Abstract: A plurality of energy couplers (12) receives signals from an energy pulse, each of the energy couplers (12) having a defined field of view, the field of views of at least some of the energy couplers being overlapping. A transducer (14) converts the signals received from the energy pulse to voltage or current output signals that are then amplified. A threshold circuit (18) triggers when the amplitude of a signal caused by the energy pulse exceeds a predetermined level, and signal processing instrumentation (24) then calculates the source location and/or the intensity and/or the initiation time of the energy pulse based on the timing of the output signals associated with individual energy couplers (12).

Abstract: A damping gyrometer comprised of at least two and preferably four rotating paddles attached to a common central elevated low-friction pivot point via rising radial arms. A stand with a concave glass element provides a low-friction support as a pivot point seat for the pivot point. All elements of the apparatus are non-conductive. Once set into motion, the only force acting on the gyrometer are the pivot point friction and the damping effects of the medium in which it spins. A laser beam and photodetector (or alternatively a laser displacement sensor), along with customized software algorithms are used to measure the rotational rate and, hence, the deceleration rate of the apparatus which can then be used to determine properties of the medium in which it spins, including changes in density, pressure, and temperature. The measurement can also be directly related to the electron density in the case of weakly ionized gases.

Abstract: A damping gyrometer comprised of at least two and preferably four rotating paddles of teflon™ or fiberglas attached to a common central elevated low-friction pivot point via rising radial arms. The pivot point is the single point of mechanical support for the rotating structure. A stand with a concave glass element provides a low-friction support as a pivot point seat for the pivot point. All elements of the apparatus are non-conductive. Once set into motion by a short air blast, the only force acting on the gyrometer are the pivot point friction and the damping effects of the medium in which it spins. A laser beam and photodetector (or alternatively a laser displacement sensor), along with customized software algorithms are used to measure the rotational rate and, hence, importantly, the deceleration rate of the apparatus. The declaration of the damping gyrometer can then be used to determine properties of the medium in which it spins, including changes in density, pressure, and temperature.

Abstract: A plurality of energy couplers (12) receives signals from an energy pulse, each of the energy couplers (12) having a defined field of view, the field of views of at least some of the energy couplers being overlapping. A transducer (14) converts the signals received from the energy pulse to voltage or current output signals that are then amplified. A threshold circuit (18) triggers when the amplitude of a signal caused by the energy pulse exceeds a predetermined level, and signal processing instrumentation (24) then calculates the source location and/or the intensity and/or the initiation time of the energy pulse based on the timing of the output signals associated with individual energy couplers (12).