Abstract: A signal processing in the element (SPRITE) thermal imaging system (20) is provided which has an electronic zoom. The system has an optics and scanning assembly (24) that scans energy from a scene (26) onto an array of SPRITE detectors (28) which generate a plurality of analog signals (30) that are proportional to the flux of infrared light received by each of the SPRITE detectors (28). The optics and scanning assembly (24) scans at a rate which is based on an optics and scanning assembly timing scheme and a digital scan converter (32) processes the analog signals (30) and generates a resultant digital output (34) for image production of the scene. The digital scan converter (32) processes the analog signals based upon a digital scan converter timing scheme. A timing and control unit (40) is used for controlling synchronization and alters the timing schemes to increase resolution and sensitivity.

Abstract: A system for correcting detector array channel signal output level non-uniformities in a thermal imaging system. The non-uniformity correction system includes a target scene detector (27) having an array of detector elements (26a, 26b) responsive to energy from a detected target scene (14) and including a plurality of associated output channels (31, 32). The system includes a memory (62) for storing non-uniformity correction commands and a processor (82) operative to implement the non-uniformity commands in response to detected non-uniformities in the output channels signal. The system also includes a non-uniformity corrector (60) for adjusting the level of the output channels in response to commands from the processor (82).

Abstract: A method for residual coding of model failure regions in compressed video sequences in which a database of residuals for previous model failures is maintained at both the encoder and the decoder. The residuals for each determined model failure regions are compared with the residuals for previous model failures for the same region. In the event a current residual is identified in the database, only the index to the residual in the database needs to be sent. An additional residual taken after the model failure region has been partially corrected with a current residual identified in the database may also be transmitted. This mode provides increased quality at reduced bit rates by maximizing the utilization of previously transmitted or stored data. The process continuously updates the database at both the encoder and decoder when the current residual is not found. The process uses residuals of residuals to provide increased quality of reduced bit rates.

Abstract: A signal processing in the element (SPRITE) thermal imaging system (20) is provided which has automatic gain control, level control, and delining. An array of SPRITE detectors (22) generate a plurality of analog signals which are proportional to the flux of infrared light received by each of the detectors (22). A digital scan converter (137) processes the analog signals and generates a resultant digital output (188) which contains digital image data for image production. A first plurality of sample-servo control loops (278, 280, 282, 284) provides automatic gain control using the digital output (188) and a second plurality of sample-servo control loops (286, 288, 290, 292) provides automatic level control using the digital output (188). A deliner is provided for normalizing differences which result from variations between detectors (22).

Abstract: A codeword generator produces codewords in the form of digital electronic signals which may be employed, for example, in spread spectrum communications system or RADAR systems. The generator effects a mixing ergodic transformation upon a suitable irrational number to produce a complex number sequence. The generator truncates the complex number sequence to a predetermined length, thus forming a codeword. The generator then forms other codewords within a family by permuting this first codeword. Other families of codewords may be generated by employing another mixing ergodic transform to transform the same irrational number or another suitable irrational number.

Abstract: Wave-number-frequency adaptive beamforming using a reduced rank k-.omega. matrix method. A spatial Fourier transform of the narrowband receiver outputs for the sensors in a linear array is taken to enter the wave number space and generate M independent spatial wave number beams w. The spatial FFT outputs are used to form the entries in a matrix of eigenvectors, wherein the k-th eigenvector represents a set of spatial convolution coefficients. The spatial wave number beams are weighted in an adaptation process by the spatial convolution coefficients to form a beam steered in the direction of a k-th signal source.

Abstract: A large area radiation detector (1) includes a volume of semiconductor material (24) that is responsive to ionizing radiation for generating charge carriers, a first electrode (26) coupled to one surface of the volume of semiconductor material, and a plurality of second electrodes (20, 22) coupled to a second surface of the volume of semiconductor material. Individual ones of the second electrodes are associated with an underlying region of the volume of semiconductor material for collecting charge carriers from the underlying region. The detector further includes circuitry (30, 31, 32) coupled to the plurality of second electrodes for summing charge carriers collected by the plurality of second electrodes to produce an output signal, and a mechanism for selectively decoupling individual ones of the second electrodes from the circuitry.

Abstract: Metal organic acid salt solutions for use as precursor materials for forming layered ferroelectric thin films are synthesized using an organic acid anhydride as the exchange reagent. The reaction is much faster than previous techniques, allows exact control of exchange with control of hydrolysis product, and may be used to control the solvent of the final solution. The reaction creates no water, and can be used to exactly control the extent of reaction of all metals. By using less than or equal to a stoichiometric amount of anhydride and then further reacting the remaining alkoxides, lower carbon content solutions with less decomposable organic can be formed. As such, the present invention discloses a much improved and faster synthesis technique giving improved solutions and corresponding thin film metal oxide compositions with improved and consistent electrical performance.

Abstract: An improved imaging technique is disclosed wherein an output from an IR-FPA (16) corresponds to image motion, wherein a scene image stays correlated with the IR-FPA readout, and wherein non-uniformities (e.g., fixed pattern spatial noise) are uncorrelated from frame to frame. The uncorrelated fixed pattern spatial noise is identified and removed by a signal processor, such as a SB-NUC block (24). The scene image is scanned over the IR-FPA by a dither mirror (14) in synchronism with the movement of a frame of pixels (17) on the IR-FPA. Electronics (16a, 16b, 30, 32, 34) are included on the IR-FPA for controlling the scanning and read out of pixels within a currently selected frame.

Abstract: The composition of an electrically conductive mixture, preferably a mixture of gasoline and alcohol, is measured using a single measurement cell having a first electrode and a second electrode with a measurement space therebetween for receiving a specimen of the mixture. With a specimen of the mixture in the measurement space, the first electrode is alternatively connected to a reference discharge voltage, preferably ground, and to a feedback control voltage. A first operational state encompasses the period when the first electrode is connected to the reference discharge voltage and a second operational state encompasses the period when the first electrode is connected to the feedback control voltage. A first operational state peak voltage is measured during the first operational state, and a peak second operational state voltage is measured during the second operational state.

Abstract: An image conversion device (14) comprising a detector (38) for detecting an infrared image and an image converter (40) for converting the infrared image to a visible image. The detector (38) and the image converter (40) are disposed on a single substrate. The detector (38) includes an array of multiple quantum well detectors (38) formed of GaAs or GaAlAs. The image converter (40) includes an array of light emitting diodes formed of GaAsP deposited on the array of multiple quantum well detectors (38). A photoemissive surface (28) is formed on the array of light emitting diodes (40) and a phosphor screen (30) displays the visible image.

Abstract: An infrared (IR) microlens array has a plurality of microlenses (12) aligned with respective IR detector array pixels (6) to focus incoming IR radiation onto the pixels (6) to improve the efficiency of IR detection, and a gas molecule getter grating (14) inside a vacuum-sealed Dewar assembly that houses the detector array (4) increases the surface area of the getter (15) to improve the efficiency of removing residual gas molecules from the Dewar assembly.

Abstract: An energy storage cell includes a cylindrical pressure vessel, a porous ceramic coating on the interior surface of the pressure vessel, a plurality of insulating stripes of an electrically insulating polymeric coating on the interior surface of the porous ceramic coating, and a plurality of catalytic stripes of a catalytic material overlying the plurality of insulating stripes. The insulating material is preferably a polymer such as polytetrafluoroethylene. The catalytic material catalyzes the chemical combination of hydrogen and oxygen, and is preferably a mixture of platinum powder, polytetrafluoroethylene, and methocel. The insulating stripes and catalytic stripes lie around the circumference of the cylindrical pressure vessel and extend parallel to the cylindrical axis of the cylindrical pressure vessel. The energy storage cell further includes a plate stack having a plurality of plate sets within the wall of the pressure vessel, with the plate sets lying perpendicular to the cylindrical axis.

Abstract: Surface preparation methods and materials that provide corrosion protection for aluminum and its alloys without the use of chromate and that protects aluminum surfaces against corrosion nearly as well as a chromate conversion coating. In accordance with the present methods, aluminum parts are degreased in a general purpose cleaner and rinsed in hot tap water. The parts are then cleaned using alkaline cleaner and then rinsed in cold tap water. The parts are then deoxidized using one of two alternative steps. The parts may be deoxidized using a 20-25 volume percent Smut-Go NC solution at room temperature for 15-25 minutes. The parts may alternatively be deoxidized using a solution of 10% HNO.sub.3 and 3% NaBrO.sub.4 dissolved in water at room temperature for 15-25 minutes. The deoxidized aluminum parts are then rinsed in cold tap water. The parts are then immersed in boiling deionized water and then sealed using a 1% LiNO.sub.3, 10% Al(NO.sub.3).sub.3 and 10% aluminum silicate solution.

Abstract: An epitaxial structure suitable for use in a light-emitting device having at least one operating frequency in the visible range, and a method for providing the same. The epitaxial structure includes a semiconductor substrate which is transparent at the operating frequency, an output mirror lattice-matched to the substrate and comprising at least one pair of semiconductor layers having substantially different refractive indices and an active region lattice-matched to the substrate and having a bandgap narrower than the bandgap of the output mirror.

Abstract: A method and system that provides power to an antenna clearing device through a coaxial cable used to transmit the satellite signals is disclosed. Receiver decoder box for receiving satellite signals via an LNB is connected to the LNB by the coaxial cable. The antenna clearing device is also connected to the coaxial cable. A power source within the box provides power to the LNB and the antenna clearing device via the coaxial cable.

Abstract: Methods of forming two-sided high density multilayer interconnect (HDMI) structures on a relatively large carrier and subsequently releasing and removing one or more structures to provide useable flexible interconnects or decals. In general, a carrier is provided and a release layer is formed on the carrier. Flexible high density multilayer interconnect structures are fabricated on the release layer. The release layer is processed to release and remove one or more flexible HDMI structures from the carrier. The carrier may be an ultraviolet transparent substrate, such as quartz, for example, and the release layer may be a polyimide layer. The HDMI structures are released by irradiating the release layer through the transparent carrier using ultraviolet radiation from an ultraviolet radiation source. Alternatively, a silicon carrier may be used that has a metal or silicon dioxide release layer formed thereon.

Abstract: Spring loaded rotary connectors that comprise a first wiring board having one or more sets of electrically conductive concentric circuits or rings formed thereon, that has one or more raised contacts, or looped-shaped dimples, for every ring. In a first embodiment, the first wiring board faces a second wiring board having electrically conductive concentric rings or circuits that form contacts. The first wiring board is coupled to a moving (rotating) component while the second wiring board is coupled to a stationary component, or vice-versa. The sliding rings and dimples (contacts) on the adjacent wiring boards permit signals and power to be transferred from the moving part of the connector to the stationary part thereof.

Abstract: A soldering tool that comprises a selected salt, including Group I and II halides such as potassium chloride, for example, that is transparent to infrared energy. A selected salt is formed into a tool having a specific shape for placement during soldering. The tool is used to position and hold component leads during infrared soldering. The tool is formed into a shape that matches the shape of a component and whose leads are to be soldered. The tool is configured so that it may be disposed over the component so that the tool contacts the leads and causes them to contact pads to which the leads. The tool is reusable in that after showing signs of wear, it may be recycled, reformed, and reused. An infrared soldering method for soldering leads to pads comprises the following steps. The tool is fabricated from a material that is transparent to infrared radiation. The tool formed into a shape that matches the shape of the component and contacts the leads to cause them to contact the pads.

Abstract: A microelectronic device is fabricated by furnishing a first substrate (40) having a silicon etchable layer (42), a silicon dioxide etch-stop layer (44) overlying the silicon layer (42), and a single-crystal silicon wafer (46) overlying the etch-stop layer (44), the wafer (46) having a front surface (52) not contacting the etch stop layer (44). A microelectronic circuit element (50) is formed in the single-crystal silicon wafer (46). The method further includes attaching the front surface (52) of the single-crystal silicon wafer (46) to a second substrate (58), and etching away the silicon layer (42) of the first substrate (40) down to the etch-stop layer (44). The second substrate (58) may also have a microelectronic circuit element (58') therein that can be electrically interconnected to the microelectronic circuit element (50).