Abstract: An integrated LIDAR receiver includes a single detection element to provide both imaging and ranging functions. The single detection element includes an opaque photocathode, a microchannel plate (MCP) electron multiplier, and a phosphor coated anode covered with a metalized layer. The metalized layer on the phosphor anode allows electrons striking the anode to be detected as a prompt electrical current and used as a first output signal to provide ranging information. Visible light (photons) is also output from the anode in response to electrons striking the phosphor in the anode, and is used to provide an intensified image of a scene. The visible light may thereafter be detected by an imaging sensor, such as a CCD camera. The phosphor anode is biased at ground potential. A transimpedance amplifier is coupled to the metalized layer on the phosphor anode and, with the anode being at ground potential, operates with a virtual null input.

Abstract: Corona discharge treatment apparatus for treating or coating a surface of a conductive substrate includes a high voltage radio frequency power supply and a cable having a number of flexible conductors and other components. The cable has a first end connected to the power supply and a second end wherein the other cable components have been removed and the conductors extend from the remainder of the cable. The free ends of the conductors at the second end are disposed in a general non-parallel arrangement and the free end of each conductor is held in a separate insulator which extends beyond the free end it holds. Each free end is movable independently of the other free ends. The conductive substrate is held beneath the cable second end so that the upper surface is engaged by the insulators.

Abstract: A conversion assembly for converting a spectrophotometer to a fluorometer which utilizes the light source and light detector of the spectrophotometer. The assembly has a conversion adaptor which is positionable in the spectrophotometer between the light source and the light detector. The adaptor is an enclosure having a receptacle for holding a sample container filled with the sample being analyzed and having openings formed therein to provide a light path for excitation light from the light source to the sample container and further to provide a light path for emitted luminescent light from the sample container to the light detector. In one embodiment the excitation light is centered on an optical shield on the front of the enclosure while light receiving openings at the edges of the front of the enclosure are positioned to receive off center excitation light.

Abstract: A ceramic superconductor comprises a substantially nonmagnetic preannealed nickel-based alloy substrate which supports a ceramic superconductor. The substrate may include aluminum to strengthen the substrate, make it less magnetic and enhance its chemical compatibility with the ceramic superconductor. The ceramic is formed on the substrate by sintering superconductor grains at temperatures above 1000.degree. C. to enhance densification of the ceramic.

Abstract: A method is provided for removing an anion from an aqueous liquid, such as a fermentation broth. The aqueous broth is contacted with a water-immiscible ion exchange liquid to extract the anion from the broth. The anion exchange liquid is then back extracted with an aqueous phase, to remove the anion, preferably for other uses.

Abstract: High-voltage, solid-state switches that are capable of interrupting current, offer relatively low on-state losses (low forward voltage drop) and provide for high current densities. Low-voltage transistors and silicon-controlled rectifiers are employed to achieve low power losses at high current densities. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a solid-state switch for controlling a source of direct current. The switch includes four switching elements. Each element has a first terminal, a second terminal and a control signal input terminal. The switching elements provide a high resistance to the flow of electrical current in response to a first control signal. A second control signal causes the switching elements to offer a low resistance to the flow of electrical current. The first and second switching elements are connected in series, as are the third and fourth switching elements.

Abstract: A barrier supported by an object, such as a satellite or missile for use in space, for scattering a coherent beam of electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength in a predetermined range of wavelengths which range is within, but does not necessarily fully include, the range of about 0.2 micron to about 11 microns and emanating from a distant source of such radiation. The barrier includes a non-metallic layer formed by a large number of first components and large number of second components with each of the second components spacing adjacent ones of the first components. The first components have a relative high index refraction and the second components have a relatively low index of refraction. The optical thickness of at least a majority of the first and second components is within an order of magnitude of the wavelength of the radiation and both of the components are transparent at the wavelength of the radiation. The layer has a thickness between 0.2 micron and 1000 microns.

Abstract: A process for preparing a superconductor-coated substrate including calcining a mixture of powdered yttrium or rare earth oxide (R), barium carbonate and copper oxide in a controlled atmosphere and in accordance with a predetermined temperature profile to form a superconductor powder having a stoichiometric ratio of R-Ba-Cu of approximately 1-2-3. The melting transition width of the resulting powder is relatively narrow, such that the melting onset temperature is above the high temperatures advantageously used to sinter the powder on the substrate.

Abstract: A pre-existing superconductor ceramic which is bonded to a substrate is passed through a relatively short heating zone to melt the ceramic superconductor. As the superconductor is subsequently cooled after it has passed through the heating zone, a temperature gradient is established along the superconductor which causes the melted crystals to renucleate and grow along and parallel to the temperature gradient. The resulting crystalline structure exhibits improved superconducting properties when the superconductor is placed in the presence of a magnetic field. For appropriate applications, the substrate can be formed as a wire.

Abstract: A coupling circuit (30) connects two three-phase pulse width modulated (PWM) inverter circuits (16, 18), used in conventional manner to power a first load (12), in order to independently power a second load (32). In a preferred embodiment, the two PWM inverter circuits propel an armored vehicle, such as a tank, with one motor driving the right side, and the other motor driving the left side. The propulsion of the vehicle represents the first load. The second load is a pulse forming network (PFN), which PFN powers an electrothermal gun system carried by the vehicle. The coupling circuit includes a transformer (TA, TB, TC) and rectifier circuit (34) for each phase output of the PWM inverters. A primary winding (32) of each transformer is connected between corresponding phase outputs of the two PWM inverters. A secondary winding of each transformer is connected to a respective rectifier circuit. The output of each rectifier circuit is joined with the other rectifier outputs to charge the PFN.

Abstract: The invention relates to the preparation of high purity, chloride- and alkali metal-free copper (II) alkoxides by means of the reaction of an alcoholic alkali metal alkoxide solution with copper (II) fluoride; ammoniating the resulting solution to render soluble the resulting copper (II) alkoxide; and filtering the resulting solution to obtain an alkali metal- and chloride-free alcoholic copper (II) alkoxide solution. The resulting solution is useful in the preparation of superconducting compound such as yttrium-barium-copper oxide superconductor.

Abstract: A method for heat processing a superconductor wire which has a protective silver cladding includes the steps of attaching the coated wire to a spool and then rotating the spool to wind the wire around the spool in juxtaposed coils. As the wire is being wound around the spool, the portions of the wire which are not yet coiled are drawn through a container which holds a paint that contains a silver diffusion inhibiting material. The diffusion inhibiting material is consequently deposited onto the silver cladding of the superconductor wire, and the coiled wire is subsequently placed in a furnace. The wire is heat processed in the furnace as appropriate for the particular type of superconductor material. The diffusion inhibitor material prevents diffusion of silver during the heat processing between portions of the wire which contact each other.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of superconducting polycrystalline ceramic materials by the decomposition of a mixture of isopropoxides.

Abstract: A method for preparing fiber-reinforced refractory composites is provided. A fibrous preform is infiltrated with at least two different refractory material precursors, then heated under conditions suitable to cure and pyrolyze the refractory precursors.

Abstract: Compositions which comprises a major amount of an alkaline earth or alkali metal carboxylate, a minor amount of unreacted base and impurities, and an effective anti-staining amount of an organic chelating agent are useful as non-staining deicing compositions for use on airport runways and taxiways. The preferred alkaline earth carboxylate is calcium magnesium acetate and the preferred chelating agent is EDTA. Processes for preparation of such compositions are described.

Abstract: A process for joining ceramic superconductor fibers with a channel to fabricate a superconductor wire includes feeding the fibers into the channel and continuously dispensing a flowable solder paste into the channel over the fibers. The combination of channel, fibers and solder paste is then subjected to a rapid rise in temperature which sequentially activates the flux in the solder paste and then melts the solder. After the workpiece is cooled and the separated flux has been removed, a superconductor wire has been fabricated.

Abstract: A compact transmitting device located in an exploding projectile transmits an RF pulse upon explosion of the projectile. Receipt of the RF pulse, through triangulation or equivalent techniques, identifies the burst point of the projectile. The transmitting device comprises a magnetic circuit that includes a permanent magnet, a ferromagnetic core having an air gap some distance from the permanent magnet, and a coil in the air gap. Stored energy in the permanent magnet is converted into a high power electrical pulse when the permanent magnet is destroyed. Prior to destruction of the magnet, a constant high magnetic flux exists in the air gap, but induces no current in the coil because it is a constant flux. Upon destruction of the permanent magnet, the magnetic flux changes rapidly, causing a high power electrical pulse to be generated.

Abstract: A method of making high T.sub.c 1-2-3 superconductors having perovskite structure using solution techniques is disclosed. The process uses two solvent systems to form a resinous preceramic material having a controlled viscosity for facilitating its formation into superconducting articles such as fibers, wires, ribbons, films and the like. The process yields a pre-ceramic which is flexible and which has sufficient structural integrity to withstand normal handling.

Abstract: A high power multiple pulse generator includes a plurality of transmission line sections, adjacent sections of which are coupled together by a saturable inductor. One transmission line section is switchably connected to a load impedance through an output switch. With the output switch open, the coupled transmission line sections are charged to a desired voltage potential. A burst of multiple pulses is generated by closing the output switch, causing the charge on the transmission line section connected to the load through the closed switch to be delivered to the load as a first pulse. This first pulse has an amplitude equal to one half of the charging potential and a duration that is a function of the length of the transmission line section. Once this first pulse is delivered to the load, a voltage is developed across the saturable inductor coupling the discharged transmission line section with an adjacent charged transmission line section, causing current to flow therethrough.