Abstract: A communication network includes a local area network (LAN) and a wireless access point coupled to the LAN. In one embodiment, each access point includes a medium access control (MAC) stage, and a radio frequency (RF) transmitter/receiver for communicating unsecure message data via RF links with users of associated wireless devices. An optical transmitter/receiver in the access point enables the users to communicate secure message data over the LAN via free space optical (FSO) links with the users. The MAC stage operates (i) to direct unsecure data from the LAN to the wireless device users and to direct unsecure data from the users to the LAN, via the RF transmitter/receiver; and (ii) to direct secure data from the LAN to the wireless device users and to direct secure data from the users to the LAN, via the optical transmitter/receiver. An integrated VoIP/FSO portable handset is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the passage of vehicles and the classification thereof by weight using geophone outputs and a unique density measurement in which the number of peaks of the geophone signal above a predetermined threshold over a number of time frames indicates the presence of a vehicle, with the number of time frames in which the density exceeds the threshold indicating whether the vehicle is a heavy vehicle such as a tank, or a light vehicle such as a car, with the threshold eliminating both manmade and natural noise, as well as distinguishing seismic vibrations due to personnel and animals. In one embodiment, various thresholds are utilized to detect the onset of vehicle presence and the end of the event.

Abstract: An interface device for a protected workstation or host has a network interface for connection to a multi-level secure network, a first address corresponding to a guard control port, and a second address corresponding to a guard data port. A transport guard in the device has a control component coupled to the guard control port for processing configuration data sent to the first address and producing a desired security configuration, a guard component coupled to the output of the control component and to the guard data port of the network interface, and a host interface coupled to the guard component for exchanging data with the protected host. Only when permitted by the desired security configuration, the guard component passes network data addressed to the second address of the network interface to the host interface, and passes outbound data from the host interface to the network through the guard data port.

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: A system and method for decontamination of chemical and biological agents over terrain in an outdoor environment is provided that utilizes ultraviolet radiation to break up hydrogen peroxide into radical species that interact with chemical and biological agents to render them harmless. In a preferred embodiment, peroxide is dispersed in a contaminated area and the peroxide is then exposed to ultraviolet radiation that causes the peroxide to dissociate into radical species. The interaction of the radical species formed by the peroxide dissociation with the chemical and biological agents renders them useless.

Abstract: An optical LOS toggle uses two refractive optical elements located in the afocal space of an optical sensor. Optical surfaces of the two elements are shaped appropriately to work in combination with lateral displacements of the two elements such that the LOS angle is shifted. For a prescribed, discrete LOS shift, the optical image quality of the toggle module is corrected by a combination of aspheric shapes and diffractive surfaces on the optical surfaces of the two elements. To maintain performance along any radial direction and simplify fabrication, these aspheric or spheric shapes and diffractive surfaces should be rotationally symmetrical. Image quality is further improved through proper selection of the optical materials used to construct the optical elements.

Abstract: A deformable focal plane array (DFPA) for imaging systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, the DFPA includes a detection circuitry on one side. For example, the thickness of the DFPA is in a range of about 5 to 40 microns. In one exemplary embodiment, the DFPA when warped to a desired shape provides a substantially wider field of view (FOV) than a flat focal plane array (FPA).

Abstract: A cross axis cable management system comprising a bird cage mechanism, a clock spring mechanism and a rolling loop mechanism positioned about a first axis, second axis and third axis of a gimbal mechanism respectively. Each mechanism provides defined channels and protective elements to prevent cable damage. The mechanisms also have one fixed end, one rotational end, and an optimized amount of slack for repeatable cable motion. The system effectively manages a large number of conventional and fiber optic cables while minimizing the friction or drag associated with the motion about the multiple axes and preventing cable damage and the resultant loss of performance.

Abstract: The invention provides an actuator apparatus and method where a source provides electrons to a target material wherein electrical work is performed. A beta emission process comprises a source material emitting electrons which are then captured by a target material. The actuator's source vanes rotate within an electric field between the target chutes' walls, generating torque. The principal providing torque and power is the change in energy as a vane gets closer to the outer walls. During the release and capture process, electrical work is performed which, in turn, is transferred into mechanical work in the form of rotation of the rotor. Specific applications include a radioisotope fueled rotary actuator for micro and nano air vehicles employed as the main form of propulsion.

Abstract: In a diagnostics system for use on vehicles, wherein the improvement comprises a connector assembly that translates diagnostic connector assembly signals into a digital format suitable for computer based analysis and fault diagnosis on an individual vehicle and vehicle fleet basis.

Abstract: An antenna, suitable for battlefield identification use, employs a multifunctional design. A closed-end coaxial line structure with center conductor has slanted slot radiators provided in its outer conductor. The slot radiators excite a pattern between upper and lower disks of a radial waveguide radiator configuration so that horizontal and vertical components reach the disk circumference with a 90 degree phase differential to provide an omnidirectional antenna pattern of circular polarization. Antennas and methods are described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly severing a decoy towline extending from an aircraft by a mechanical spring actuated cutting blade and a thermal fuse type of release mechanism eliminating a pyrotechnic actuation device. The cutting blade is biased toward cutting engagement with the towline by a preloaded coil compression spring retained in the loaded position by a length of a polymer cord. The polymer cord has a heater wire wrapped about a portion of the cord which is connected to a DC voltage supply. The heater wire melts the cords when electrically connected to the DC power supply which releases the restraint on the spring which then drives the cutting blade into severing engagement with the towline.

Abstract: Time synchronization among nodes in a wireless mobile ad hoc network (MANET) is obtained using a cross layer approach. Each node maintains a routing table that contains entries corresponding to other nodes of the network that are one or more hops away from the node, and topology messages are exchanged periodically among the nodes in order to update their routing tables. A network master node is selected, and remaining nodes that are one or more hops away from the master node are defined as slave nodes. The master node includes master timing information in the topology messages it transmits. The timing information is concatenated to include a first time (T1) at which a topology message was received by the master from each of the slave nodes, and a second time (td) at which the master node transmits a topology message after receiving all the topology messages from the slave nodes.

Abstract: An acoustic projector testing system using an acoustically transparent portable vessel which encloses a test apparatus is disclosed. The vessel is connected to an adapter plate which allows the test apparatus to be submerged in water. The testing system is then submerged in shallow water. An external pump fills the vessel with water and the air inside the vessel is allowed to escape through an external, sealable vent, Once all the air is evacuated, the vent is sealed. The pressure inside the vessel can be altered by adjusting the amount of water pumped into the vessel to perform necessary testing.

Abstract: In a method for operating an infrared countermeasure optical device on an aircraft, the improvement comprises the steps of positioning a deflector upstream from the optical device to allow said optical device to operate in high-speed freestream flows.

Abstract: A desalination apparatus is disclosed which uses a salt sponge unit to remove a majority of salt from water. A parallel plate capacitor can be connected after the salt sponge to remove remaining salt ions. The salt sponge is a nanoporous, high surface area carbon scaffold to which crown ethers are attached. A power supply is connected to the salt sponges for applying a bias voltage to regenerate the salt sponges. A chlorine treatment unit can be connected after the parallel plate capacitor. A method of purifying sea water using the apparatus also is disclosed.

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 method and system for color enabled local area contrast enhancement, are provided by generating a first copy of an image; processing the first copy to locally enhance visual contrast in the image; generating a second copy of the image; processing the second copy of the image to provide at least one visual cue to radiant flux within the image incident on the focal plane pixels; displaying a combined image formed from the combination of the locally enhanced first copy and flux mapped the second copy.

Abstract: This disclosure includes embodiments of laser-seeking munitions, and methods of constructing laser-seeking munitions. Some embodiments of these munitions comprise a body; one or more sensors; a plurality of lenses coupled to the body and configured to be capable of transmitting light to the one or more sensors. Some embodiments comprise one or more baffles coupled to the plurality of lenses, the one or more baffles configured to substantially block a portion of the plurality of lenses from transmitting light to the one or more sensors. Some embodiments comprise a plurality of optical fibers optically coupled to the sensor(s) and the lense(s), where the fibers are configured to substantially block a portion of each of the plurality of lenses from transmitting light to the one or more sensors.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed that allow for the detection and locating of RF emitters. The technique includes recording emitter signals of interest received from the search area via an antenna array and a phase coherent receiver, wherein all frequency conversions carried out by the phase coherent receiver are performed in a phase coherent fashion across all the channels. The technique further includes identifying subspace of each channel using singular value decomposition (SVD), analyzing the subspace of each channel for the presence of a target signal, and direction finding and/or geolocating the target signal.