Abstract: An optically powered optical modulator comprises an optical modulation component, such as an electro-optical modulator, acousto-optic modulator or magneto-optic modulator, in combination with one or two lens assemblies positioned at one or both apertures of the optical modulation component, so that the optical modulator formed by the combination of the lens assembly or assemblies and the optical modulation component has optical focus power.

Abstract: An optically powered optical modulator comprises an optical modulation component, such as an electro-optical modulator, acousto-optic modulator or magneto-optic modulator, in combination with one or two lens assemblies positioned at one or both apertures of the optical modulation component, so that the optical modulator formed by the combination of the lens assembly or assemblies and the optical modulation component has optical focus power.

Abstract: An optically powered optical modulator comprises an optical modulation component, such as an electro-optical modulator, acousto-optic modulator or magneto-optic modulator, in combination with one or two lens assemblies positioned at one or both apertures of the optical modulation component, so that the optical modulator formed by the combination of the lens assembly or assemblies and the optical modulation component has optical focus power.

Abstract: An optically powered optical modulator comprises an optical modulation component, such as an electro-optical modulator, acousto-optic modulator or magneto-optic modulator, in combination with one or two lens assemblies positioned at one or both apertures of the optical modulation component, so that the optical modulator formed by the combination of the lens assembly or assemblies and the optical modulation component has optical focus power.

Abstract: A mosaic imaging system comprises a support structure, a plurality of individual focal plane arrays secured to the support structure and an afocal primary objective optical element secured to the support structure. Each focal plane array has its own objective optical element secured in relation thereto so that the focal plane array and the objective optical element have a constant spatial relationship, with each objective optical element focusing its respective focal plane array to infinity. The primary objective optical element has an exit pupil subsuming the entrance pupils of the objective optical elements of the focal plane arrays, and is arranged relative to the objective optical elements of the focal plane arrays to maintain throughput and image integrity from object space of the primary objective optical element to each focal plane array. Two or more of the plurality of the individual focal plane arrays may occupy different geometric planes.

Abstract: An ultracompact, lightweight, reflective telescope is described which has no loss due to central obscuration for a beam being projected from its focus. The optical surfaces are composed of matched conics of rotation.

Abstract: An imaging system and method for dual polarization imaging is provided. In one implementation, an imaging system includes a field stop located at a first image plane for limiting an incident light ray bundle passing through an aperture thereof and a polarization discriminating element adapted to separate the incident light ray bundle into a first ray bundle having a first polarization traveling in a first direction and a second ray bundle having a second polarization traveling in a second direction. The system also includes an image detector located at a second image plane to receive the first and second ray bundles such that the first ray bundle forms a first image at a first region of the image detector and the second ray bundle forming a second image at a second region the image detector, the first and second images laterally displaced from each other at the second image plane.

Abstract: An imaging system and method for dual polarization imaging is provided. In one implementation, an imaging system includes a field stop located at a first image plane for limiting an incident light ray bundle passing through an aperture thereof and a polarization discriminating element adapted to separate the incident light ray bundle into a first ray bundle having a first polarization traveling in a first direction and a second ray bundle having a second polarization traveling in a second direction. The system also includes an image detector located at a second image plane to receive the first and second ray bundles such that the first ray bundle forms a first image at a first region of the image detector and the second ray bundle forming a second image at a second region the image detector, the first and second images laterally displaced from each other at the second image plane.

Abstract: A free space laser communication system that maintains dynamic alignment is presented. The system comprises two laser transceivers positioned a distance apart. Each transceiver includes the following components. A beacon laser is provided for transmitting a beacon beam at a first wavelength in a beam having a first divergence. A signal laser is provided for transmitting a signal beam carrying information to be transmitted to the other transceiver. A special telescope system is provided for collecting both the incoming beacon beam and the incoming signal beam from the other transceiver and for transmitting at least an outgoing signal beam. In a preferred embodiment the special telescope images the pupil of the telescope onto a tracking mirror. The tracking mirror pivots at least tilt and tip.

Abstract: A far-field simulator (FFS) which can be accurately calibrated and verified to sub-wavelength optical precision under any applicable test conditions is described. The FFS can be used over a tremendous range of ambient temperatures, and other conditions without detriment to its inherent accuracy. The accuracy is provided by means of interferometric self-reference capability rather than by complex, delicate, and/or extremely expensive metering structures. As such, the described approach provides a test instrument that is highly insensitive to packing, shipping, and other sources of system misalignment, and yet provides alignment accuracy to the extent practically achievable by comparable systems. These preferred embodiments include an FFS with an autostigmatic cube an objective mirror and interferometer optics for calibrating the FFS with precision.

Abstract: A free space laser communication system that maintains dynamic alignment is presented. The system comprises two laser transceivers positioned a distance apart. Each transceiver includes the following components. A beacon laser is provided for transmitting a beacon beam at a first wavelength in a beam having a first divergence. A signal laser is provided for transmitting a signal beam carrying information to be transmitted to the other transceiver. A special telescope system is provided for collecting both the incoming beacon beam and the incoming signal beam from the other transceiver and for transmitting at least an outgoing signal beam. In a preferred embodiment the special telescope images the pupil of the telescope onto a tracking mirror. The tracking mirror pivots at least in at least tilt and tip.

Abstract: A far-field simulator (FFS) which can be accurately calibrated and verified to subwavelength optical precision under any applicable test conditions is described. The FFS can be used over a tremendous range of ambient temperatures, and other conditions without detriment to its inherent accuracy. The accuracy is provided by means of interferometric self-reference capability rather than by complex, delicate, and/or extremely expensive metering structures. As such, the described approach provides a test instrument that is highly insensitive to packing, shipping, and other sources of system misalignment, and yet provides alignment accuracy to the extent practically achievable by comparable systems. These preferred embodiments include an FFS with an autostigniatic cube an objective mirror and interferometer optics for calibrating the FFS with precision.