Abstract: A multi-axis self-contained sensor system includes an outer spherical housing and an inner spherical housing. The outer spherical housing has a transparent spherical shell that surrounds a first cavity and having a first refractive index (RI). The inner spherical housing is in the first cavity and is completely surrounded by the outer spherical housing. The inner spherical housing has a first average density and includes a spherical wall that surrounds a second cavity. A sensor system is contained in the second cavity, and a suspending fluid layer is interposed between the outer spherical housing and the inner spherical housing. The suspending fluid layer is composed of a fluid having a second RI.

Abstract: A multi-axis self-contained sensor system includes an outer spherical housing and an inner spherical housing. The outer spherical housing has a transparent spherical shell that surrounds a first cavity and having a first refractive index (RI). The inner spherical housing is in the first cavity and is completely surrounded by the outer spherical housing. The inner spherical housing has a first average density and includes a spherical wall that surrounds a second cavity. A sensor system is contained in the second cavity, and a suspending fluid layer is interposed between the outer spherical housing and the inner spherical housing. The suspending fluid layer is composed of a fluid having a second RI.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving image quality by modifying received radiation wavefronts with one or more uncalibrated variable phase plates at the pupil plane of the optical system, to produce an atmospheric-like blurred image on the focal plane with an effective increase in the sampling parameter Q. Real-time image restoration algorithms may then be applied to data sets sampled from the blurred image formed on the detector array. Numerous phase plate embodiments are provided for modifying the wavefront.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for improving image quality by modifying received radiation wavefronts with one or more uncalibrated variable phase plates at the pupil plane of the optical system, to produce an atmospheric-like blurred image on the focal plane with an effective increase in the sampling parameter Q. Real-time image restoration algorithms may then be applied to data sets sampled from the blurred image formed on the detector array. Numerous phase plate embodiments are provided for modifying the wavefront.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a light collection array. One or more light redirectors located at or near inactive areas of light collection arrays may redirect incident light to active areas. In one embodiment, the light redirector may be implemented with additional light redirectors and/or a concentrating photovoltaic collection system.

Abstract: An optically sensitive device includes a material that changes dimension in response to a change in a magnetic field. In an embodiment, the optically sensitive device is configured to measure a change in a magnetic field as a function of the change of dimension of the material.

Abstract: An optically sensitive device includes a material that changes dimension in response to a change in a magnetic field. In an embodiment, the optically sensitive device is configured to measure a change in a magnetic field as a function of the change of dimension of the material.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring crosswinds includes using a laser to send a signal on a signal path, and receiving response signals backscattered off of aerosols or other materials in the atmosphere along the signal path. Wavefronts of the received responses are perturbated by thermal cell turbulence in the atmosphere that perturbs optical wavefront propagation. Signals backscattered by airborne aerosols at different distances from the laser in the wavefront imager arrive at different times at the wavefront imager. Thus the wavefront perturbations vary with range, and data on the perturbed wavefront may be collected by the wavefront imager. Crosswinds cause movements in the optical perturbations over time, as the thermal cell turbulence moves. By comparing wavefronts of signals sent at different times an amount of thermal cell displacement may be determined at a series of ranges away from the laser and the wavefront imager.

Abstract: An imaging system uses a low coherence light source to image objects at a relatively far distance (at least 10 cm) and/or of a relatively large size (having a dimension of at least 10 cm). An imaging plane is located such that its image path is substantially equal to a reference path that the light follows within the imaging device. The imaging plane has a thickness of about the coherence length of the light. Only light returning from the imaging plane forms part of the image. Light returning on other paths is effectively negated due to a lack of coherence. The imaging plane may be a fixed distance from the imaging system. Alternatively, the imaging plane may be at a variable distance from the imaging system, with the reference path having a changeable length.

Abstract: A solar collector includes one or more diffractive optical elements that concentrate light in two dimensions. The optical elements may be flat inexpensive plastic gratings or holograms, The elements provide an inexpensive way to concentrate sunlight or other radiation, for example directing the radiation to a collector such as one or more photovoltaic devices. The radiation may be binned in different wavelengths, and directed to different collector devices. The optical elements may have diffractive gratings on their surfaces, or alternatively may have internal gratings, for example provided by internal variations in index of refraction. Thus the optical elements may be volume phase gratings or suitable such diffractive elements. Volume holograms offer reduced solar tracking requirements compared to surface gratings.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring crosswinds includes using a laser to send a signal on a signal path, and receiving response signals backscattered off of aerosols or other materials in the atmosphere along the signal path. Wavefronts of the received responses are perturbated by thermal cell turbulence in the atmosphere that perturbs optical wavefront propagation. Signals backscattered by airborne aerosols at different distances from the laser in the wavefront imager arrive at different times at the wavefront imager. Thus the wavefront perturbations vary with range, and data on the perturbed wavefront may be collected by the wavefront imager. Crosswinds cause movements in the optical perturbations over time, as the thermal cell turbulence moves. By comparing wavefronts of signals sent at different times an amount of thermal cell displacement may be determined at a series of ranges away from the laser and the wavefront imager.

Abstract: An imaging system uses a low coherence light source to image objects at a relatively far distance (at least 10 cm) and/or of a relatively large size (having a dimension of at least 10 cm). An imaging plane is located such that its image path is substantially equal to a reference path that the light follows within the imaging device. The imaging plane has a thickness of about the coherence length of the light. Only light returning from the imaging plane forms part of the image. Light returning on other paths is effectively negated due to a lack of coherence. The imaging plane may be a fixed distance from the imaging system. Alternatively, the imaging plane may be at a variable distance from the imaging system, with the reference path having a changeable length.

Abstract: An optical device includes a structure defining an enclosed volume that is empty or filled with a non-solid, such as an aerogel or a gas, within which reflective surfaces bounce incoming light back and forth, focusing the light toward an exit aperture. The structure of the device may be formed from two halves, which are molded or machined to form the inner faces used to reflect and focus incoming light. The structure halves may be made of a moldable material. The moldable material may have reflective material, such as aluminum, deposited on inner faces that are used to reflect and focus incoming light. The halves of the structure are joined together, such as by use of a suitable adhesive. The enclosed volume may be substantially empty except for an ambient gas. The resulting hollow optical device provides a greatly reduced weight compared with folded optics made from solid materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with a light collection array. One or more light redirectors located at or near inactive areas of light collection arrays may redirect incident light to active areas. In one embodiment, the light redirector may be implemented with additional light redirectors and/or a concentrating photovoltaic collection system.