Abstract: In an embodiment, a coordinate determiner is operable to identify at least first and second surfaces that each approximately intersect an object, and to determine at least two approximate coordinates of the object from the first and second surfaces, where at least one of the surfaces is nonplanar. For example, if the coordinate determiner is disposed on a fighter jet having at least two short-baseline-interferometers (SBIs), then two surfaces may be the surfaces of two cones having two of the SBIs as respective vertices, the object may be a close-in target, and the coordinate determiner may determine the azimuth and elevation of the target from the cone surfaces. Furthermore, the coordinate determiner or another computation unit onboard the jet may determine the slant range of the target from the elevation and the altitude of the jet.

Abstract: An imaging system comprising a lens, a detector array (e.g., focal plane array), a signal processing module and a shutter, wherein the shutter is positioned in front of the lens (between the lens and the scene being imaged). This front lens shutter mount configuration allows offset correction to compensate for internal radiant flux and other deficiencies associated with conventional systems.

Abstract: A system for firing multiple projectiles in a parallel or diverging manner is provided. The system can comprise tail-end portions of projectiles that add structure to a cartridge, provide for efficient combustion, allow projectiles to transition from a straight configuration in the cartridge to a splayed configuration in a chamber, and ensure complete evacuation of the chamber. The system can include a tail-end portion of a particular projectile with openings that distribute energy from combustion of an ignition charge, facilitating firing of multiple projectiles. A tail-end portion of a projectile can include a ball joint upon which the body portion of the projectile moves causing an angle between the body portion and the tail-end portion. A space can exist in the body portion adjacent to the ball joint to allow off-center shifting of the body portion with respect to the ball joint.

Abstract: An inertial delay mechanism for use in an explosive projectile is provided. The delay mechanism consists of an inertial delay fuse that is precise, doesn't require sensitive primary explosives and doesn't utilize electronic circuitry. The inertial delay fuse includes a free sliding charge element that strikes an anvil located opposite to the sliding charge element. A delay gap is provided between the sliding charge element and the anvil. Upon impact, the sliding charge element slides forward and impacts the anvil, thereby inducing a shock wave in an initiator charge that subsequently results in detonation of main charges. The design is mechanically simple and robust enough to withstand severe g-loading forces that occur during firing and penetration of a projectile.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for improving pump absorption and efficiency for fiber lasers and amplifiers, for instance. In some embodiments, the techniques are implemented by applying a partially reflective coating on a fiber end-face to double-pass any unabsorbed or otherwise excess pump light in the cladding of a fiber. While being reflective to pump wavelengths, the coating can be non-reflective at the lasing wavelength, so as to avoid unwanted feedback into the system. The benefits of this approach include that excess pump power can be effectively utilized to add more power to the laser output. In addition, the double-pass technique allows for the use of a shorter fiber length, which in turn allows for more compact system designs, saves on material costs, and facilitates manufacturability.

Abstract: A post-supported bolometer pixel and a process for manufacturing it comprising the steps of depositing a sacrificial layer over a substrate with readout integrated circuit pads that connect to the integrated circuit; forming vias through the sacrificial layer to the metal pads connecting to the readout integrated circuit; filling the vias with metal and polishing said metal to the surface of the sacrificial layer; forming microbolometer pixel layers over the filled vias and sacrificial layer; and removing the sacrificial layer to leave a post-supported pixel.

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: Techniques are disclosed for monitoring parameters in a high power fiber laser or amplifier system without adding a tap coupler or increasing fiber length. In some embodiments, a cladding stripper is used to draw off a small percentage of light propagating in the cladding to an integrated signal parameter monitor. Parameters at one or more specific wavelengths (e.g., pump signal wavelength, signal/core signal wavelength, etc) can be monitored. In some such cases, filters can be used to allow for selective passing of signal wavelength to be monitored to a corresponding parameter monitor. The filters can be external or may be integrated into a parameter monitor package that includes cladding stripper with integrated parameter monitor. Other parameters of interest (e.g., phase, wavelength) can also be monitored, in addition to, or as an alternative to power. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure (e.g., system-on-chip).

Abstract: Methods, systems and other embodiments associated with a laser communication system using a single wavelength are presented. A first data is modulated onto an RF carrier to produce a modulated RF carrier. A laser is intensity modulated using with the modulated RF carrier. The intensity modulated laser beam is transmitted from an interrogator to a modulating retro-reflector (MRR) terminal. A portion of the laser beam is received at a receiver at the MRR terminal. Another portion of the laser is modulated at the MRR terminal with a second data to produce a re-modulated laser beam. The re-modulated laser beam is reflected back to the interrogator.

Abstract: A cosite interference cancellation system is provided for improved rejection of a signal coupled from a transmission antenna into a local receive antenna in the presence of local multipath. The cosite interference cancellation system and associated method advantageously provide improved signal rejection by continuously controlling (adjusting) a matching time delay to reduce cosite interference.

Abstract: A sense amplifier for static random access memories is disclosed. The sense amplifier includes a pair of inverters cross-coupled to each other. The sense amplifier also includes means for equalizing the charges within the pair of inverters before performing a sense operation, and means for sensing a current difference between a bitline and its complement from a memory cell during the sense operation.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling pulse width for electronic devices in real time is disclosed. The system includes a Digital Pulse Width Modulator (DPWM), a real time calibration circuit and a delay line circuit. The real time calibration circuit is configured to ensure proper fractional delay is applied to yield correct duty cycle of the DPWM. The delay line circuit comprising a multiplexer delay line with built in decoders, modulates the pulse width for fractional clock cycle delay.

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: 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 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: 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 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: 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).