Abstract: A flat response position sensitive neutron detector capable of providing neutron spectroscopic data utilizing scintillator fiber optic filaments embedded in a neutron moderating housing having an open end through which neutrons enter to be detected.

Abstract: An improved housing for use in a laser pump module, including a laser rod housed within a sleeve and laser diodes providing the rod excitation, wherein the main housing structure is constructed from a single piece of material and formed with internal interconnected internal passageways to provide for efficient cooling of the pump sources and the sleeve provides the outer wall of the coolant passage for cooling of the laser rod.

Abstract: An improved housing for use in a laser pump module, including a laser rod housed within a sleeve and laser diodes providing the rod excitation, wherein the main housing structure is constructed from a single piece of material and formed with internal interconnected internal passageways to provide for efficient cooling of the pump sources and the sleeve provides the outer wall of the coolant passage for cooling of the laser rod.

Abstract: An eye-safe laser operating at high efficiency, pulse repetition rate and power output is described. The laser comprises a diode-array pumped laser having a pumping wavelength range which produces a polarized output beam. The output beam passes through a nonlinear tunable parametric converter crystal having X, Y, and Z principal axes. Noncritical phase matching is produced in said laser by phase matching for a beam propagation parallel to a principal axis which results in a high efficiency of laser operation. The nonlinear tunable parametric converter crystal converts the wavelength of an otherwise unsafe laser beam output to one that is harmlessly absorbed by the human eye.

Abstract: A large area nuclear detection system with high resolution includes a sensor formed of scintillating optical fibers and a remotely located detector comprising at least a pair of microchannel plate photomultiplier tubes, with the sensitive area of the sensor being many times the area of the detectors. Two linear arrays of optical fibers are arranged orthogonally to define a sensor matrix of rows and columns of fibers. Nuclear radiation from a particle at the sensor is converted to optical energy by the sensor. A microchannel PMT is connected with each array for measuring the optical energy output of the fibers thereof to determine the row and column location of the nuclear particle in accordance with the quantity of energy received from the fibers. Thus, nuclear radiation can be detected over a large area with a high degree of accuracy and resolution.

Abstract: A high intensity laser radiation protection system is characterized by the use of a thin film reflector structure which is operable to terminate transmission of optical signals to an optical sensor in response to high intensity laser radiation. The thin film reflector includes a glass substrate having a thin layer of radiation absorption material applied thereto with a thin layer of reflective metal film applied to the absorption layer. The absorption layer has a low melting and vaporization temperature, and the layer of metal film has a thickness affording passage of a limited amount of laser radiation to the absorption layer. When laser radiation having a predetermined intensity is received by the absorption layer, the absorption layer rapidly melts and destroys the metal film layer to terminate optical transmission to the optical sensor, thereby preventing damage to the sensor from the laser radiation.

Abstract: An improved wire detection and avoidance system for helicopters is characterized by the use of a solid state laser transmitter which emits radiation in the near infrared wavelength region. Using either a beam dividing device or a plurality of laser diode arrays, separate laser beam lobes are generated which are passed through optical lenses for deflection in slightly different directions to define a field of coverage. A wire obstacle in the field of coverage intercepts one or more of the lobes and reflects return signals thereof to a receiver detector array. The return signals are compared with the transmitted laser lobes, with the difference therebetween being a function of the range between the obstacle and the helicopter. The range information is displayed to the pilot who then takes evasive action to avoid striking the obstacle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructive monitoring of the performance parameters of a photodiode prior to integration into a focal plane array are characterized by the use of electron tunneling techniques. The photodiode under test is illuminated with infrared radiation to generate a current therein. The current within the photodiode is measured by a contactless tunnel current probe. The measured current is electrically processed to determine the dynamic resistance and responsitivity of the photodiode in order to evaluate its performance. The apparatus can also be used for testing integrated circuits in the active mode at a plurality of locations.