Abstract: A communications system for wireless transceiving of information, comprising at least one multiple optical beam scanning array transceiver located in a satellite for wirelessly transceiving the information; and at least two terminals at diverse locations capable of wirelessly transceiving the information between the terminals and the satellite, and an apparatus for determining atmospheric conditions for use in adjusting the multiple beam scanning array transceiver parameters.

Abstract: A communications system for wireless transceiving of information, comprising at least one multiple optical beam scanning array transceiver located in a satellite for wirelessly transceiving the information; and at least two terminals at diverse locations capable of wirelessly transceiving the information between the terminals and the satellite, and an apparatus for determining atmospheric conditions for use in adjusting the multiple beam scanning array transceiver parameters.

Abstract: A 3-dimensional scanner capable of acquiring the shape, color, and reflectance of an object as a complete 3-dimensional object. The scanner utilizes a fixed camera, telecentric lens, and a light source rotatable around an object to acquire images of the object under varying controlled illumination conditions. Image data are processed using photometric stereo and structured light analysis methods to determine the object shape and the data combined using a minimization algorithm. Scans of adjacent object sides are registered together to construct a 3-dimensional surface model.

Abstract: A communications system for wireless transceiving of information, comprising an optical array subsystem for transceiving optical signals and a millimeter wave subsystem for transceiving millimeter wave signals, and a beam steering controller for controlling the direction of the optical and millimeter wave signals. The communication system may be on a flying platform, such as a satellite and may communicate with multiple remote terminals.

Abstract: A system and method for providing real-time imaging for use in wide area space based surveillance utilizing an Optical Tera-bps Satellite (OPTSAT) network, including a plurality of OPTSATs, wherein an object is imaged with at least one surveillance aperture operatively linked to at least one of the plurality of OPTSATs is disclosed herein. The optical image data obtained the at least one surveillance aperture is processed in a one image processor, and displayed in a terminal capable of wirelessly transceiving information with the plurality of OPTSATs.

Abstract: A means of assessing the internal structure of teeth based upon use of high frequency, highly localized ultrasound (acoustic waves) generated by a short laser pulse is presented. In contrast to traditional contact transducer methods, laser-generated ultrasound is non-contact and non-destructive in nature and requires no special tooth surface preparation. Optical interferometric detection of ultrasound provides a complementary non-destructive, non-contact means for obtaining data with a very small detection footprint. The combination of laser-generated ultrasound and optical interferometric detection allows for in-vivo diagnostics of tooth health that is sensitive to the enamel/dentin, dentin/pulp, and dentin/cementum interfaces as well as a region of dead tracts in the dentin within a tooth.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for distributing information and photonic energy into at least one room of a building, comprising a lighting generator for generating visible light energy, an infrared (IR) heat generator for generating IR heat energy, and an optical fiber subsystem for transceiving at least one of the visible light energy and the IR heat energy into the at least one room, wherein the optical fiber subsystem can carry optical information signals throughout the optical fiber subsystem and radiate the optical information signals as optical wireless signals into the at least one room and receive optical wireless signals from the at least one room.

Abstract: Methods for measuring strains in biological and other samples include illuminating a specimen with substantially collimated laser flux. An electro-acoustic transducer is activated to generate acoustic waves in the specimen, including a surface wave component such as a Rayleigh wave. A series of laser speckle patterns produced by a laser flux scattered or reflected by the specimen is recorded and speckle pattern shifts are calculated based on the recorded speckle patterns. Phase shifts produced by acoustic wave propagation in the specimen are used to identify specimen regions associated with irregularities such as inclusions, cracks, or tissue abnormalities. In some examples, specimens are stretched or otherwise stressed by one or more light fluxes, and specimen elongation is estimated based on a series of associated speckle patterns.

Abstract: Methods for measuring strains in circuit substrates such as circuit boards and semiconductor wafers include illuminating a specimen with a substantially collimated laser flux. A temperature change is produced in the specimen and a series of laser speckle patterns produced by a laser flux scattered or reflected by the specimen is recorded. Localized strains are detected based on speckle pattern shifts that are calculated using the recorded speckle patterns. Stains can be recorded as a function of temperature or rate of change of temperature, and strains at one or more circuit substrate locations can be detected.

Abstract: Techniques for establishing a free-space optical communications link between a local terminal and a remote terminal include determining that a remote terminal is within a wide field of view associated with a micromechanical mirror in a local terminal. The risk of an undesirable effect which imposes a performance or security problem is also determined to occur within the wide field of view. The micromechanical mirror is pointed by including the remote terminal within a narrow field of view that is narrower than the wide field of view, and by reducing the risk that the undesirable effect is within the narrow field of view.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for distributing information and photonic energy into at least one room of a building, comprising a lighting generator for generating visible light energy, an infrared (IR) heat generator for generating IR heat energy, and an optical fiber subsystem for transceiving at least one of the visible light energy and the IR heat energy into the at least one room, wherein the optical fiber subsystem can carry optical information signals throughout the optical fiber subsystem and radiate the optical information signals as optical wireless signals into the at least one room and receive optical wireless signals from the at least one room.

Abstract: A system and method of scanning an artifact is disclosed. A single CCD can be configured to obtain color image data for the artifact using conventional imagery, gross shape data using a three-dimensional scanning technique, and high resolution shape data using an amplitude modulated laser scanning technique. A software driven computer processor controls the CCD and a series of illumination projectors to obtain color and gross shape data for an artifact. Algorithms then determine areas of the artifact that need to be scanned at a higher resolution. These areas are then re-scanned using an amplitude modulated laser scanning system. Once the entire artifact has been scanned completely, the color, gross shape, and high resolution shape data is combined into a single image file representative of the artifact. The key advancement is the ability of the present invention to dynamically determine areas of the artifact that require high resolution scans.

Abstract: A means of assessing the internal structure of teeth based upon use of high frequency, highly localized ultrasound (acoustic waves) generated by a short laser pulse is presented. In contrast to traditional contact transducer methods, laser-generated ultrasound is non-contact and non-destructive in nature and requires no special tooth surface preparation. Optical interferometric detection of ultrasound provides a complementary non-destructive, non-contact means for obtaining data with a very small detection footprint. The combination of laser-generated ultrasound and optical interferometric detection allows for in-vivo diagnostics of tooth health that is sensitive to the enamel/dentin, dentin/pulp, and dentin/cementum interfaces as well as a region of dead tracts in the dentin within a tooth.

Abstract: A communications system for wireless transceiving of information, comprising at least one multiple beam scanning array transceiver located in a satellite for wirelessly transceiving the information; and at least two terminals at diverse locations capable of wirelessly transceiving the information between the terminals and the satellite. The multiple beam scanning array transceiver can be optically based, and contain micro-mirrors or optical switches. Also disclosed is an apparatus for determining atmospheric conditions for use in adjusting the multiple beam scanning array transceiver parameters.

Abstract: A hand-held ophthalmoscope modified by the removal or augmentation of the focusing wheel and the addition of a manual or automatic focusing lens system. An electronic imager (CCD array or video camera) is placed optically conjugate to a viewing screen such that focus operations performed by the examiner to adjust the image seen by the examiner on the screen also focuses the image on the electronic imager. This is accomplished by an optical system which includes a straight path from the viewing screen to the patient's eye with a beam splitter interposed to cause the image of the patient's eye to be reflected onto the imager. As a result, when the examiner uses the focusing lens system, manual or automatic, positioned between the beam splitter and the patient's eye, to affect the image viewed by the examiner, the focus of the imager is simultaneously affected as well.

Abstract: Vanadium dioxide (VO.sub.2) based infrared spatial light modulators (SLM) in four embodiments are disclosed:(1) A VO.sub.2 thin film is deposited on a planar diode array. Each diode constitutes a "pixel" of the SLM. Power provided to a diode permits accurate thermal control about the thin film's hysteresis. Initial biasing of the diode array is required to the base of the VO.sub.2 's hysteresis curve.(2) & (3) VO.sub.2 is deposited on a thermoelectric array which can be an array of doped lines of p and n type material or a conductive material between two electrical contacts. The pixels have the ability to both heat and cool the VO.sub.2 film, thereby allowing the array to be operated in a bistable mode. Bistable operation requires external biasing to the center of the VO.sub.2 's hysteresis curve.(4) A VO.sub.2 thin film deposited on a substrate which is spaced a distance, L, from an array of vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers for heating the VO.sub.2.