Abstract: A system for achieving multi-axis angular alignment of devices includes a monolithic mount. The mount includes three sections arranged along a longitudinal axis. The first two sections are connected by two flexures that constrain the second section to rotate in relation to the first section in a first rotational degree of freedom. The second and third sections are connected by flexures that constrain the third section to rotate in relation to the second section in a second rotational degree of freedom. The first and second rotational degrees of freedom are different. Actuating screws contact bearing surfaces on the mount to actuate the rotations.

Abstract: A system for achieving multi-axis angular alignment of devices includes a monolithic mount. The mount includes three sections arranged along a longitudinal axis. The first two sections are connected by two flexures that constrain the second section to rotate in relation to the first section in a first rotational degree of freedom. The second and third sections are connected by flexures that constrain the third section to rotate in relation to the second section in a second rotational degree of freedom. The first and second rotational degrees of freedom are different. Actuating screws contact bearing surfaces on the mount to actuate the rotations.

Abstract: An optical gimbal apparatus has a housing having a first reflector fixed with respect to the housing and having an aperture for transmission or reception of optical energy, and a gimbal having a second reflector arranged along an axis of rotation of the gimbal assembly arranged to rotate the second reflector about the axis of rotation. The second reflector is angled with respect to the axis of rotation and establishing an optical path along the axis of rotation. Additional lenses can be arranged between the first reflector and the second reflector, and between the first reflector and the aperture.

Abstract: An optical system having a wide field of regard and a low profile comprises a first section with optically passive components stationarily fixed within the optical system for focusing optical energy associated with a field of regard received by the first section, and second section. The second section includes at least one gimbal drive assembly for establishing the field of regard by actively driving an additional optical component used to guide optical energy to or from the first section. The second section can include both an azimuthal gimbal drive assembly and an elevation gimbal drive assembly. The first section can be mounted to an interface structure, which pivotally mounted to the airframe of the vehicle. The second section can be rotatably mounted to the first section, so the first section remains stationary while the gimbals of the second section rotate.

Abstract: An optical gimbal apparatus has a housing having a first reflector fixed with respect to the housing and having an aperture for transmission or reception of optical energy, and a gimbal having a second reflector arranged along an axis of rotation of the gimbal assembly arranged to rotate the second reflector about the axis of rotation. The second reflector is angled with respect to the axis of rotation and establishing an optical path along the axis of rotation. Additional lenses can be arranged between the first reflector and the second reflector, and between the first reflector and the aperture.

Abstract: An optical system having a wide field of regard and a low profile comprises a first section with optically passive components stationarily fixed within the optical system for focusing optical energy associated with a field of regard received by the first section, and second section. The second section includes at least one gimbal drive assembly for establishing the field of regard by actively driving an additional optical component used to guide optical energy to or from the first section. The second section can include both an azimuthal gimbal drive assembly and an elevation gimbal drive assembly. The first section can be mounted to an interface structure, which pivotally mounted to the airframe of the vehicle. The second section can be rotatably mounted to the first section, so the first section remains stationary while the gimbals of the second section rotate.

Abstract: An improved pumping arrangement for use in a face pumped or edge pumped slab laser, this arrangement comprising upper and lower housing members able to be removably secured together in an operational relationship. The lower housing member has in a central portion thereof, a body of solid state laser host material, with the laser host material typically having a rectangular cross-section with top and bottom surfaces, opposing side surfaces, and opposing end faces. The lower housing member also is configured to have a pair of spaces running the length of the laser host material. The upper housing member has on its underside, a pair of parallel flashlamps set a distance apart. The lower housing member is able to receive the upper housing member in an interfitted, operative relationship, in which the flashlamps are received in the respective spaces alongside the body of solid state laser host material.

Abstract: A laser apparatus having an optical resonator composed of two end adjustably mounted mirrors positioned at each end of a YAG laser rod. In order to obtain mechanical stability and protection from the environment, concave mirrors having a radius of curvature of less than one meter are each installed in the mount. The mount includes a mirror cell which is preloaded into the mount housing using a generally truncated cone or belville washer shape as a spring. The center of the mirror is gimbaled about a bearing in the mirror cell. Once of the mirror is aligned, it is cemented in position. Thus, the mount combines a short radius of curvature mirror to reduce the sensitivity to optical and mechanical perturbations with a mount to provide mechanical stability in a high-shock environment.