Abstract: A disclosed method for a locating system comprises transmitting, by at least two transmitters on each of at least one transmitter platform, at least one signal, where each of the signals transmitted from a different transmitter is modulated at a different oscillation frequency, and the distance between the transmitters on each of the transmitter platforms is known. The method further comprises receiving, by a detector(s) on each of a target platform(s), the signal(s). When the detector(s) receives the signal(s), the signal(s) is focused at a location on the detector(s). Also, the method comprises determining an angle the signal(s) is being transmitted to the detector(s) from the transmitters by using the location(s). Further, the method comprises determining a relative position of each of the transmitter platform(s) with respect to the target platform(s) by using the angle(s) and by using the distance between the transmitters on each of the transmitter platform(s).

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed for manufacturing a structure having layers that may operate in low pressure or vacuum environments. More particularly, methods, apparatuses, and systems are disclosed for minimizing the effects of voids by eliminating their contents in layers of bonded structures. In some implementations, a method for improving bonding within a layered structure comprises applying a bonding material layer to a substrate layer; disposing a wicking material in the bonding material layer, said wicking material having an outer surface; applying a surface material layer to the bonding material layer to form a layered structure; and curing the layered structure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning a target region. A divergence of a laser beam during scanning of the target region is set. The laser beam is directed to different locations in the target region at a scan angle. The scan angle of the laser beam is set while the laser beam is directed to the different locations. Changing at least one of the divergence or an amount of change in the scan angle during scanning of the target region changes a resolution for the target region.

Abstract: A light assembly may include a reflector having a reflective surface that defines an internal volume. A focal point is within the internal volume. A light source may be positioned outside of the internal volume of the reflector. The light source is configured to generate at least one light beam. A light guide may include an input end proximate to the light source and an output end proximate to the reflective surface. The light guide is configured to receive the light beam(s) at the input end and direct the light beam(s) out of the output end toward the reflective surface.

Abstract: A contactless energy transfer system has a first stationary platform and a second movable platform. The first platform has at least one light source coupled to a power source. The second separate platform has at least one photovoltaic module mounted thereon. The at least one photovoltaic module is coupled to an energy storage system mounted on the second platform such that any light received at the photovoltaic module is converted to electrical energy stored in the energy storage system. The second platform is configured to move in close proximity to the first platform along a predetermined pathway. The predetermined pathway may be linear or rotary. The light sources are positioned and configured to direct light at the photovoltaic modules during a predetermined interval when the second platform is in close proximity to the first platform (for the linear pathway) or constantly or at predetermined intervals (for the rotatory pathway).

Abstract: A searchlight including at least one diffuser for eliminating spatial non-uniformities in the illuminated beam. The searchlight may further include a reflector, with the diffuser(s) positioned in front of the reflector.

Abstract: A scanning system and method scan an area of interest. The scanning system may include a first scanner that deflects a light signal. The light signal that is deflected by the first scanner is output as an initially-deflected light signal. A second scanner receives the initially-deflected light signal and deflects the initially-deflected light signal. The initially-deflected signal that is deflected by the second scanner is output as a subsequently-deflected light signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for scanning a target region. A divergence of a laser beam during scanning of the target region is set. The laser beam is directed to different locations in the target region at a scan angle. The scan angle of the laser beam is set while the laser beam is directed to the different locations. Changing at least one of the divergence or an amount of change in the scan angle during scanning of the target region changes a resolution for the target region.

Abstract: A light assembly is configured to provide a uniform light pattern onto a target, and may include a housing, a light source retained within the housing, wherein the light source is configured to generate a generated light beam, and a light homogenizer retained with the housing and disposed within a light path downstream from the light source. The light homogenizer includes a main body having an input end and an output end, and is configured to receive the generated light beam at the input end. The light homogenizer is configured to homogenize the generated light beam and output homogenized light at the output end. A focusing lens may be moveably retained with the housing and disposed within the light path downstream from the light homogenizer. The focusing lens is configured to focus the homogenized light onto the target.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for compensating for spatial non-uniformities in solar simulators. This is accomplished in part by acquiring a spatial map of the intensity distribution that the solar simulator produces across the illumination plane using a reference cell, identifying an area of an arbitrary solar cell within the illuminated area, and then calculating the expected illumination levels for that solar cell in that specific location based on the spatial mapping. The results of that process can then be used to determine the efficiency of the arbitrary solar cell during a test in which the reference cell (of known efficiency), located in a different part of the illuminating beam, simultaneously measures the illumination in one area of the illumination beam.

Abstract: An optical star tracker system including a single common aperture, a single light-redirecting element, a single imaging sensor and an image processor, wherein the light-redirecting element receives incident light rays from a plurality of objects and forms images of the objects distorted at angles indicative of the multiple directions of the incident light rays from the objects depending on an orientation at which the incident light rays originated from the objects.

Abstract: A disclosed method for a locating system comprises transmitting, by at least two transmitters on each of at least one transmitter platform, at least one signal, where each of the signals transmitted from a different transmitter is modulated at a different oscillation frequency, and the distance between the transmitters on each of the transmitter platforms is known. The method further comprises receiving, by a detector(s) on each of a target platform(s), the signal(s). When the detector(s) receives the signal(s), the signal(s) is focused at a location on the detector(s). Also, the method comprises determining an angle the signal(s) is being transmitted to the detector(s) from the transmitters by using the location(s). Further, the method comprises determining a relative position of each of the transmitter platform(s) with respect to the target platform(s) by using the angle(s) and by using the distance between the transmitters on each of the transmitter platform(s).

Abstract: A method for monitoring degradation of a flashlamp including triggering the flashlamp to produce a light pulse, monitoring at least one parameter as a function of time to obtain a pulse waveform of the light pulse, comparing the pulse waveform to at least one reference pulse waveform to determine a difference therebetween, and flagging an end-of-lamp-life condition when the difference exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A rigidly mountable solar panel includes lenses supported above a movable panel to focus sunlight onto photovoltaic material carried on the movable panel. Flexible supports space the movable panel at the focal points of the lenses, and a servo-mechanism enables movement of the movable panel to adjust position as the focal point moves with the sun. A light detector on the movable panel, sensing movement of the focal point signals the servo-mechanism to adjust the position of the movable panel automatically, thereby tracking the sun's movement. Concentrating sunlight on photovoltaic material selected to have higher conversion efficiency increases output. Segmenting the photovoltaic material so the output of the segments can be combined in a series-parallel relationship and using mirrors on the ends of the movable panel to reflect sunlight onto the segments allows electricity that is generated by the photovoltaic material to be more uniform during daylight.

Abstract: A laser illumination system including two or more lasers, each laser being configured to selectively project an associated laser beam having an associated wavelength, and a projection assembly positioned to receive and combine the laser beams and project an outgoing beam toward a selected bearing.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for determining an electromagnetic (EM) spectrum scattered from a surface are disclosed. The disclosed method involves scanning an EM source to at least one EM source position. The method further involves illuminating, with the EM source, spectral energy to at least one target area on the surface for each of the EM source positions. Also, the method involves scanning a detector to a plurality of detector positions for each of the EM source positions. Additionally, the method involves detecting, with the detector, the EM spectrum scattered from at least one target area on the surface at each of the plurality of the detector positions for each of the EM source positions. Further, the method involves processing the EM spectrum detected at each of the plurality of the detector positions for each of the EM source positions to characterize the surface.

Abstract: A solar cell testing apparatus may include an illuminator for directing light energy on a solar cell under test. The solar cell testing apparatus may also include a device for selectively positioning different filters of a multiplicity of filters in an optical path between the illuminator and the solar cell under test to at least one of measure performance and detect any defects in the solar cell. The multiplicity of filters may include a first set of filters and a second set of filters. Each filter of the first set of filters is adapted for passing a predetermined percentage of intensity of the light energy from the illuminator onto the solar cell under test. The second set of filters being adapted for testing the solar cell under different spectrums of light.

Abstract: A lamp assembly including a housing defining an internal volume and a lamp positioned in the internal volume, the lamp including a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein the first electrode is both thermally and electrically coupled to the housing, and wherein the second electrode is thermally coupled to the housing by way of a thermally conductive, electrically insulative material and a heat transfer element.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for retrofitting known solar simulator systems to allow the exit beam to be changed in size and location without changing the other fundamental functions of the main optical elements. The solar simulator system is provided with means for de-magnifying the exit beam to provide higher power densities at the illumination plane. By adding or replacing one final optical element, the system user can change the location of the illumination plane and the size of the illumination area. This change in size can increase or decrease the power density of the exit beam.

Abstract: An imaging system is configured to form images of a target based on a plurality of reflected light signals. The imaging system may include a light transmission assembly configured to transmit a plurality of light signals towards the target. Each of the plurality of light signals has a unique characteristic that differs from the other of the plurality of light signals. A light detector assembly is configured to receive and detect the plurality of light signals reflected from the target and distinguish each of the plurality of light signals based on the unique characteristic of each of the plurality of light signals.