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. The prompt electrical current is detected through a transformer that couples the anode to a power supply. The power supply biases the anode relative to the MCP and photocathode such that the MCP is grounded. The use of a transformer allows the prompt anode current to be detected without having to ground the anode, thereby simplifying the power supply circuitry. The detection of the prompt electrical current provides a first output signal useful for ranging information.

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: 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: Proximity focused streak tube having a photocathode for converting photon images from a source into photoelectrons. A phosphorous screen is provided for receiving the photoelectrons. The photocathode and the screen define a longitudinal tube axis. A channel plate is provided having a plurality of substantially parallel bores that are disposed in close proximity to the photocathode so that the bores in the channel plate are inclined at an angle with respect to the longitudinal tube axis. A voltage source supplies a voltage difference between the photocathode and the channel plate to cause electrons to be extracted from the photocathode and to be accelerated through the bores in the channel plate. The bores in the channel plate are inclined at an angle in such a manner so that there cannot be a direct feedthrough of X-rays to the phosphorous screen and also preventing a direct feedthrough of visible light.

Abstract: Proximity focused streak tube having a photocathode for converting photon images into photoelectrons. A phosphorous screen is provided for receiving the photoelectrons. The photocathode and the phosphorous screen define a longitudinal tube axis. A passive channel plate is provided which has a plurality of parallel bores therein. The channel plate is disposed in relatively close proximity to the photocathode and so that the bores are inclined at an angle with respect to longitudinal tube axis so as to minimize feedthrough of visible photons. A source of voltage is connected between the photocathode and the passive channel plate causing the photoelectrons to be extracted from the photocathode and to pass through the bores in the channel plate. First and second spaced apart beam electrodes are disposed between the channel plate and the phosphorous screen.

Abstract: A shutter for a proximity focused tube and camera comprising an array of stacked microchannel plates. An electrode is provided between each plate whereby an electrical field can be established across each plate. By applying a ramp voltage to alternate plates in the stacked array, the electric field across each plate deflects a photoelectron beam and allows a momentary period of transmission of the beam through the microchannels. The electrode on each plate is skewed with respect to the front and back faces of the plate whereby in-phase deflection of an electron beam is achieved. A plurality of proximity focused shutter tubes can be operated in an array and triggered from a common voltage pulse source whereby a pulse is applied in a time ordered sequence to develop related multiple frames.

Abstract: A streak camera electron-optical image tube having a passive microchannel plate collimation adjacent the photocathode whereby photoelectrons are accelerated by the field between the photocathode and microchannel plate, and collimated by the microchannels. Collimated electrons pass a pair of deflection plates and strike a phosphor screen. Accelerating voltage and deflection voltage are synchronized with phenomenon photographed.