Abstract: The disclosed method and means measure the characteristics of an optical device by directing light waves by normal-incidence sub-aperture interferometry on the optical device, shear-polarizing the light directed onto the optical device, and analyzing the results of the interference to obtain the characteristics of the optical device

Abstract: A gas laser of the excimer type in which an open waveguide is employed, in which the excimer medium is moved to and through the open waveguide in a direction transverse to the optical axis. A discharge cell is defined by the upper and lower slabs of the open waveguide, and if desired, a microwave source is provided which supplies microwave energy to the discharge cell volume to excite the excimer medium and to initiate discharge.

Abstract: In the disclosed laser system, electrodes establish discharge channels between and parallel to the surfaces of an open two-dimensional waveguide. An optical resonator forms an axis transverse to the channels between the surfaces. An electromagnetic arrangement forms an alternating magnetic field transverse to the discharges and the axis to produce a back-and-forth magnetic force on the discharge current flow and create a time-average homogeneity of the discharge in the waveguide cavity. A circulating arrangement cools and circulates laser gas through the cavity parallel to the discharge channels.

Abstract: The presence of dangerous substances such as cocaine is detected by atmospheric samples that include the residues (such as ether) of the manufacture of the suspected substances into a gas chromatograph to remove substances other than the residues and thereafter drawing them into a proportional counter chamber having a high voltage and a signal wire. A laser passes light capable of exciting the suspected residues through the proportional counter to produce ionization and generate a photoelectron. The signal wire passes this to an analyzer which indicates the presence of the suspected residues.

Abstract: Diamonds or diamond like substances are formed by breaking covalent bonds of fullerene and/or azite particles in the presence of carbon containing gases to form tetrahedral diamond like structures.

Abstract: The disclosed method and means measure the characteristics of an optical device by directing light waves by normal-incidence sub-aperture interferometry on the optical device, shear-polarizing the light directed onto the optical device, and analyzing the results of the interference to obtain the characteristics of the optical device.

Abstract: A ballistic missile about to re-enter the atmosphere is destroyed by explosively dispersing for large quantities of inherently-light C.sub.60 molecules in clouds in the path of the missile. The sharp edges of the molecules scar the missile and subject it to destruction from the heat or re-entry.