Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for targetless optical measurement and optical information projection. A non-contact optical measurement device is provided for determining at least one of position and orientation of a workpiece. A projector is provided for projecting a part definition on the workpiece. Advantageously, beams from the non-contact optical measurement device and the projector pass through common optics.

Abstract: A Doppler velocimeter apparatus and method of forming same. In one implementation a coherent light source is used for generating a beam of coherent light. An optical fiber receives the beam of coherent light. The optical fiber has an output face that is generally flat, thus enabling a first portion of the beam of coherent light to be reflected back on the optical fiber and to form a frequency offset, while a second portion of the beam of coherent light exits the optical fiber. A mechanism is used to move the output face of the optical fiber in an oscillating fashion so that the first portion of coherent light reflected back on the optical fiber produces an oscillating waveform that forms a frequency offset. An optical element receives the second portion of light from the face of the optical fiber and transmits it to a subject, and then receives a reflected optical signal back from the subject.

Abstract: A Doppler velocimeter apparatus and method of forming same. In one implementation a coherent light source is used for generating a beam of coherent light. An optical fiber receives the beam of coherent light. The optical fiber has an output face that is generally flat, thus enabling a first portion of the beam of coherent light to be reflected back on the optical fiber and to form a frequency offset, while a second portion of the beam of coherent light exits the optical fiber. A mechanism is used to move the output face of the optical fiber in an oscillating fashion so that the first portion of coherent light reflected back on the optical fiber produces an oscillating waveform that forms a frequency offset. An optical element receives the second portion of light from the face of the optical fiber and transmits it to a subject, and then receives a reflected optical signal back from the subject.

Abstract: A method of calibrating angle drift of a laser radar system is provided, in one aspect of the present invention. The method includes, providing a plurality of virtual fiducials into an xy scanner; and providing a plurality of auxiliary laser sources into the xy scanner. The method also includes, routing a plurality of auxiliary laser beams from the plurality of auxiliary laser sources into the xy scanner; and calibrating an angular position of a plurality of laser directing means. The methods provides creating a calibration signal for updating the angular position of a plurality of scanning mirrors.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for accurately measuring frequency-and/or-phase-related parameters of a sinusoidal signal that varies non-linearly in frequency or phase. A sinusoidal signal is sampled over a finite period of time at a plurality of sample points. The sampled signals are pre-processed, and a Fourier transform is performed on the pre-processed sampled signals. Phases of the pre-processed sampled signals are extracted from the Fourier transform, and a measurement indicative of frequency of the sinusoidal signal is determined from slope of the phases of the pre-processed sampled signals. Range to a target may be determined using the exemplary signal processing described above on laser radar interference signals.

Abstract: Chirped synthetic wave laser radar apparatus and methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a laser source, a controller operatively coupled to the laser source and adapted to frequency-modulate first and second laser outputs, and an optical assembly. The optical assembly includes a plurality of reference channels adapted to receive a portion of a combined laser output and to provide a reference interference signal, and a signal channel having a focusing telescope adapted to focus and transmit at least part of the combined laser output onto the target, and to receive a scattered signal from target, and to provide a return interference signal. The system further includes a signal processing portion adapted to receive the reference interference signals and the return interference signal and to determine the distance to the target based on the reference and return interference signals.

Abstract: A smoke detector that is insensitive to moisture, such as for use in aircraft cargo bays and the like, is provided. The smoke detector includes a housing defining a chamber that is sealed from outside light sources yet is capable of receiving smoke. The smoke detector also includes a light source that is positioned inside the chamber and a detector for receiving diffusely scattered light within the chamber. Advantageously, the smoke detector also includes a moisture compensating device that reflects a substantially consistent percentage of light incident thereupon regardless of moisture on the surfaces thereof such that the operation of the light source can be reliably tested even in environments where moisture has condensed or otherwise collected on the walls of the housing.

Abstract: A system using Lidar/Laser anemometry for measuring the position of the normal shock wave and air velocity in the inlet of a supersonic engine is described, A laser beam is focused over a region in the inlet where the shock is expected to be. Small particles in the inlet air each reflect the light which is Doppler shifted according to the air velocity in that point. The system and method utilizes the relative amplitude of two peaks in the Fourier transform of the optical return signal to determine if the position of the shock is within the focal region of the laser.

Abstract: A laser-Doppler velocimeter, for measuring the velocity of particles passing a test location, comprises first and second lasers for providing a measurement laser beam directed along a first axis and a guide laser beam that is parallel to the measurement beam. The guide beam and the measurement beam are directed towards a beam deflecting mirror that reflects the measurement beam along a second axis and reflects the guide beam parallel to the second axis. The orientation of the second axis relative to the first axis depends on the orientation of the mirror, and the orientation of the mirror is controlled by an electrical adjustment mechanism. The measurement beam is received by a beam-dividing device that directs the measurement beam along a third axis towards the test location. Light scattered from particles at the test location focused on a collection aperture which is stationary relative to the beam-dividing device.