Abstract: The present technology is directed to apparatuses, systems, and methods for improving the performance of non-contact vibrometers in the presence of platform motion and speckle noise. In addition, systems and methods are described that allow intentional frequency displacement of heterodyne and/or homodyne vibrometer returns to enable disambiguation of the sign of the vibration direction in the presence or absence of platform motion.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are provided that may facilitate multibeam coherent detection and/or speckle mitigation. For example, some embodiments provide for multiple simultaneous independent speckle realizations in light reflected from an actively illuminated target while also may simultaneously provide reference beams inherently aligned to each speckle. These tools and techniques may facilitate coherent detection of light returned from a target. In some cases, this may provide the basis for substantial speckle mitigation. With the addition of illumination phase or frequency modulation and/or intelligent algorithmic methods, some designs may utilize the multiple speckle returns to actively mitigate speckle noise, and can further be used to separately measure speckle phase to implement interferometric resolution surface tilt measurement and/or surface imaging. These tools and techniques may be utilized for other purposes related to multibeam coherent detection and/or speckle mitigation.

Abstract: A method and system to determine a match between a known and unknown signal is provided. The method and system first conditions an unknown signal by anti-aliasing and digitizing the unknown signal. The condition signal is then compared on a bit by bit basis to at least one known signal to determine a match. A threshold detector determines that the conditioned signal matches the at least one known signal when the number of bit matches exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems and methods for the capture of information regarding scenes using single or multiple three-dimensional LADAR systems. Where multiple systems are included, those systems can be placed in different positions about the imaged scene such that each LADAR system provides different viewing perspectives and/or angles. In accordance with further embodiments, the single or multiple LADAR systems can include two-dimensional focal plane arrays, in addition to three-dimensional focal plane arrays, and associated light sources for obtaining three-dimensional information about a scene, including information regarding the contours of the objects within the scene. Processing of captured image information can be performed in real time, and processed scene information can include data frames that comprise three-dimensional and two-dimensional image data.

Abstract: Field widening lens methods and systems are provided. The field widening lens includes a non-planar primary mirror and a secondary mirror. In addition, separate input and output ports are provided. The field widening lens further provides for an optical path difference for rays within the lens that is essentially zero for any ray within the field of view of an optical system including the field widening lens, regardless of the angle at which the ray entered the lens.

Abstract: A pulse data recorder system and method are provided. Upon the arrival or occurrence of an event or signal, the state of a digital switch is set. Upon receiving a pulse from a readout clock, the state of the switch is stored in a buffer memory, and the state of the switch is reset. As the readout clock is run, a time history of the state of the switch is obtained. The pulse data recorder can feature a plurality of unit cells, for use in imaging or other multiple pixel applications.

Abstract: A pulse data recorder system and method are provided. Upon the arrival or occurrence of an event or signal, the state of a digital switch is set. Upon receiving a pulse from a readout clock, the state of the switch is stored in a buffer memory, and the state of the switch is reset. As the readout clock is run, a time history of the state of the switch is obtained. The pulse data recorder can feature a plurality of unit cells, for use in imaging or other multiple pixel applications.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems and methods for the capture of information regarding scenes using single or multiple three-dimensional LADAR systems. Where multiple systems are included, those systems can be placed in different positions about the imaged scene such that each LADAR system provides different viewing perspectives and/or angles. In accordance with further embodiments, the single or multiple LADAR systems can include two-dimensional focal plane arrays, in addition to three-dimensional focal plane arrays, and associated light sources for obtaining three-dimensional information about a scene, including information regarding the contours of the objects within the scene. Processing of captured image information can be performed in real time, and processed scene information can include data frames that comprise three-dimensional and two-dimensional image data.

Abstract: A pulse data recorder system and method are provided. Upon the arrival or occurrence of an event or signal, the state of a digital switch is set. Upon receiving a pulse from a readout clock, the state of the switch is stored in a buffer memory, and the state of the switch is reset. As the readout clock is run, a time history of the state of the switch is obtained. The pulse data recorder can feature a plurality of unit cells, for use in imaging or other multiple pixel applications.

Abstract: Lidar systems and methods are provided. The lidar system includes an optical autocovariance receiver and one or more chemical composition sensors or processors, in addition to a Doppler signal processor for obtaining relative wind speed information. The additional processors may include a high spectral resolution lidar signal processor and/or a differential absorption lidar processor that receive input signals from the optical autocovariance receiver. Receivers that may be incorporated into the lidar system, in addition to the optical autocovariance receiver, include a depolarization receiver, a Raman receiver, and/or an Etalon receiver.

Abstract: The present invention pertains in general to a single, integrated flash LADAR system and method. The system includes data processing hardware and software, a passive two-dimensional camera, a three-dimensional camera, a light source, and a common optical path. One or more star trackers can also be included. In addition, auxiliary components, such as an inertial measurement unit and a global positioning system receiver can be included. The system can be closely integrated with a critical algorithm suite that operates in multiple modes, in real-time to enable landing, docking, and navigation functions, such as Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Altimetry, Velocimetry, Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA), and dust penetration.

Abstract: Field widening lens methods and systems are provided. The field widening lens includes a non-planar primary mirror and a secondary mirror. In addition, separate input and output ports are provided. The field widening lens further provides for an optical path difference for rays within the lens that is essentially zero for any ray within the field of view of an optical system including the field widening lens, regardless of the angle at which the ray entered the lens.

Abstract: The present invention pertains in general to a single, integrated flash LADAR system and method. The system includes data processing hardware and software, a passive two-dimensional camera, a three-dimensional camera, a light source, and a common optical path. One or more star trackers can also be included. In addition, auxiliary components, such as an inertial measurement unit and a global positioning system receiver can be included. The system can be closely integrated with a critical algorithm suite that operates in multiple modes, in real-time to enable landing, docking, and navigation functions, such as Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC), Altimetry, Velocimetry, Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN), Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA), and dust penetration.

Abstract: A pulse data recorder system and method are provided. Upon the arrival or occurrence of an event or signal, the state of a digital switch is set. Upon receiving a pulse from a readout clock, the state of the switch is stored in a buffer memory, and the state of the switch is reset. As the readout clock is run, a time history of the state of the switch is obtained. The pulse data recorder can feature a plurality of unit cells, for use in imaging or other multiple pixel applications.

Abstract: A self-mixing sensor usable for remotely measuring speed, vibrations, range, and length is provided in a manner making the device practical for economic implementation while retaining accuracy. In one embodiment, the device is configured to avoid mode hopping, such as by providing for relatively high loss for all modes other than the desired mode. Preferably this is accomplished by utilizing laser types that have a high degree of side mode supression, such as DFB lasers or through active or passive control of the amount of light permitted to reenter the laser.

Abstract: An interactive instructional system includes a microprocessor-controlled base station for use by an instructor and/or a computer and a plurality of input devices each for use by a student. The base station and input devices communicate over a communication link or network employing wires, optical fibers, radio links, infrared links or the like. Each input device is in the form of a multiple keyswitch operated device which the student may operate to respond to a question posed by the instructor, computer or base station during a lecture. Each input device is also provided with an identifier code. Responses by the student are transmitted to the base station in messages, each of which further includes an identifier code thereby identifying the answering device or student.