Abstract: A system (10) for manufacturing a photocathode includes a support (12) and a polishing pad (14) disposed adjacent the support (12). The polishing pad (14) is operable to polish the photocathode in response to movable contact of the photocathode relative to the polishing pad (14). The system (10) also includes a rinsing system (16) coupled to the support (12). The rinsing system (16) is operable to deliver a rinsing agent to the polishing pad (14). The system (10) further includes a control system (62) operable to automatically regulate delivery of the rinsing agent to the rinsing system (16) at a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A system (10) for manufacturing a photocathode includes a housing (12) having a first end and a second end. The first end of the housing (12) is operable to be coupled to a vacuum chamber (22). The system (10) also includes a drive support (20) disposed within the housing (12). The system (10) includes a shaft (14) disposed within the housing (12) and a ladder (16) coupled to the shaft (14). The ladder (16) includes at least one rung (140) to retain the photocathode. The system (10) further includes a drive system (18) supported by the drive support (20) within the housing (12). The drive system (18) is coupled to the shaft (14) and is operable to translate the shaft (14) relative to the housing (12) to position the rung (140) of the ladder (16) at a predetermined location within the vacuum chamber (22).

Abstract: An optical fiber sorter system (10) includes a measurement system (14) operable to determine a measurement characteristic of an optical fiber. The system (10) also includes a guide system (12) operable to direct the optical fiber to a measurement position (54) relative to the measurement system (14). The system also includes a collection system (16) disposed adjacent an outlet (126) of the guide system (12). The collection system (16) includes a plurality of receivers (24) for receiving the optical fibers from the guide system (12). The system further includes a controller (18) operable to automatically position a particular receiver (24) of the collection system (16) adjacent the outlet (126) of the guide system (12) corresponding to the measurement characteristic of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a photocathode includes positioning the photocathode on a support such that an etch surface of the photocathode faces away from the support. The method includes inserting an end of the support containing the photocathode into a cap. The cap comprises a passage operable to direct an etch compound to the etch surface of the photocathode. The method also includes aligning the etch surface of the photocathode with the passage of the cap using the support. The method also includes inserting a plunger through a passage in the support to contact a surface of the photocathode opposite the etch surface of the photocathode. The method further includes securing the photocathode against the cap using the plunger to confine the etch compound to the etch surface of the photocathode.

Abstract: An optical test system (10) for testing one or more detectors includes a signal generator (12) operable to generate an optical signal. The test system (10) also includes an aperture system (16) operable to regulate an intensity of the optical signal. The test system (10) further includes a signal distributor (20) coupled to the aperture system (16) and operable to distribute the optical signal to a plurality of optical connections (22). Each optical connection (22) is coupled to a detector.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a photocathode includes a cap having a first end and a second end. The first end defines a passage operable to direct an etch compound to an etch surface of the photocathode. The system also includes a support operable to releasably engage the cap to align the etch surface of the photocathode with the passage of the cap. The system also includes a plunger operable to extend through a passage in the support to secure the photocathode against the cap to confine the etch compound to the etch surface of the photocathode.

Abstract: A system (10) for manufacturing a photocathode includes a support (12) and a polishing pad (14) disposed adjacent the support (12). The polishing pad (14) is operable to polish the photocathode in response to movable contact of the photocathode relative to the polishing pad (14). The system (10) also includes a rinsing system (16) coupled to the support (12). The rinsing system (16) is operable to deliver a rinsing agent to the polishing pad (14). The system (10) further includes a control system (62) operable to automatically regulate delivery of the rinsing agent to the rinsing system (16) at a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a photocathode includes a housing and a retainer disposed within the housing. The retainer includes a seating area operable to receive a first surface of the photocathode. The retainer is operable to independently translate relative to the housing along an axis. The system also includes a weight enclosed within the retainer. The weight is operable to provide a substantially uniform pressure across a second surface of the photocathode as the housing translates across a polishing pad substantially orthogonal to the axis.