Abstract: Air loaded stripline assemblies and methods for providing same are disclosed. The air loaded stripline assembly includes circuit board layers interconnected to one another. A layer containing a conductive trace forming a stripline is connected to spacer layers. The spacer layers include voids or relieved areas, that define cavities adjacent areas of the stripline layer on which the stripline is formed. Ground plane layers are interconnected to the spacer layers, bounding the cavities. The air loaded stripline assembly can additionally incorporate conductive vias for electrically interconnecting the stripline to other components or assemblies. The air loaded stripline assembly can be formed using conventional printed circuit board techniques.

Abstract: A passive proximity detection system and method are provided. A transmitted signal, such as a communication signal, is sampled and placed in memory. A version of the transmitted signal, reflected by a target in the vicinity of the transmitting antenna, is sampled and compared to the stored reference sample. Correlation between the reference and reflected samples indicates the presence of a target in the vicinity of the transmitting antenna. Processing of the signals can include frequency shifts to account for Doppler shifts in the reflected energy as a result of a non-zero relative radial velocity of the target. Multiple antennas for receiving reflected energy can be provided to enhance the coverage area of the system, and/or to provide information regarding the relative location of a target. In addition, signals from multiple transmitting antennas can be used as sources of energy for probing the vicinity of those antennas for targets.

Abstract: The present invention pertains in general to a single, integrated flash LADAR system and method. The system includes data processing hardware and software, a passive two-dimensional camera, a three-dimensional camera, a light source, and a common optical path. One or more star trackers can also be included. In addition, auxiliary components, such as an inertial measurement unit and a global positioning system receiver can be included. The system can be closely integrated with a critical algorithm suite that operates in multiple modes, in real-time to enable landing, docking, and navigation functions, such as Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Altimetry, Velocimetry, Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA), and dust penetration.

Abstract: A multilayer insulation with an array of rigid posts is provided. In particular, the posts are comprised of multiple post elements that are interconnected to radiation shields or sheets comprising the layers of the integrated multi-layer insulation structure. The post elements maintain spacing between adjacent sheets, thus maintaining a volume between the sheets. The post elements within a post can be attached to one another to form an integrated post structure. Moreover, neighboring posts can be interconnected to one another by beams. The post elements can also be configured so that, when the IMLI structure is not subjected to atmospheric pressure, the elements within a post are separated from one another to form gaps, thereby reducing heat transfer between layers.

Abstract: Field widening lens methods and systems are provided. The field widening lens includes a non-planar primary mirror and a secondary mirror. In addition, separate input and output ports are provided. The field widening lens further provides for an optical path difference for rays within the lens that is essentially zero for any ray within the field of view of an optical system including the field widening lens, regardless of the angle at which the ray entered the lens.

Abstract: Mitigation of the effects of multipath signals is provided. Such mitigation can include electronically steering the main beam of a receive pattern associated with a phased array antenna away from a transmitting antenna. In addition, a phase taper is applied to groups of antenna elements to create a null in the main beam, bifurcating that beam. The multipath signal may be placed in or towards the null, while the direct path signal may be placed on one of the halves of the main beam adjacent the null, such that the signal strength of the multipath signal is attenuated as compared to the signal strength of the direct path signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dispersive spectrometer. The spectrometer allows detection of multiple orders of light on a single focal plane array by splitting the orders spatially using a dichroic assembly. A conventional dispersion mechanism such as a defraction grating disperses the light spectrally. As a result, multiple wavelength orders can be imaged on a single focal plane array of limited spectral extent, doubling (or more) the number of spectral channels as compared to a conventional spectrometer. In addition, this is achieved in a common path device.

Abstract: A multilayer insulation with an array of rigid posts is provided. In particular, the posts are comprised of multiple post elements that are interconnected to radiation shields or sheets comprising the layers of the integrated multi-layer insulation structure. The post elements maintain spacing between adjacent sheets, thus maintaining a volume between the sheets. The post elements within a post can be attached to one another to form an integrated post structure. Moreover, neighboring posts can be interconnected to one another by beams. The post elements can also be configured so that, when the IMLI structure is not subjected to atmospheric pressure, the elements within a post are separated from one another to form gaps, thereby reducing heat transfer between layers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to imaging systems that generally include at least a first substrate, on which a charge coupled device imaging sensor array is formed, and a second substrate on which readout circuitry is formed. Information related to the amount of light incident on pixels included in the imaging sensor array is passed to the readout circuitry as a voltage signal over an interconnection between the imaging sensor array and the readout circuitry. Accordingly, the readout circuitry may sample the output of the imaging sensor array multiple times. The system allows different processes to be used for forming the imaging sensor array and the readout circuitry, while also supporting multiple samples of information provided by the imaging sensor array.

Abstract: The present invention pertains in general to a single, integrated flash LADAR system and method. The system includes data processing hardware and software, a passive two-dimensional camera, a three-dimensional camera, a light source, and a common optical path. One or more star trackers can also be included. In addition, auxiliary components, such as an inertial measurement unit and a global positioning system receiver can be included. The system can be closely integrated with a critical algorithm suite that operates in multiple modes, in real-time to enable landing, docking, and navigation functions, such as Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Altimetry, Velocimetry, Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA), and dust penetration.

Abstract: A pulse data recorder system and method are provided. Upon the arrival or occurrence of an event or signal, the state of a digital switch is set. Upon receiving a pulse from a readout clock, the state of the switch is stored in a buffer memory, and the state of the switch is reset. As the readout clock is run, a time history of the state of the switch is obtained. The pulse data recorder can feature a plurality of unit cells, for use in imaging or other multiple pixel applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a numerous user laser communications optical system. Numerous optical signals comprising a number of channels are simultaneously received and demultiplexed (and/or multiplexed and transmitted) at a numerous access communication device. The numerous access communication device may comprise multiple stages that each include a multiple order waveplate and a polarizing beam splitter. The multiple order waveplate is configured so that it retards a first electrical field component of signals corresponding to certain channels in a frequency grid in an integer multiple of wavelengths with respect to a second electrical field component, and retards a first electrical field component of signals corresponding to other channels in the frequency grid in an integer multiple of wavelengths plus one-half a wavelength with respect to a second electrical field component. Separation can then be performed on the basis of the resulting opposite polarization.

Abstract: Embedded surface wave antenna elements incorporating different dielectric materials or other features are provided. The different dielectric materials can arranged adjacent a feed, to absorb energy that can cause undesirable reflections in the antenna element. In addition or alternatively, different dielectric materials can be arranged to alter the velocity of energy through the antenna element, and to control or attenuate the formation of nulls in the far field at angles of interest. The control or attenuation of nulls in the far field at angles of interest can further be controlled through contouring an antenna element ground plane in a lens region of the antenna element. A buried feed arrangement is also described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for characterizing the spectral response function of hyperspectral electro-optical instruments or imaging spectrometers are provided. The system includes a test instrument that provides energy comprising multiple discrete wavelengths to the entrance slit of an instrument under test simultaneously. The provided energy can be scanned in the spectral dimension by changing the optical distance between the plates of a Fabry-Perot etalon incorporated into the test instrument. In addition, the energy provided to the instrument under test can be scanned in the spatial dimension by changing the location along the slit of the instrument under test at which the energy from the test instrument is provided.

Abstract: A high sensitivity, single chip, low light level imaging device is provided. The imaging device of the present invention utilizes sparse color sampling, to maximize the luminance information gathered. In particular, color information is gathered by a small proportion of the pixels included in an image sensor, while the remaining pixels operate at full spectrum sensitivity. The present invention allows the correct hue of objects to be determined, while providing high sensitivity to available luminance information in a scene. The imaging device can include a global near infrared blocking filter that can be selectively placed in the optical path of the device. In addition or alternatively, opaque pixels may be included in the image sensor to correct for errors caused by charge diffusion.

Abstract: A modular electronic architecture according to which electrical components are distributed across substantially identical, interconnected circuit elements or assemblies is provided. Scaling of the electronic device can be achieved by selecting different numbers of circuit elements. Embodiments of the present invention may also provide for a compact assembly, formed from interconnection of separate circuit boards in a stack. Particular applications include the provision of beam forming networks in connection with phased array antennas in which the beam forming networks are formed on circuit boards having an area that is about the same size as the area of a circuit board on which the antenna elements are formed.

Abstract: The invention provides a fluorocarbon coating having a reduced surface energy that has low susceptibility to molecular and particulate contamination. The fluorocarbon coating is stable and functional in vacuum. The fluorocarbon coating is stable to chemical solvents, cryogenic temperatures, and temperatures as high as 400° C. The fluorocarbon coating may be deposited as a thin film or produced as a modification to a surface of optical instruments without significant alteration of the optical characteristics. The fluorocarbon coating may reside on a textured substrate or include texturing within the process to further enhance the contamination resistant qualities of the treated surface. The fluorocarbon coating may be graded in composition throughout the coating layer. The invention can be used on surfaces that operate in aerospace environments and in dusty environments where contamination is an important consideration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting small shifts in optical wavelength is provided. Light having a known wavelength is directed towards a target volume in the atmosphere. Light reflected from the target volume is received and mixed with differentially delayed copies of itself to produce three interference signals. The interference signals are taken at delays spanning one-half the wavelength of the transmitted signal. The intensity of the signal at the three different delays is measured simultaneously, from which the wavelength of the reflected signal can be determined.

Abstract: A low-profile lens element for steering a beam is provided. Specifically, the low-profile lens element is mechanically rotatable such that a beam can be steered in any direction within three-dimensional space. The lens element may include a number of discrete portions for differentially delaying adjacent discrete portions of a beam in order to effect beam steering.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple access space laser communications optical system. According to the present invention, multiple optical signals containing a number of channels are simultaneously received and demultiplexed at a multiple access communication device. Separate communication signals may be multiplexed by the multiple access communication device, and transmitted through the same or a different telescope optical assembly used to receive communication signals. Double-pass reflection is used to selectively polarize signals and to ensure that signals are substantial normal to optical bandpass filters, to avoid large shifts in the wavelengths transmitted by the optical bandpass filters. The system is capable of providing discrete communications with a number of communication endpoints, regardless of where the communication endpoints are located within the field of view of the telescope optical assembly.