Abstract: The invention relates to a surface plasmon resonance sensor comprising a base unit (2) containing a light source (6) for generating light beams (10) and an optical sensor unit (3; 21; 31; 103; 131) for exciting surface plasmons, said sensor unit having a measuring surface (18; 29; 122; 138) that is formed by a thin metal film and that can be brought into contact with a sample (19; 123) to be measured. The aim of the invention is to provide a surface plasmon resonance sensor (1) comprising a compact optical sensor unit (3; 21; 31; 103; 131) that is easy to replace reproducible quality. This is achieved by an optical sensor unit (3; 21; 31; 103; 131) comprising a prism (12; 22; 32; 112; 132) consisting of an optically transparent material. Areas (16, 20; 23, 24; 33, 34; 118, 119; 133, 134) of said prism (12; 22; 32; 112; 132) are configured in such a way, that they focus the light beams (10?) emanating from the base unit (2) onto the measuring surface (18; 29; 122; 138).

Abstract: An apparatus for coating the inside of a metal tube with an electrically conducting material, including first and second electrode assemblies supported within the tube. The axially spaced electrode assemblies each include a main electrode. The main electrode of the first electrode assembly is supported on the inner tube face via an insulating member. The second electrode assembly has an auxiliary electrode connected to the main electrode of the second electrode assembly and to the tube. A wire is secured to and extending between the main electrodes. A current source is connected to the main electrode of the first electrode assembly and the main electrode of the second electrode assembly through the tube and the auxiliary electrode for passing an electric current pulse through the wire for causing an explosive vaporization thereof, whereby particles of the vaporized material form a layer on the inner tube face.

Abstract: A method of coating an inner face of a metal tube with an electrically conducting coating material includes the steps of positioning a wire, made of the coating material, generally axially in an interior of the tube, along the inner face thereof; and passing an electric current pulse of sufficient intensity through the wire to cause an explosive vaporization thereof, whereby particles of the vaporized material impinge on the inner face of the metal tube and form a layer thereon.

Abstract: A method of destroying hidden land mines includes steps of providing a hole in the ground of a mine-contaminated area; placing into the hole a device which generates a shock wave by wire explosion; connecting the device to a switchable current source; and applying a current pulse from the current source to the device for causing a wire explosion thereof to generate a shock wave in the ground for destroying mines hidden in the area within the effective range of the shock wave. The device has a plastic tube filled with a liquid; a wire passing through the liquid; and electrodes disposed at opposite ends of the tube. The wire is connected to the electrodes, and the electrodes are connectable to a current source for applying a current pulse from the current source to the wire to effect explosion thereof for generating the shock wave.

Abstract: A device for protecting an optical component from a laser beam. The device includes a carrier which is light-pervious in a predetermined spectral range and is positionable in an expected path of a laser beam directed to the optical component; and a metal oxide film applied to the carrier. The film is light-pervious in the same spectral range and is oriented such as to intercept a laser beam directed to the optical component.

Abstract: In order to be able to automatically locate and map ammunition over a large area without endangering the searching crew, ground-scanning sensors are mounted on a relatively light-weight, unmanned, remote-controlled vehicle which then travels over the area contaminated with ammunition. The controlled vehicle is controlled from, and the sensor signals are evaluated in, a second vehicle which is generally disposed in the immediate vicinity of the area being examined. The controlling vehicle, which is preferably armored, also accommodates the operating crew.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a silicon substrate with a micromechanical bender bar constituting a testing mass having one end mounted the silicon substrate and a free end opposite the one end. A ferromagnetic core is mounted on the free end of the micromechanical bender bar. An excitation coil is supported on the ferromagnetic core for furnishing an inhomogeneous magnetic field when supplied with an alternating current. A cooled superconducting quantum interference detector (SQUID) arrangement is mounted adjacent the ferromagnetic core for detecting changes in the inhomogeneous magnetic field produced by the excitation coil and produces a useful signal in dependence of changes in the inhomogeneous magnetic field.

Abstract: A projectile equipped with an infrared target seeking system at its bow and an arrangement for correcting the flight course of the projectile, with the target seeking system having at least one deflection device for scanning the target area. To obtain a rosette-shaped scanning pattern of the target area without the use of gyro stabilized mechanical systems, the projectile rotates about its longitudinal axis and the target seeking system includes a laser which is followed by a beam deflecting device which deflects the laser beam periodically and linearly within a fixed scanning plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the projectile. Preferably the laser beam is also amplitude modulated.