Abstract: An optical signal is copressively sampled using an imaging system. The imaging system is created from a plurality of subimaging systems. Each subimaging system comprises a subaperture and a plurality of sensors. The optical signal is collected at each subaperture of the plurality of subimaging systems at a single time step. The optical signal is transformed into a subimage at each subimaging system of plurality of subimaging systems. The subimage includes at least one measurement from a plurality of sensors of each subimaging systems. An image of the optical signal is calculated from the sampling function and each subimage, spatial location, pixel sampling function, and point spread function of each subimaging system of the plurality of subimaging systems. The sampling function is selected so that the number of measurements from a plurality of subimages is less than a number of estimated optical signal values in the image.

Abstract: A coded mass spectrometer incorporates a spatial or temporal code to reduce the resolution/sensitivity dichotomy inherent in mass spectrometry. The code is used to code one or more portions of a mass spectrometer. Coding patterns, such as Hadamard codes, Walsh codes, and perfect code sequences can be used. The coding can be spatial, for example, by using an aperture mask and/or temporal, for example, by coded injection of ions for analysis.

Abstract: A transmission mask or coded aperture is used in spectroscopy to compressively sample an optical signal. The locations of transmissive and opaque elements of the mask are determined by a transmission function. The optical signal transmitted by the mask is detected at each sensor of a plurality of sensors dispersed spatially with respect to the mask. A number of estimated optical signal values is calculated from sensor measurements and the transmission function. The optical signal is compressed by selecting the transmission function so that the number of measurements is less than the number of estimated optical signal values. A reconstructed optical signal is further calculated using signal inference. An imaging system created from plurality of encoded subimaging systems compressively samples an optical signal.

Abstract: A spatial filter for an optical system, such as an optical spectrometer, collects and spatially filters light using a fiber bundle having a plurality of fibers disposed therein. At an input end of the fiber bundle, the fibers are typically packed tightly together to optimize the collection efficiency. At an output end, the fibers are spread out from the fiber bundle and arranged within a two-dimensional output area according to a two-dimensional pattern corresponding to a coded aperture function. As a result, the two-dimensional pattern of the output end spatially filters the light collected by the input end. Corresponding methods are also described.

Abstract: An imaging polarimeter includes a polarization dispersing element, a spatial light modulator, a complementary polarization dispersing element, a polarization analyzer, an electronic detection plane, and a processor. The polarization dispersing element polarimetrically disperses an image of an object. The spatial light modulator spatially modulates the polarimetrically dispersed image. The complementary polarization dispersing element polarimetrically combines the spatially modulated and polarimetrically dispersed image. The polarization analyzer mixes orthogonal input polarizations with the polarization states of the polarimetrically combined spatially modulated image. The electronic detection plane measures the polarimetrically combined spatially modulated image that includes mixed polarization states.

Abstract: A system identifies a human being from the movement of the human being. The system includes a dual element pyroeleetric detector, a Fresnel lens array, and a processor. The dual element pyroelectric detector detects radiation from the human being as the human being moves over time. The Fresnel lens array is located between the dual element pyroelectric detector and the human being. The Fresnel lens array improves collection efficiency and spatial resolution of the dual element pyroelectric detector. The Fresnel lens array includes a mask. The mask provides at least one zone of visibility. The processor is coupled to the dual element pyroelectric detector, the processor converts the detected radiation to a spectral radiation signature. The processor compares the spectral radiation signature to at least a second spectral radiation signature to identify the human being.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to systems and methods for spectral imaging. In one embodiment, an image of the scene is formed on a coded aperture of a spectrometer. A coded image from the coded aperture is detected on a two-dimensional detector array of the spectrometer through a spectrally dispersive element of the spectrometer. Data from the two-dimensional detector array is collected as the coded image is varied over time. The spectral image is estimated from the data collected and the variation of the coded image over time. The data collected is varied over time through translation, rotation, and defocus.

Abstract: An optical spectrometer distinguishes ambiguity between different wavelength constituent components present in incident light. A spatial filter in the spectrometer spatially filters the incident light. A dispersion system receives the spatially filtered light and disperses images of the spatial filter in a wavelength dependent fashion such that two or more wavelength-specific images at least partially overlap at a detector system. The detector system comprises a detector array and processor that detects and processes the dispersed light to remove ambiguity between one or more of the overlapping images. The detector array may detect coded aperture images associated with a coded aperture spatial filter defined by a coded aperture function, and the processor may process the detector array output signals using an analysis function that complements the coded aperture function. The detector system may filter the spatial filter images and electronically process the resulting detector array output signals.

Abstract: A transmission mask or cooled aperture is used in spectroscopy to compressively sample an optical signal. The locations of transmissive and opaque elements of the mask are determined by a transmission function. The optical signal transmitted by the mask is detected at each sensor of a plurality of sensors dispersed spatially with respect to the mask. A number of estimated optical signal values is calculated from sensor measurements and the transmission function. The optical signal is compressed by selecting the transmission function so that the number of measurements is less than the number of estimated optical signal values. A reconstructed optical signal is further calculated using signal inference. An imaging system created from plurality of encoded subimaging systems compressively samples an optical signal.

Abstract: A spatial filter for an optical system, such as an optical spectrometer, collects and spatially filters light using a fiber bundle having a plurality of fibers disposed therein. At an input end of the fiber bundle, the fibers are typically packed tightly together to optimize the collection efficiency. At an output end, the fibers are spread out from the fiber bundle and arranged within a two-dimensional output area according to a two-dimensional pattern corresponding to a coded aperture function. As a result, the two-dimensional pattern of the output end spatially filters the light collected by the input end. Corresponding methods are also described.

Abstract: A prescription verification system includes a database that contains a plurality of spectral signatures corresponding to identified pharmaceuticals. A multimodal multiplex sampling (MMS) spectrometer obtains a spectra of a pharmaceutical to be identified and verified. The pharmaceutical can be inside or out of a vial. The prescription verification system includes algorithms for matching spectra of pharmaceuticals to be verified obtaining using the MMS spectrometer to spectral signatures contained in the database corresponding to identified pharmaceuticals. The prescription verification system further includes algorithms for identifying such pharmaceuticals to be verified.

Abstract: Methods and systems for static multimode multiplex spectroscopy are disclosed. According to a method for static multimode multiplex spectroscopy, spectral energy emanating from different points of a diffuse source is simultaneously received. Different multi-peak filter functions are applied to the spectral energy emanating from the different points to produce a multi-channel spectral measurement for each point. The multi-channel spectral measurements are combined to estimate a property of the diffuse source.

Abstract: Selected combinations from three or more light excitation wavelengths are serially impinged on a sample based on an encoding pattern. A plurality of spectra is detected from the sample responsive to respective ones of the selected combinations of light excitation wavelengths. A shifted Raman excitation spectral component and a non-shifted spectral component characteristic of the sample are identified based on the plurality of spectra.

Abstract: A hybrid linear actuator features a central load shaft on which a plurality of solid-state magnetostrictive thrusters are positioned in operative relation to electric motors of a permanent magnet synchronous type to impart linear thrust force to the load shaft through clutch units also positioned thereon and under control of force and stroke amplification of output force from motor shafts projecting from the motors.

Abstract: Methods and systems for static multimode multiplex spectroscopy are disclosed. According to a method for static multimode multiplex spectroscopy, spectral energy emanating from different points of a diffuse source is simultaneously received. Different multi-peak filter functions are applied to the spectral energy emanating from the different points to produce a multi-channel spectral measurement for each point. The multi-channel spectral measurements are combined to estimate a property of the diffuse source.

Abstract: A method and device is capable of amplitude, phase, polarization shear, wavelength, and diversity measurement along a common path by using a sampling device to get a sparse sampled optical field. The sampled field is fed to a diversity generator device. The diversity generator device generates the diversity information associated with each sample/element of the sparse input in empty space provided by sampling. The diversity information may consist of phase-shifted copies of the input sample having known/device dependent relative phases, amplitudes, polarization, shear, or wavelength with respect to their originating sample. The geometry of the fan out allows overlap between part or all different diversity copies (originating from the same or from different samples) thus making the method interferometric.

Abstract: The systems and methods of the present invention includes the manufacturing of integrated photonic circuit devices using deposition processes such as, for example, supercritical fluid deposition (SFD). The present invention further includes the coupling of photonic crystal structures and planar waveguides to provide high performance, low-cost and scalable photonic components.

Abstract: A tubular post is erected from a retracted position in the deck of a load receiving ship to accommodate load transfer operation. A highline connection established by an automated rigging technique substantially reduces manpower requirements, with all receiving station equipment stowed below deck for watertight integrity and to minimize radar cross-section.

Abstract: A multilayer optical memory has interleaved optical recording media layers and control layers. In a transmissive system, the recording media layers are sensitive to the polarization (linear or circular) of a light beam. The control layers are polarization modulators. In a reflective system, the control layers are notch filters.