Abstract: The invention provides a non-linear projection system, which includes a variable acuity non-linear holographic optical element (HOE), and an apparatus for creating the HOE. The projection system comprises a computer, a light valve which projects images generated by the computer, a lens train for focusing the images projected by the light valve, an HOE for the non-linear refraction of the focused images and a hemispherical viewing screen. The system additionally provides means for maintaining the center of the projected images in alignment with center of the field of view of an observer. The variation of the pixel size and spacing created by the system matches the variation of the human visual acuity of the observer permitting a realistic view to be presented while requiring a minimum of computer data to be generated and projected. The apparatus for creating the HOE utilizes a laser beam, three lens trains and a holographic recording medium.

Abstract: This invention relates to a dispersive holographic spectrometer (12) for analyzing radiation from an infrared source (16). The holographic spectrometer (12) comprises a piezoelectric block (40) having a holographic lens (38) on one face, an array of detectors (36) on another face and a pair of vernier electrodes (32, 34) on opposite faces. Radiation from the source (16) incident upon the holographic lens (38) is dispersed into component wavelengths (44, 46) and directed towards the detector array (38). The holographic lens (36) has a holographic interference pattern recorded on it such that radiation of predetermined wavelength components are dispersed sufficiently enough such that radiation of specific wavelengths falls on different detector elements (48) of the detector array (36). By applying a voltage to the electrodes (32, 38), an electric field is created within the piezoelectric block (40) such that it is either compressed or expanded.

Abstract: A miniature infrared test target that comprises a heated four-bar test target operated at a high temperature and a physically separated ambient field operated at ambient temperature. A beamsplitter is disposed relative to the test target and the field in a position to combine and transmit images thereof along a common axis. A lens is disposed along the common axis and forms a combined image of the test target and the field at its image plane. Separation of the test and field targets permits miniaturization of the test target while maintaining a temperature difference between the field and the bars that is proportional to the true temperature difference. The target overcomes the difficulty of maintaining an extremely high temperature gradient in the target. It provides a greater contrast range than that provided by conventional miniature targets.

Abstract: An improved curing oven using Wellsbach conversion is disclosed. The present invention 10 provides an improved curing oven which cures materials with electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet region. The invention consists of a surface 12 lined with a layer of material 14 effective to radiate ultraviolet radiation in response to the application of infrared radiation. In a specific illustrative implementation, the invention 10 includes a second surface 18 overlying the first surface 12 providing a passageway therebetween. The oven temperature is set and maintained by a conventional temperature controller 20. The temperature controller 20 measures the oven temperature and controls a valve 22 which adjusts the gas pressure from a gas supply 24 to a set of oven burners 26. Air is supplied through inlet ports 28 included in the second surface 18.

Abstract: A focusing, collimating, and beamsplitting test system for testing laser rangefinders for their beam quality, ranging accuracy, and sight unit alignment. The system includes holographic optical elements in place of conventional mirrors, lenses and beamsplitters. The advantages of this system are that it not only reduces the size and weight of optical elements, but also reduces the number of required elements. Consequently, the resulting test equipment requires less labor to assemble and is more compact and much lighter than conventional test systems.

Abstract: A method is described for reducing atmospheric or global warming resulting from the presence of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, i.e., from the greenhouse effect. Such gases are relatively transparent to sunshine, but absorb strongly the long-wavelength infrared radiation released by the earth. The method incudes the step of seeding the layer of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere with particles of materials characterized by wavelength-dependent emissivity. Such materials include Welsbach materials and the oxides of metals which have high emissivity (and thus low reflectivities) in the visible and 8-12 micron infrared wavelength regions.

Abstract: A deformable mirror system for reduction of projected image distortion in an optical system is disclosed. The mirror is adapted to correct for ray direction. In accordance with the invention, a mirror is located near an intermediate image plane. The distortion in the image is predetermined, and the mirror is contorted in a manner determined by the distortion to be corrected; relationships are prescribed for the desired contortion. Significant reduction in distortion can be achieved by placement of a mirror near the image plane; furthere reduction can be achieved in accordance with the invention by the placement of an additional contorted mirror at a subsequent image-forming aperture in the optical system.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for measuring the numerical apertures of an optical fiber in the infrared region. The optical fiber is appropriately mounted in accordance with conventional testing standards. Infrared energy is transmitted through the optical fiber. At a predetermined distance from the end of the optical fiber, a conversion screen can be provided for transforming the emitted infrared energy into a lesser wavelength of energy. The energy distribution can be recorded with a detector compatible with the lesser wavelength energy whereby the numerical aperture can be computed from the recorded data.

Abstract: An improved radiation source is disclosed, exploiting the spontaneous radiation generated from the interaction of an electron beam and a conductive grating. Conditions are defined for generating coherent or noncoherent radiation, and for extending the tunability of the radiation source from millimeter, IR, visible and UV wavelengths to x-ray wavelengths, and for generating multiple wavelengths simultaneously. Conditions are disclosed for enhancing the intensity of the spontaneous radiation, anf for modulating the radiation.