Abstract: A receiver includes: a filter circuit to generate predicted measurements for a set of tracks based on previous kinematic states of the tracks and timing and source data of next compressed measurements associated to the tracks, generate probability data of differences between the predicted measurements and next measurement data, generate the next measurement data using the predicted measurements and quantized differences between the predicted measurements and the next measurement data, and generate next kinematic states of the tracks based on the previous kinematic states, the timing and source data of the next compressed measurements, and the generated measurement data; a quantizer circuit to quantize the probability data into quantization tables and look up the quantized differences from corresponding indices in the quantization tables; and a decoder circuit to decode encoded index data of the next compressed measurements into the corresponding indices in the quantization tables using the quantized probabili

Abstract: The Quad Cell permits measurement of four quadrant signal powers simultaneously, metrics which are equal when the laser spot is at the desired zero location, at the center of the cell, the origin of the cells' axes. A control action acts upon the Quad Cell signals to move the laser spot toward the origin of the axes bisecting the four quadrants of the cell, moving the laser spot to the origin to achieve a null in the difference between these four signal levels.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for registering outputs from a plurality of remote positional data sources, the system having: a plurality of positional data sources disposed on a plurality of units providing a plurality of types of positional data relative to at least one commonly tracked object held as a local positional data source; a processor disposed on a unit configured to process the positional data from each positional data source and apply a filter to the positional data; and the processor configured to weigh the positional data based on a probability of that a positional datum in the positional data is accurate and using weighted positional data to identify an absolute location of the commonly tracked object.

Abstract: The system and method of integrated seed and high power pump source generates two wavelengths outside the effective gain bandwidth of a single gain medium without using two unique pump sources in a fiber amplifier train. The system and method uses a single pump power oscillator that passes a seed wavelength with no loss and minimal amplification to pump integrated amplifiers in both directions (forward and backward) resulting in amplification of the seed wavelength.

Abstract: A method for improving direction finding and geolocation error estimation in direction finding and geolocation systems is disclosed. The corresponding phases of the received signals are determined. After an initial target estimation point of the received signals has been identified, the initial target estimation point is projected onto the earth's surface. A search grid having multiple grid points is then overlaid on the projected initial target estimation point, surrounding the projected initial target estimation point. The phase of signals emitting from a theoretical emitter located at each of the grid points of the search grid is estimated. Correlation coefficients between the estimated phases of the emitting signals and the determined phases of the received signals are determined. An error ellipse can be generated around one of the grid points having the highest correlation coefficient, and a source emitter is likely to be located within the error ellipse.

Abstract: A device, system, and method for in situ reconfigurable quasi-phase matching field-programmable nonlinear photonics that is reliably reconfigurable and maintains nonlinear conversion efficiency is presented. Devices include a ferroelectric waveguide susceptible to light-assisted poling; (UV-transparent) first electrode(s); one or more UV illumination sources; at least a second electrode; and a substrate. Reconfiguring the hybrid electronic/photonic field programmable array device includes selecting a device type; selecting parameters for the device; determining per-electrode voltages for the device; determining timing values for reconfiguring the device; initiating illumination of the device; applying per-electrode voltages of the device; terminating per-electrode voltages according to the timing values; and terminating illumination according to the timing values.

Abstract: A method for vision-aided navigation which utilizes an image registration system to update a navigation control system. One exemplary feature of the method includes the use of Enhanced Phase Correlation techniques to create a reference imagery database and register images against the created database. The method may be operated on a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing a plurality of instructions which when executed by one or more processors causes the one or more processors to perform the method for vision-aided navigation which utilizes an image registration system to update a navigation control system.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for a multiwavelength laser source and a method of driving the multiwavelength laser source. The multiwavelength laser source includes: a plurality of seed lasers to generate a corresponding plurality of seed beams having a corresponding plurality of distinct seed wavelengths; a laser combiner to receive and combine the seed beams into a single first beam; an optical amplifier to amplify the first beam; and a single fixed nonlinear converter to convert and output the amplified first beam as a multiwavelength second beam including the seed wavelengths and one or more new wavelengths distinct from and generated from the seed wavelengths. In some embodiments, the nonlinear converter is an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) or an optical parametric generator (OPG). In some other embodiments, the nonlinear converter is a sum frequency generator (SFG), a difference frequency generator (DFG), or an optical parametric amplifier (OPA).

Abstract: A phased array antenna which can change the configuration of the phased array antenna by controllable quad switches on the phased array antenna is presented. The phased array antenna adapts monolithic microwave integrate circuit (MMIC) technology to have high isolation interconnection of the reconfigurable phased array antenna. The reconfigurable phased array antenna can be reusable and adaptable to different configurations so that the overall cost and lead time of the phased array antenna is reduced compared to the existing RF antennas in the market.

Abstract: A system and method for covert targeting and communication that uses Laser Range Finder (LRF) and Digital Light Processing (DLP) technology. By modulating the pulses of the laser in a LRF according to a predetermined library and by using a “divide-by-two” shutter pattern scheme applied to the DLP mirror's field of view, a covert communication and targeting system can be utilized in the field as part of a lightweight, low cost system.

Abstract: A zoom lens having unpowered optical elements changeably inserted between conventional powered optical zoom elements enables ultra-fast and mechanically stable stepped changes in zoom state.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for minimizing latency for high priority messages without sacrificing subnet bandwidth in a wireless, multiple access network such as Link 16. Nodes are able to simultaneously receive messages on at least two subnets, one of which is designated as a low latency (“LL”) subnet that transmits messages immediately on a contention access basis. A message acknowledgement protocol can be implemented and high priority messages that fail due to collisions or other reasons can be retransmitted. Jitter can be used to detect collisions. Embodiments include a plurality of “standard” and/or LL subnets designated for messages of varied urgency. High priority messages can reserve an acknowledgement timeslot for use only by the message recipient. Link 16 embodiments implement CMN-4, whereby the LL subnet is one of four subnets monitored by each node. Link 16 latencies in the LL network can be limited to less than 40 msec.

Abstract: A gait authentication system and method is provided. The system includes a mobile computing device configured to be carried by a person while moving with a unique gait. A first sensor (e.g. an accelerometer) is carried by the mobile computing device and generates a first signal. A second sensor (e.g. a gyroscope) is carried by the mobile computing device and generates a second signal. A gait dynamics logic implements an identity vector (i-vector) approach to learn feature representations from a sequence of arbitrary feature vectors carried by the first and second signals. In the method for real time gait authentication, the computing of invariant gait representations are robust to sensor placement while preserving highly discriminative temporal and spatial gait dynamics and context.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting sea mines is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pulsed laser, a collection optics, a long-pass beam splitter, a short-pass beam splitter, a Laser Imaging, Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) channel imager, a Raman channel imager and a florescence channel imager. After the pulsed laser has sent a laser pulse to an ocean surface, the collection optics collects Rayleigh, Raman and florescence scattering return signals reflected from the ocean surface as a result of the laser pulse laser striking the ocean surface and any objects therein. The long-band beam splitter directs the Rayleigh scattering return signals to the LIDAR channel imager. The short-band beam splitter directs the Raman return signals to the Raman channel imager, and directs the florescence return signals to the florescence channel imager.

Abstract: A disclosed apparatus and method detect light source “hotspots” and recognize laser communication signals within a scene, while minimizing repeat consideration of previously detected light sources. Local maxima are identified in pixel frames from a focal plane array (FPA), and compared with a table of previous detections. FPA frames can be used directly for hotspot detection, or successive FPA frames can be subtracted for edge detection. Most recent detection frame numbers, coordinates, signal values, and/or other information can be updated in the table upon repeat detection of a hotspot. Source identifying information can be included in the table for entries that are identified as laser communication signals. Source identifying features can be evaluated so that only signals of interest are saved in the table. Hotspots that remain undetected after a designated number of frames can be deleted from the table.

Abstract: A multifunctional rangefinder capable of functioning as a rangefinder and at least one additional function. The multifunctional rangefinder comprises a laser transmitter for transmitting a laser pulse and an object lens, located at an inlet of the multifunctional rangefinder, for capturing light reflected by a target and focusing the reflected light at a first digital micro-mirror device. The first digital micro-mirror device has a plurality of micro-mirrors, and each of the plurality of micro-mirrors has an “on” position and an “off” position. A single detector element receives light reflected by the plurality of micro-mirrors of the first digital micro-mirror device. An optical condenser arrangement is located between the digital micro-mirror device and the detector element. An analog/digital converter is coupled to the single detector element for processing signals detected by the single detector element. A grating, a second digital micro-mirror device, first and second collimating lens are also provided.

Abstract: A solid state optical beam steering device and method of operation includes converting a frequency or wavelength of a signal in a non-linear converter associated with one channel just before launch. A second channel has a similar constructions and operation. A processor compares the phase difference between the two channels and uses the difference to horizontally steer a beam without moving mechanical parts. This establishes the solid-state nature of the present disclosure. The non-linear converter may be a quasi-phase matched non-linear converter with alternating crystal domains.

Abstract: A method and system for Kalman-Filtering in geolocation is provided. One aspect of the disclosure provides using an extreme geo program/method to converge on the location of an emitter, using a correlation function inherent in a Correlation Interferometry Geolocation (CIGL) program, and using Kalman filtering to find a peak correlation surface for an array.

Abstract: Non-linear forces are simulated by a dual-rate spring apparatus, which may also be used to impose nonlinear forces. The apparatus includes a carriage and at least two springs arranged sequentially in series with one another. The spring constant is changed by initially allowing both of the springs to compress to a point and, thereafter, after one spring is generally completely compressed, allowing only the other spring to compress further.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for tracking a laser communication signal of interest incident on a focal plane array (FPA) identifies a plurality of “hotspots” in a scene of interest, and aligns a hotspot that is a signal of interest (SOI) or beacon component thereof with the FPA. Hotspot centroids can be estimated within a fraction of an FPA pixel by considering squares of four pixels and comparing their signal amplitudes. A multi-spot calculation is used to improve the position estimates of all of the hotspots by applying a Kalman filter to the hotspot position data and assuming that the relative hotspots positions are fixed. The calculation is periodically repeated to enable tracking of the SOI. Amplitude variability of the hotspots is accommodated by weighting the hotspot contributions according to their intensities. In embodiments, estimation error of the SOI centroid is less than a smallest dimension of the FPA pixels.