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 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: 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 method for the reduction of noise in an image including identifying neighboring pixel values in pixels proximate to a subject pixel; comparing the neighboring pixel values to a preset tolerance range; using neighboring pixel values within the tolerance range to calculate a pixel intensity correction value; and applying the pixel intensity value to the subject pixel.

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 vacuum compatible high-density electrical interconnect system for use in a vacuum environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the vacuum compatible high-density electrical interconnect system includes a vacuum compatible base plate, a vacuum compatible printed wiring board (PWB) disposed on the vacuum compatible base plate and a vacuum compatible interposer module disposed in the vacuum compatible base plate. Further, the vacuum compatible PWB includes a plurality of components on a front side of the vacuum compatible PWB and a plurality of associated pads on a back side of the vacuum compatible PWB. In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum compatible interposer module is disposed in the vacuum compatible base plate such that it operatively connects to the plurality of associated pads on the back side of the vacuum compatible PWB and further operatively connects to a plurality of pads of an external device that is disposed outside the vacuum environment.

Abstract: A fluid cooled thermal management technique for a high-density composite focal plane array (CPFA) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a high density CFPA assembly includes a plurality of imaging dies mounted on a front surface of a printed wiring board (PWB) and a base plate. The base plate has a substantially matched coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to that of the high density CFPA. Further, the high density CFPA is disposed on a front side of the base plate. Furthermore, the base plate has a plurality of integral serpentine fluid flow channels configured to receive and circulate fluid and further configured such that the heat generated by the CFPA is transferred via conduction into the base plate and to the integral serpentine fluid flow channels and to the circulating fluid to dissipate the generated heat.

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: A system and method for situational awareness and target cueing for use in military applications is disclosed. In extreme low light situations where the LLL sensor cannot provide SA information, the system allocates thermal information to the green SA channel to maintain the supply of contextual information to the user and thus situational awareness (SA) never drops below the native resolution of the thermal sensor. This improved SA capability, surpasses any existing LLL sensor technology in a single channel (stand-alone) application in overcast star light and below conditions.

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: 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: A system is provided for semi-active laser designation, the system comprising: a guidance and control system having a plurality of wings disposed at an aerodynamically advantageous angle; a plurality of linear sensor arrays configured to measure location of a target, each the sensor array being disposed on a wing of the plurality of wings; and each the linear sensor array providing independent data to the guidance and control system as to the location of the target.

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: 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: A rigid adaptor ring for coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatched optical device components is disclosed. In one embodiment, either side of the rigid adaptor ring includes one or more mounting pads that are configured to interface between the CTE mismatched optical device components.

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: 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.