Abstract: A multiple color infrared detector is provided which is formed from a photodiode (13), a photoconductor (24), and an insulating layer of material (20) disposed between the photodiode (13) and the photoconductor (24). The photodiode (13) detects infrared radiation in the spectral band between about 3 .mu.m and about 5 .mu.m, and the photoconductor (24) detects infrared radiation in the spectral band between about 8 .mu.m and about 13 .mu.

Abstract: A wireless safety and surveillance recorder system for aircraft incorporates a plurality of strategically spaced wireless sensors for monitoring critical components and operational characteristics of the aircraft. The captured data and a wireless image are transmitted to a monitor in the cockpit and recorded on a "black box" flight recorder, and may be transmitted to ground control stations for real time or near real time surveillance. The system may include a second recorder for providing redundancy and may include redundant sensors.

Abstract: A system to perform real time temporal correlation on pulsed and periodic signals. Application is to systems which perform PRI analysis of signals and provide signal gain as part of the correlation process. Correlation is performed in two stages, the first conditioning the signals for correlation using the zero mean, PW matched filter and the second performing temporal correlation using the difference minimization PRI correlator. The primary purpose of the filter is to minimize any DC signals before they reach the correlator. If DC signals reach the correlator, they correlate up at every PRI setting and on every temporal point, resulting in false detections and can block actual signals from detection. The filter also provides some gain for signals with pulse widths greater than one temporal cell. After conditioning with the filter, the data is correlated using a difference minimization correlator.

Abstract: An image detection system (10) uses an optical configuration for both image forming and calibration phases of operation. A field lens (20) has an inner portion (36) of a conventional prescription to allow for collection of scene based energy for an opto-electronic approximation of the infrared detail within the afocal field of view by a focal plane array (32). The field lens (20) also has an outer portion (38) that collects far field energy from a scene area (A.sub.I) through a converging point (P.sub.I). The energy collected from the scene area (A.sub.I) is indicative of the average energy level within the scene. The electrical equivalent values of all energy received from the unique area (A.sub.I) is stored in a multidimensional range used for subsequent gain and offset calibration coefficient calculations.

Abstract: A protective, impact resistant material and method, the material comprising a fabric of thermoplastic polymeric fibers having a strength of at least 0.4 GPa and an elastic modulus of at least 5 GPa and a matrix of polymeric material disposed in the interstices between the fibers, the matrix having an elastic modulus in the range 0.2 to 3.times.10.sup.6 psi. The polymeric fibers can be gel spun polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene terephthalate. In a second embodiment, the matrix is derived from the fabric.

Abstract: An image detection system (10) uses an optical configuration for both image forming and calibration phases of operation. A field lens (20) has an inner portion (36) of a conventional prescription to allow for collection of scene based energy for an opto-electronic approximation of the infrared detail within the afocal field of view by a focal plane array (32). The field lens (20) also has an outer portion (38) that collects far field energy from a scene area (A.sub.I) through a converging point (P.sub.I). The energy collected from the scene area (A.sub.I) is indicative of the average energy level within the scene. The electrical equivalent values of all energy received from the unique area (A.sub.I) is stored in a multidimensional range used for subsequent gain and offset calibration coefficient calculations.

Abstract: A system and method for recognizing a target and then guiding a projectile to that target. Initially, unique 3D features of the target are obtained and stored in a data base. The projectile is then directed to the general area of the target and the scene in that general area is observed by the projectile and compared with the data base on a three dimensional basis. When a target is located which contains the unique 3D features of the target of interest within some preset maximum margin of error, the projectile is then directed to that target.

Abstract: A protective, impact resistant material and method which includes a fabric of thermoplastic polymeric fibers having a strength of at least 0.5 GPa and an elastic modulus of at least 25 GPa and a matrix of polymeric material disposed in the interstices between the fibers having an elastic modulus of 0.2 to 3.times.10.sup.6 psi. The polymeric fibers can be gel spun, polyethylene, polypropylene, nylon, polyvinyl alcohol and polyethylene terephthalate. In a second embodiment, the matrix is derived from the fabric.

Abstract: A scanner which includes a motor for driving a load and circuitry for providing a position error signal responsive to the difference between a predicted position of the load and the actual position of the load, preferably a mirror scanning a scene. The motor is driven in response to the position error signal. The position error signal is provided plural times during a single scanning of the scene. The circuitry for providing a position error signal includes a closed loop filter system for filtering the error signal to provide a filtered error signal, an adaptive filter system for operating on the filtered error signal to provide an adaptively filtered error signal and summing circuitry for summing signals indicative of the predicted position, the filtered error signal and the adaptively filtered error signal. The closed loop filter system includes, in series, at least one first order lead lag filter and a double integral plus proportional filter.

Abstract: An image detection system (10) includes a derotation optics assembly (24) that stabilizes images viewed from a scene (14) by individual detector elements (31) in a focal plane array (32). The derotation optics assembly (24) also is used in providing scene based calibration to the individual detector elements (31). The derotation optics assembly (24) places images viewed from the scene (14) in a first rotation position. The individual detector elements (31) collect scene based energy at the first rotation position. The derotation optics assembly (24) places images viewed from the scene (14) in a second rotation position. The individual detector elements (31) collect scene based energy at the second rotation position. Comparisons are made among outputs of the individual detector elements (31) at the first and second rotation positions.

Abstract: A range estimation system and method which comprises a data base containing data for identification of certain targets and data for estimating the initial range to each of the targets as a function of the observed dimensions of the targets. A sensor (1) observes a scene containing a target a plurality of spaced apart times while the sensor is moving relative to the target to provide data from each observation of the scene relating to the dimensions of the target within the scene. The remaining range to the target is estimated from the observed dimensions of the target from the range traveled since a prior estimation of range and from a prior estimation of the remaining range to the target. The sensor (1) provides electrical signals representing the observed scene (3) and can be a visible light or infrared sensor.

Abstract: A 3D display having a closed loop feedback system dynamically adjusting the scanning pattern of laser beams on-line to maintain pointing errors of all scanned images to a specified tolerance. A predetermined alignment pattern, preferably a matrix of dots with known coordinates, is periodically injected into the image data path, preferably during non-display periods. A grid is disposed on each of two mirrors which enter into two separate light paths and are scanned. The mirrors reflect the laser beams from the grid to an optical sensor for each beam, each sensor connected to an A/D converter and producing an output proportional to the intensity of the reflected light. The sensor output is an analog function of the light intensity impinging thereon. The digitized values are stored in a grid buffer which accumulates an entire intensity pattern of grid points.

Abstract: A multiple film integrated infrared (IR) detector assembly 85 consists of detector films 86, 88, 90 having different IR spectral sensitivities which are deposited on a breadboard IR transmissive but electrically insulating substrate 42. Substrate 42 is deposited on an IR filter layer comprising an HgCdTe film 70. By various techniques described, filter film 70 has a varying composition from edge 68 to 72. This compositional gradient of film 70 results in varying IR spectral absorption as shown by IR transmission graphs 10, 12, 14. Film 70 acts as a graded IR filter in concert with the response of the detector films 86, 88, 90. By the proper choice of the compositional gradients in these films, and as a result the IR spectral response, an integrated IR spectrometer may be fabricated whereby each detector 86, 87, 90 detects only specific narrow bands of IR wavelengths.

Abstract: A coolant distribution system and method for a plurality of devices requiring cooling where the coolant source is of limited capacity. The system and method apportion coolant to each of the devices requiring cooling based upon instantaneous knowledge of the waste heat load of the devices. This is accomplished by providing a scheduler, which is preferably a computer having a data base, to concurrently determine the instantaneous amount of coolant apportioned for each of the devices. In response to this determination the flow of coolant from the coolant source to the devices is controlled in accordance with the apportioned flow of coolant for each device based upon a predetermined schedule. The coolant flow rate is controlled by providing a controllable valve coupled to the coolant source, determining the flow rate of coolant through the valve and a flow controller responsive to the scheduler and the determination of the flow rate of coolant through said controllable valve to control the controllable valve.

Abstract: An infrared zoom lens assembly (16) operative as either a continuous zoom or a two-position zoom lens. The infrared zoom lens assembly (16) includes a focusing component (33), a collecting component (37) and a diffracting component (41). The focusing component (33) includes a first focusing zoom lens (34) positioned at the same location at the ends of the zoom range and a second focusing zoom lens (36) movably mounted in the infrared zoom lens assembly (16). The diffracting component (41) may be used to correct color aberrations associated with an infrared waveband. The focusing component (33) and the collecting component (37) cooperate with the diffracting component (41) to focus infrared radiation at an image plane (15) of an infrared detector (18).

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and structure for performing a high temperature or other process on both sides of a thin slice of material or die prior to being placed onto a integrated circuit or multi-chip module. In a particular embodiment, a process and structure is given to provide for double sided interdiffusion for passivation of a Mercury Cadmium Telluride (MCT) film which is mounted to a read-out integrated circuit (ROIC) face side up in order to fabricate vertically integrated Focal Plane Arrays (FPAs) with reduced dark currents and improved performance. The process of the present invention also allows for the insertion of novel materials such as Double Layer Heterojunction (DLHJ), MBE, MOCVD, etc. in the vertical integrated approach to FPAs.

Abstract: A cooler for an image intensifier system which comprises an image intensifier tube having a face plate. The cold side of a thermoelectric cooler has a hot side and a cold side and is secured to a highly thermally conductive cold plate and the face plate. A highly thermally conductive hot plate contacts the hot side of the thermoelectric cooler. A finned heat sink can be coupled to the thermally conductive hot plate. The thermoelectric cooler is preferably in a state of compression between the cold plate and the hot plate. The system further can include an hermetically sealed region containing the face plate and the cold plate. A desiccant can be disposed within the hermetically sealed region.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a semiconductor structure is disclosed. The structure includes both a silicon and a cadmium telluride layer. Each may have a (100) lattice orientation. A plurality of buffer layers are disposed between the silicon layer and the cadmium telluride layer. Each of these buffer layers has a lattice constant which is greater than the lattice constant of the layer below it and less than the lattice constant of the layer above it. As examples, these buffer layers may comprise zinc sulfide, zinc selenide, zinc telluride or zinc tellurium selenide.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a focal plane array and the array having a integral slot shield which comprises fabricating a focal plane array having a plurality of detector elements. A layer of electrically insulating material having a planar top surface is then formed over the array. A reflective layer is then formed over the layer of electrically insulating material and the electrically insulating layer and reflective layer are etched only in the regions thereof over the detector elements to form slots over the detector elements. An absorbing layer is formed over the reflective layer. The absorbing layer is preferably an infrared-transparent dielectric having an optical thickness of about one quarter wavelength of the light frequency of interest with a metallic flash layer thereover having a thickness of from about 50 to about 60 Angstroms. The infrared dielectric is preferably one of zinc sulfide, zinc selenide, polyethylene and paraxylilene.

Abstract: This is an uncooled HgCdTe IR sensor, and method of fabricating an uncooled HgCdTe IR sensor. The method comprises; growing an HgCdTe film on an IR transparent substrate, and shaping the substrate into a lens configuration. The HgCdTe IR sensor can comprise an epitaxial, HgCdTe film on an IR transparent substrate, with the substrate shaped in a lens configuration, creating an intregal, controlled (e.g. wide angle) field of view sensor. Reflections at the interface between the HgCdTe and the lens are substantially reduced, and problems of attaching HgCdTe to the lens are also substantially reduced. Preferably, the HgCdTe film is grown by liquid phase epitaxy, the substrate is CdZnTe or CdTe, and/or the substrate is shaped into a hemisphere or a cylindrical section. In one embodiment, an IR transparent overlayer is grown on an HgCdTe film 10 and the substrate is shaped into a hemisphere lens 16 and the IR transparent overlayer is shaped into an hemispherical lens 18.