Abstract: Embodiments of a system and a method for polarimetry using static geometric manipulation of the state of polarization are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a spectropolarimeter comprises a retarder having a geometrically changing fast axis. The fast axis changes along a polarimetric dimension. The spectropolarimeter has a polarization analyzer and a spectrographic optical platform. The spectrographic optical platform has a slit in a spatial dimension same as the polarimetric dimension of the retarder; a collimator; a dispersing element for dispersing spectral components of light received from the collimator along a spectral dimension that is perpendicular to the spatial dimension of the slit; a focusing optic; and a two-dimensional detector array. Using a quarter wave retarder full Stokes polarimetry can be provided though a half wave retarder can also be used.

Abstract: Non-linear methods for quantitative elemental analysis and mineral classification using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a method, comprises calculating concentrations of elements in a sample using a laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) instrument. The LIBS instrument implements a kernel partial-least-squares regression (KPLSR) analysis. The method further comprises displaying the concentrations of the elements according to the KPLSR analysis.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting laser pulses is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the present system detects an extrasolar laser pulse, ideally repeated pulses, by observing the pulse, characterizing the pulse, and confirming the data related to the pulse.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system and a method for polarimetry using static geometric manipulation of the state of polarization are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a spectropolarimeter comprises a retarder having a geometrically changing fast axis. The fast axis changes along a polarimetric dimension. The spectropolarimeter has a polarization analyzer and a spectrographic optical platform. The spectrographic optical platform has a slit in a spatial dimension same as the polarimetric dimension of the retarder; a collimator; a dispersing element for dispersing spectral components of light received from the collimator along a spectral dimension that is perpendicular to the spatial dimension of the slit; a focusing optic; and a two-dimensional detector array. Using a quarter wave retarder full Stokes polarimetry can be provided though a half wave retarder can also be used.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting laser pulses is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the present system detects an extrasolar laser pulse, ideally repeated pulses, by observing the pulse, characterizing the pulse, and confirming the data related to the pulse.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting laser pulses is disclosed. According to one embodiment, the present system detects an extrasolar laser pulse, ideally repeated pulses, by observing the pulse, characterizing the pulse, and confirming the data related to the pulse.

Abstract: An offset Gregorian antenna used in radio astronomy. The antenna may include a primary reflector having a substantially paraboloidal shape and a secondary reflector having substantially an ellipsoidal shape. The secondary reflector may be displaced from the optical axis of the primary reflector. The antenna may also include a feed located substantially coincident with the second focus of the secondary reflector. The feed may be located within a vacuum sealed enclosure, and a cryo pump may be used to cool the feed within the enclosure. Also, a shroud may partially surrounding the feed.

Abstract: Method and system for estimating a growth stage of an alga in an ambient fluid. Measured light beam absorption or reflection values through or from the alga and through an ambient fluid, in each of two or more wavelength sub-ranges, are compared with reference light beam absorption values for corresponding wavelength sub-ranges for in each alga growth stage to determine (1) which alga growth stage, if any, is more likely and (2) whether estimated lipid content of the alga is increasing or has peaked. Alga growth is preferably terminated when lipid content has approximately reached a maximum value.

Abstract: Method and system for functionalizing a collection of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). A selected precursor gas (e.g., H2 or F2 or CnHm) is irradiated to provide a cold plasma of selected target species particles, such as atomic H or F, in a first chamber. The target species particles are directed toward an array of CNTs located in a second chamber while suppressing transport of ultraviolet radiation to the second chamber. A CNT array is functionalized with the target species particles, at or below room temperature, to a point of saturation, in an exposure time interval no longer than about 30 sec. *Discrimination against non-target species is provided by (i) use of a target species having a lifetime that is much greater than a lifetime of a non-target species and/or (2) use of an applied magnetic field to discriminate between charged particle trajectories for target species and for non-target species.

Abstract: A diode laser spectrometer includes a sample chamber for holding a sample gas, e.g., human breath, having first and second isotopic species in an unknown concentration ratio and a reference chamber for holding a reference gas having the first and second isotopic species in a known concentration ratio. Laser light is directed through both chambers at wavelengths corresponding to absorption wavelength of the isotopic species, and the light is detected and sample and reference signals generated. The signals are processed by a computer to determine the concentration ratio of the first isotopic species to the second isotopic species in the sample gas. The diode laser is cooled by a thermoelectric cooler or a cryocooler operating as a reverse Sterling engine.