-direction and y-direction scan patterns in the form of multiple scan fields, each within a scan corridor, in order to guide a projectile along a flight path towards a target.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing nonlinearity artifacts in an IR imaging system applies a non-linear correcting function to signals received from a microbolometer. The non-linear correcting function can be a second-order polynomial, a third-order polynomial, some other formula, or a table from which corrections can be interpolated. In embodiments, the correcting function is automatically adjusted according to an ambient temperature measurement, to which a non-linear correction can be applied, either in a separate step or as an adjustment to the correcting function applied to the microbolometer signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for optical spectrometry utilizes a simplified construction, reducing the number of independent optical elements needed while providing a sizeable dispersed spectrum. The apparatus provides a spectral intensity distribution of an input source wherein individual spectral components in the source can be measured and, in some embodiments, can be manipulated or filtered.

Abstract: CdSiP2 crystals with sizes and optical quality suitable for use as nonlinear optical devices are disclosed, as well as NLO devices based thereupon. A method of growing the crystals by directional solidification from a stoichiometric melt is also disclosed. The disclosed NLO crystals have a higher nonlinear coefficient than prior art crystals that can be pumped by solid state lasers, and are particularly useful for frequency shifting 1.06 ?m, 1.55 ?m, and 2 ?m lasers to wavelengths between 2 ?m and 10 ?m. Due to the high thermal conductivity and low losses of the claimed CdSiP2 crystals, average output power can exceed 10 W without severe thermal lensing. A 6.45 ?m laser source for use as a medical laser scalpel is also disclosed, in which a CdSiP2 crystal is configured for non-critical phase matching, pumped by a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, and temperature-tuned to produce output at 6.45 ?m.

Abstract: GPS reception on helicopters and ground vehicles may be subject to varying near-ground interference. A compact antenna includes vertically spaced arrays of radiating elements. The first array provides a basic reception pattern. The second array provides a pattern having a distinctive low elevation angle phase reversal. By combining signals for these patterns an antenna pattern with a low angle onmidirectional elevation null characteristic is provided to suppress near-ground interference. Prior to combining, signals from the second array may be modified in amplitude or phase, or both, on a semi-permanent basis, or may be adaptively modified on an active basis, in order to adjust the null characteristic. Antennas and methods are described.

Abstract: A cryptographic ignition key system and method for managing access to sensitive or protected information using an unclassified, block-cipher-based cryptographic combiner for storing non-private information on a physical token and storing private information on another device having anti-tamper protections and safeguards.

Abstract: An ergonomic remote control glove for controlling an electronic device in military applications is disclosed. In one embodiment, the ergonomic remote control glove includes at least one motion sensor and a processor communicatively coupled to the at least one motion sensor. Further, the ergonomic remote control glove includes a communication link to connect to the electronic device. The communication link is communicatively coupled to the processor. Furthermore, the ergonomic remote control glove includes a wearable ergonomic glove configured to include the at least one motion sensor, the processor and the communication link. The processor is configured to send one or more control signals to the electronic device via the communication link upon detecting finger motions and/or hand gestures by the motion sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for improving the survivability of space systems following a High Altitude Nuclear Explosion (HANE) incident resulting in energetic electrons being trapped in the inner radiation belt of Earth is disclosed. The ULF electromagnetic waves is generated by space or ground based transmitters and the frequency range is selected such that the injected waves are in gyrofrequency resonance with trapped energetic particles. The Radiation Belt Remediation (RBR) depends on the wave-number of the injected waves and the wave-number of the injected waves increases along their propagation path when they approach the cyclotron frequency of the dominant or minority ions 0+, He+ and H+.

Abstract: A composite focal plane assembly with an expandable architecture has a multi-layer, double-sided aluminum nitride (AlN) substrate and vertical architecture to achieve the dual function of focal plane and electronics backplane. Imaging dice and other electrical components are mounted and wire bonded to one surface and then direct backplane connectivity is provided on the opposing surface through a matrix of electrical contacts. In one embodiment, a flexible connector is sandwiched between the AlN focal plane and a FR-4 backplane is used to compensate for differences in coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) between the AlN and commercially available high density circuit card connectors that are commonly manufactured from materials with CTE properties more closely approximating FR-4. In an alternate embodiment, the FR-4 and flexible connectors are eliminated by using high density circuit card connectors that are fabricated out of materials more closely matching the CTE of AlN.

Abstract: An active display based targeting and weapon siting system for providing focusing and targeting data is disclosed. In one embodiment, the active display based targeting and weapon siting system includes an angled optic device configured to allow a user's line of sight to pass through the angled optic device. Further, the active display based targeting and weapon siting system includes a display module configured to provide images including video images, multicolor images and/or wide boresight adjustment and to direct the images into the user's line of sight through the angled optic device.

Abstract: An optical tracking system, and method therefor, tracks the movement of an object, such as a pilot's helmet, within an enclosed area, such as a cockpit. The system/method comprises a plurality of light sources fixedly mounted in predefined locations within the enclosed area and a light sensor mounted on the object. Each light source is modulated using a different frequency from the other light sources to make that light source uniquely identifiable. Modulated light from the various light sources is converted by the sensor into an electrical signal. This composite signal is subsequently separated into individual signals based on their unique modulations, and the light source for each signal is identified. The signals are thereafter processed to determine an azimuth and an elevation for the line-of-sight to each light source. The azimuth and elevation information may then be used to determine the position and orientation of the object.

Abstract: A desired signal modulated with N symbols is detected in the presence of a constant modulus (CM) interferer that produces M symbols. Observation samples corresponding to the desired signal and the interferer are obtained from a signal recovery stage. N observation constellations are defined, each having M constellation points corresponding to the symbols produced by the interferer, and the points form a circular perimeter of the constellation with a radius corresponding to the strength of the interferer. The perimeter of each constellation is centered on one of N defined symbol points representing the different possible symbols of the desired signal. Distances between the observation samples and the circular perimeter of each observation constellation are determined. For each observation sample, the symbol point on which the constellation perimeter closest to the sample is centered, is selected as a symbol of the desired signal.

Abstract: A hybrid solid state imaging focal plane array (FPA) for night vision systems achieves a high dynamic range from deeply overcast starlight to full daylight by interleaving non-avalanche photodiode (NAP) pixels with APD pixels in a single imaging plane controlled by a common readout circuit. The APD pixels provide high performance at low light levels, while the NAP pixels provide unsaturated images in full daylight. The APD pixels can be Discrete. In low light the readout circuit can disable the NAP pixels and interpolate the NAP pixels using the APD signals. In daylight the readout circuit can do the opposite. The FPA can be digitally fused with sensors in a separate plane such as InGaAs APD's that detect wavelengths outside of the visible band. The NAP pixels can outnumber the APD pixels, for example by three-to-one. The APD's can be silicon for visible light, or InGaAs for SWIR light.

Abstract: A card assembly is disclosed comprising a carrier host card, an interposer printed wiring board (PWB) situated between the carrier host card and a hosted card, wherein the carrier host card and the interposer printed wiring board (PWB) are configured to have a space there-between. The card assembly further comprising a customized front panel including a first cutout for the carrier host card and a second cutout for said hosted card.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for using a portable near (infrared light emitting diode) IR LED light source and photogrammetry for boresight harmonization of aircraft and ground vehicle components. In one embodiment, orientation and positional parameters of two or more fixed points and distances between the two or more fixed points are measured using the portable near IR LED light source with a photogrammetric system. The two or more fixed points are reference points within the aircraft or the land vehicle. Further, the measured orientation and positional parameters of the two or more fixed points and the distances between the two or more fixed points on the aircraft or the land vehicle are compared with specified design parameters of the component in the aircraft or the land vehicle. Furthermore, the component in the aircraft or the land vehicle is harmonized based on an outcome of the comparison.

Abstract: Techniques and structure are disclosed for implementing a spatial walk-off compensation mechanism having an integral tilt function. In some embodiments, the mechanism may comprise a tilt-ball mount having an integrated walk-off compensation medium. In some embodiments, the mechanism may be configured to receive an output beam from a non-linear converter (e.g., optical parametric oscillator or OPO) implementing a non-linear medium comprising a bi-refringent material (e.g., zinc germanium phosphide, or ZnGeP2; cadmium silicon phosphide, or CdSiP2). In some embodiments, the walk-off compensation medium may comprise the same material and/or have the same cut as the non-linear medium. In some embodiments, the mechanism may he manually and/or mechanically adjusted/repositioned to reduce beam walk-off and/or to more precisely direct the beam. In some embodiments, the mechanism may be implemented in mid-infrared (MIR) applications. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

Abstract: CdSiP2 crystals with sizes and optical quality suitable for use as nonlinear optical devices are disclosed, as well as NLO devices based thereupon. A method of growing the crystals by directional solidification from a stoichiometric melt is also disclosed. The disclosed NLO crystals have a higher nonlinear coefficient than prior art crystals that can be pumped by solid state lasers, and are particularly useful for frequency shifting 1.06 ?m, 1.55 ?m, and 2 ?m lasers to wavelengths between 2 ?m and 10 ?m. Due to the high thermal conductivity and low losses of the claimed CdSiP2 crystals, average output power can exceed 10 W without severe thermal lensing. A 6.45 ?m laser source for use as a medical laser scalpel is also disclosed, in which a CdSiP2 crystal is configured for non-critical phase matching, pumped by a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, and temperature-tuned to produce output at 6.45 ?m.

Abstract: CdSiP2 crystals with sizes and optical quality suitable for use as nonlinear optical devices are disclosed, as well as NLO devices based thereupon. A method of growing the crystals by directional solidification from a stoichiometric melt is also disclosed. The disclosed NLO crystals have a higher nonlinear coefficient than prior art crystals that can be pumped by solid state lasers, and are particularly useful for frequency shifting 1.06 ?m, 1.55 ?m, and 2 ?m lasers to wavelengths between 2 ?m and 10 ?m. Due to the high thermal conductivity and low losses of the claimed CdSiP2 crystals, average output power can exceed 10 W without severe thermal lensing. A 6.45 ?m laser source for use as a medical laser scalpel is also disclosed, in which a CdSiP2 crystal is configured for non-critical phase matching, pumped by a 1064 nm Nd:YAG laser, and temperature-tuned to produce output at 6.45 ?m.

Abstract: A system and method for efficiently combining multiple laser beams into a single frequency by invoking stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) in a dual core optical fiber is disclosed. The method and apparatus essentially becomes a brightness converter for the input laser beams. An SRS seed is generated in a long length of fiber or by a diode and is launched into the back-end of the SBS combining optical fiber. Various single-frequency pump beams are launched into the front-end of the same fiber. The seed acts to lower a threshold for SBS in the fiber, thus invoking the nonlinearity. Provided the various pump beams are close in frequency and seed/pump modes overlap, each acts to amplify the seed through the nonlinear SBS process, providing an output signal which is brighter than the combined pump beams.