Abstract: Various techniques are provided for performing detection using a focal plane array (FPA). For example, in one embodiment, a unit cell of an FPA may be implemented to support rapid sampling in response to one or more laser pulses reflected from an object or feature of interest. An FPA implemented with such unit cells may be used, for example, in an imaging system capable of detecting a plurality of two dimensional image frames and providing a three dimensional image using the detected two dimensional image frames. Other applications of such rapid sampling unit cells are also contemplated.

Abstract: Systems and methods directed to calibration techniques for infrared cameras are disclosed. For example, a method of obtaining calibration information for an infrared device includes providing a calibration target adapted to provide a low-emissivity scene; performing a calibration operation on the infrared device to obtain the calibration information; and storing the calibration information.

Abstract: Imaging systems in which an undedicated optical component—i.e., a component that would be present in the system even in the absence of image stabilization—is configured to undergo corrective motion and/or other correction of image data, and thus to function as a stabilization component. The stabilization component may be a mirror and/or a lens, and a positioner may be provided to tilt, rotate, and/or otherwise precisely adjust the position and orientation of the stabilization component to improve image resolution, compensate for platform motions such as platform vibration, and/or improve image tracking. Because an undedicated optical component functions as the stabilization component, the stabilization occurs upstream, rather than downstream, from separation (if any) of the incoming image data into two or more beams.

Abstract: An imager array may be provided as part of an imaging system. The imager array may include a plurality of sensor arrays (e.g., also referred to as lenslets or optical elements). Each sensor array may include a plurality of sensors (e.g., pixels) associated with a lens. The sensor arrays may be oriented, for example, substantially in a plane facing the same direction and configured to detect images from the same scene (e.g., target area). Such images may be processed in accordance with various techniques to provide images of electromagnetic radiation. The sensor arrays may include filters or lens coatings to selectively detect desired ranges of electromagnetic radiation. Such arrangements of sensor arrays in an imager array may be used to advantageous effect in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a detector includes an AlxIn(1-x)Sb absorber layer, and an AlyIn(1-y)Sb passivation layer disposed above the AlxIn(1-x)Sb absorber layer, wherein x<y. The detector further includes a junction formed in a region of the AlxIn(1-x)Sb absorber layer, and a metal contact disposed above the junction and through the AlyIn(1-y)Sb passivation layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide an infrared-transmissive dome, such as for infrared imaging applications. For example, an infrared-transmissive dome, for an embodiment, includes a main body providing a hollow, hemispherical-shaped dome; wherein the main body is made of an ultra-high molecular weight or a very-high molecular weight polyethylene material; and wherein the main body has a wall thickness equal to or less than approximately 0.012 inches to allow infrared transmittance greater than approximately sixty five percent through the main body for infrared imaging in a wavelength range of approximately three to fourteen micrometers.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a detector includes an AlzIn(1-x)Sb passivation/etch stop layer, an AlxIn(1-x)Sb absorber layer disposed above the Alzn(1-x)Sb passivation/etch stop layer, and an AlIn(1-y)Sb passivation layer disposed above the AlxIn(1-x)Sb absorber layer, wherein x<z and x<y. The detector further includes a junction formed in a region of the AlxIn(1?x)Sb absorber layer, and a metal contact disposed above the junction and through the AlyIn(1-y)Sb passivation layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide an infrared-transmissive dome, such as for infrared imaging applications. For example, an infrared camera system includes a housing having a lens coupled to the housing and an infrared detector within the housing configured to receive infrared energy passing through the lens. An infrared-transmissive dome, coupled to the infrared camera system, includes a main body providing a hollow, hemispherical-shaped dome, with the main body made of an ultra-high molecular weight or a very-high molecular weight polyethylene material. The main body may have a wall thickness equal to or less than approximately 0.012 inches to allow infrared transmittance greater than approximately sixty five percent through the main body to the lens for infrared imaging in a wavelength range of approximately three to fourteen micrometers.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide automated testing on infrared image data to detect image quality defects. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, image processing algorithms are disclosed to generate an image quality metric that may be compared to one or more thresholds to perform an automated test for image quality defects. For example, the image quality metric may be compared to two thresholds to determine if the corresponding infrared sensor or infrared camera is defective or not due to image quality or requires further manual inspection by test personnel.

Abstract: Systems and methods provide scene-based non-uniformity correction for infrared images, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Abstract: In a night vision arrangement for a motor vehicle in which a camera captures an infra-red image of the roadway in front of the vehicle, a video signal generated by the camera is processed by a signal processor so that the field of view of the image displayed by a display unit is selected in accordance with a control signal. The control signal is generated by a signal generator which is responsive to one or more parameters of the movement of the vehicle. The width of the field of view may be decreased with increasing speed. The axial direction of the field of view may be adjusted depending upon the nature of a turning movement of the vehicle.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention concern a passive discharge assembly comprising one or more substantially sharp electrode pins that are positioned proximate to a charged, insulating surface, such as the optical entrance and exit surface of a Q-switch crystal, e.g., lithium niobate (LiNbO3). The electrode pins are connected either to the ground or, alternatively, to a static source of neutralizing charge. The purpose of the electrodes is to ionize the air near the tips due to the high electric field generated by the surface charge. The air ions, in turn, neutralize the surface charge as they are attracted to the surface due to the electrical attraction. In the absence of a surface charge, no air ionization occurs. In one embodiment, the electrode pins are located near the Q-switch crystal surface, but outside the path of the laser beam propagating into and out of the Q-switch crystal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing foveal images. For example, high and low resolution images can be combined to provide foveal images. Parameters other than resolution can vary between the larger and smaller images of the foveal image. Real, artificial, 2D and 3D images can be used in any desired combination to form foveal images. The use of such foveal images can substantially enhance the ability of viewers to accurately and reliably interpret the content of images and provide reduce bandwidth for image transmission.

Abstract: Systems, including apparatus and methods, for obtaining and/or correcting images, particularly from atmospheric and/or other distortions. These corrections may involve, among others, determining corrective information in a first (e.g., visible) wavelength regime, and then applying the corrective information in a second (e.g., longer) wavelength regime, such as infrared (IR) or millimeter-wave (MMW) wavelengths, in real time or with post-processing. For example, these corrections may include scaling a phase diversity correction from one wavelength to another. These systems may be useful in any suitable imaging context, including navigation, targeting, search and rescue, law enforcement, and/or surveillance, among others.

Abstract: A miniature cooling device includes numerous improvements capable of increasing the reliability and useful lifetime of the device, as well as improving electrical power to cooling power conversion efficiency. The improvements include a DC motor shaft design that incorporates a flywheel mass 314 with a solid shaft cross-section 300 for increasing shaft stiffness and magnetic flux density in the DC motor. Additional improvements include a bend resistant flexible vane 1114 in the DC motor to compression piston drive coupler, and a sealed cover set configured to be removable to make a motor repair and then replaced.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention concern a passive discharge assembly comprising one or more substantially sharp electrode pins that are positioned proximate to a charged, insulating surface, such as the optical entrance and exit surface of a Q-switch crystal, e.g., lithium niobate (LiNbO3). The electrode pins are connected either to the ground or, alternatively, to a static source of neutralizing charge. The purpose of the electrodes is to ionize the air near the tips due to the high electric field generated by the surface charge. The air ions, in turn, neutralize the surface charge as they are attracted to the surface due to the electrical attraction. In the absence of a surface charge, no air ionization occurs. In one embodiment, the electrode pins are located near the Q-switch crystal surface, but outside the path of the laser beam propagating into and out of the Q-switch crystal.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for improving the dynamic range of infrared detection systems and for determining physical properties of a graybody are disclosed. For example, a mechanical superframing technique may comprise positioning a first set of filters in the optical path of an infrared camera at a first time, receiving infrared light from an object through the first set of filters at a detector array, acquiring first subframe image data for the object, positioning a second set of filters in the optical path of the infrared camera at a later time, receiving infrared light from the object through the second set of filters, acquiring second subframe image data for the object, and generating first superframe data based on at least some of the first subframe image data and at least some of the second subframe image data.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for forming interconnects between semiconductor devices in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. For example, a method of forming interconnects between semiconductor devices includes depositing a plurality of first contacts on a plurality of corresponding first pads of a first semiconductor device; forming a plurality of plated contacts on a plurality of corresponding second pads of a second semiconductor device; aligning the plurality of first contacts with the plurality of plated contacts; and joining the plurality of first contacts to the plurality of plated contacts to form the interconnects between the first semiconductor device and the second semiconductor device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide improved infrared camera techniques for vehicular applications. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a vehicle includes at least a first plate to reflect infrared energy and an infrared camera to detect the infrared energy reflected from the first plate(s) to provide infrared images. The plate allows the infrared camera to provide a desired line of sight view without requiring the infrared camera to be directly within the line of sight.