Abstract: A process for providing precision deposits (3) of metal films unto a working substrate (5) by transmitting an ultrafast laser pulse thorough a transparent target substrate (6) whose lower surface supports a metal film (7). Rapid laser heating produces pressure that propels vaporized metal unto the working substrate whereupon the metal vapor rapidly resolidifies on a dimension substantially equal to the ultrafast laser's focal spot size.

Abstract: A system for obtaining spherically symmetrical implosion of sample materials by directing radiant ignition energy onto a target which includes a spherically symmetrical core of selected sample material concentrically surrounded by a shell of high explosive material. The resulting implosive compression produces hydrodynamically controlled physical and/or chemical and/or metallurgical transformations of state in the sample material.

Abstract: A system and method of pulsed-laser microfabrication wherein a first substrate of transparent material, such as glass, has one or more target materials positioned on a surface, preferably a flat surface, of the substrate. These target materials include a thin film of electrically conductive material--i.e., a conductor or semiconductor--immediately adjacent to the substrate surface. Pulsed laser energy is directed through the transparent substrate onto the conductive film at a sufficient intensity and for a sufficient duration to rapidly vaporize the metal film. The target materials are driven by film vaporization energy and by the reaction thereof against the glass substrate onto the opposing or object surface of a second substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for obtaining spherically symmetrical implosion of sample materials by directing radiant ignition energy onto a target which includes a spherically symmetrical core of selected sample material concentrically surrounded by a shell of high explosive material. The resulting implosive compression produces hydrodynamically controlled physical and/or chemical and/or metallurgical transformations of state in the sample material.

Abstract: An obstruction warning system apparatus is provided having elongated optical light path members each having a volume capable of transmitting light therethrough and having means to interrupt the light along the light path to render the light path member visible at a distance. The optical light path members are supported on guy wires or to an obstruction and have a high intensity light source operatively connected to one end of at least one elongated optical light path member and a reflector formed on the other end thereof for reflecting light from the light source back into the elongated optical light path member. A switching circuit may be provided for switching the light source between a plurality of elongated optical light source members.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for reducing the coherence and for smoothing the power density profile of a collimated high-power laser beam in which the beam is focused at a point on the surface of a target fabricated of material having a low atomic number. The initial portion of the focused beam heats the material to form a hot reflective plasma at the material surface. The remaining, major portion of the focused beam is reflected by the plasma and recollected to form a collimated beam having reduced beam coherence.