Abstract: A compact optical memory is disclosed in which data are stored in an optical data layer capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data are illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of multi-surface diffractive imaging lenslets cause a data image to be projected onto an array of light sensors by multiple reflections of, hence folding the image rays, by surfaces that both reflect and optically modify the light rays to redirect them onto the sensor array. Data are organized into an annular array of patches (called pages). By selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets images the selected data page onto a central image plane where the sensor array is located. Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors, thereby outputting information in the form of electrical data signals.

Abstract: A compact optical memory is disclosed in which data are stored in an optical data layer capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data are illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of multi-surface diffractive imaging lenslets which cause a data image to be projected onto an array of light sensors by reflecting, hence folding the image rays, by means of a Mangin mirror that both reflects and optically modifies the light rays to redirect them onto the sensor array located substantially coplanar with the data layer. Data are organized into an annular array of patches (called pages). By selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets images the selected data page onto a central image plane where the sensor array is located. Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors, thereby outputting a pattern of binary bits in the form of electrical data signals.

Abstract: An optical memory (10) is disclosed in which data is stored in an optical data layer (19) capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources (15) and an array of multi-surface imaging lenslets (21) project the image onto a common array of light sensors (27). Data is organized into a plurality of regions or patches (called pages) and by selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets (21) images the selected data page onto the light sensors (27). Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors (27), thereby outputting a pattern of binary bits in the form of electrical data signals.

Abstract: An optical memory (10) is disclosed in which data is stored in an optical data layer (19) capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources (15) and an array of multi-surface imaging lenslets (21) project the image onto a common array of light sensors (27). Data is organized into a plurality of regions or patches (called pages) and by selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets (21) images the selected data page onto the light sensors (27). Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors (27), thereby outputting a pattern of binary bits in the form of electrical data signals.

Abstract: An optical memory is disclosed in which data is stored in an optical data layer capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of multi-surface imaging lenslets project the image onto a common array of light sensors. Data is organized into a plurality of regions or patches (called pages) and by selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets images the selected data page onto the light sensors. Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors, thereby outputting a pattern of binary bits in the form of electrical data signals.

Abstract: An optical memory stores data in an optical data layer capable of selecting altering light such as by changeable transmissivity. Data is organized into a plurality of regions or patches (called pages) in which each page contains a field of data spots storing binary data as the presence or absence of a hole. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of single element diffractive imaging lenslets, one for each data page, projects the image onto a common array of light sensors. By selective illumination of each data page, one of the single element lenslets images the selected data page of holes onto the light sensors. By selecting a hole size and using a certain range of restricted acceptance angle grooves on the diffractive elements, the data image is optimized for a single diffractive element lens.

Abstract: An optical memory is disclosed in which data is stored in an optical data layer capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity or polarization. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of multi-surface imaging lenslets project the image onto a common array of light sensors. Data is organized into a plurality of regions or patches (called pages) in which each page contains a field of data spots that encode multiple states or levels of data by the amount of transmissivity or polarization of that spot. By selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets images the selected data page onto the light sensors. Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors, thereby outputting the multiple levels per spot in the form of electrical data signals that are A/D converted to digital.

Abstract: A compact optical memory in which data is stored in an optical data layer capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of multi-surface diffractive imaging lenslets cause a data image to be projected onto an array of light sensors by reflecting, hence folding the image rays, by means of a mirror that both reflects and optically modifies the light rays to redirect them onto the sensor array located substantially coplanar with the data layer. Data is organized into an annular array of patches (called pages). By selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets images the selected data page onto a central image plane where the sensor array is located. Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors, thereby outputting a pattern of binary bits in the form of electrical data signals.

Abstract: An optical memory is disclosed in which data is stored in an optical data layer capable of selectively altering light such as by changeable transmissivity, reflectivity, polarization, and/or phase. The data is illuminated by controllable light sources and an array of multi-surface imaging lenslets project the image onto a common array of light sensors. Data is organized into a plurality of regions or patches (called pages) and by selective illumination of each data page, one of the lenslets images the selected data page onto the light sensors. Light in the data image pattern strikes different ones of the arrayed light sensors, thereby outputting a pattern of binary bits in the form of electrical data signals.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for encoding information and recording same as sets of spaced and variably phased marks stored on the optical record wherein the encoded information is read by illuminating each set of such recorded marks with a coherent read light to cause an optical interference pattern consisting of a varying interval and amplitude distribution of lobe maxima separated by amplitude nulls (or minimas) that change in accordance with the encoded information. This read interference pattern is detected by photosensing diode arrays and after decoding, the system outputs an information signal representing the original information. Alternative embodiments store data as variable phase encoded information only in multi-mark sets, and both phase encoded and spatial encoded data in single, variable width, variable phased marks along a record track.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for encoding information and recording same as sets of variably spaced related marks stored in wavelength (color) and/or depth selective layers on the optical record wherein the encoded information is read by illuminating each set of such recorded marks selected by wavelength (color) or focal depth with a coherent read light to cause an optical interference pattern consisting of a varying distribution of amplitude maxima separated by amplitude nulls (or minimas) that change in accordance with the encoded information. This read interference pat-tern is detected by photosensing diode arrays and after decoding, the system outputs an information signal representing the original information.

Abstract: A method of and device for calibrating infrared radiation transducers. A concentration factor representing the ratio of a data signal to a reference signal for a known concentration of a designated gas in a sample containing that gas is generated. The concentration factor is stored and used during subsequent calibration procedures. The calibration device has a zero cell and a span cell with windows for transmitting infrared radiation and radiation reflecting or absorbing material in the span cell. The span cell therefore provides a known and consistent level of radiation absorption.

Abstract: A detector unit which is capable of outputting electrical signals proportional in magnitude to the intensity of that energy in a beam thereof which lies in two different wavelength bands. A beam splitter directs energy in those bands from the entire compass of the beam to a data detector and a reference detector, and bandpass filters and optical traps in front of those detectors ensure that only energy in the selected bands and from the beam reach them. The detectors are mounted in precisely aligned relationship with each other and the beam splitter on, and are electrically isolated from, a monolithic, conductive, isothermal support which allows them to be maintained at the same, selected temperature by a system including data and reference detector heaters and a temperature responsive controller.

Abstract: A transducer for nondispersive infrared gas analysis has heaters for the data and reference detectors to maintain the detectors at a selected temperature. A heater is also provided to heat the casing of an airway adapter associated with the transducer to a temperature high enough to keep condensation from forming. The detector unit is surrounded and electrostatically shielded by a boxlike component with barndoor extensions which are closed to shield the installed detector unit at that end of the shield through which the detector unit is installed. The detector unit, electrostatic shield, and a circuit board which carries power supply and preamplifier circuits are installed in the transducer housing which has separate end closures sealed thereto with a through fastener and internal guides for locating the shielded detector unit in the housing.

Abstract: A first or ranging light beam which functions as a carrier is amplitude modulated with a first radio frequency f.sub.1 ; a second amplitude modulated light beam source functions as a local signal at a frequency f.sub.2 for a heterodyne conversion of the first frequency f.sub.1 ; and an electro-optical detector receives both modulated light beams and functions as a mixer. Electro-optical heterodyning of the modulations on the ranging and local source light beams is accomplished by mixing RF modulations on the first light beam with RF modulation on the second light beam in the electro-optical detector to thereby produce a resultant, relatively lower difference frequency (f.sub.1 -f.sub.2) that is more readily processed by available electronic components. Distance measurement is represented by a phase shift of the relative low frequency difference of the heterodyned modulation signals when compared to a reference, unshifted phase of the same frequency.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for encoding information and recording same as sets of variably spaced related marks on the optical record. The encoded information is read by illuminating each set of such recorded marks with a coherent read light to cause an optical interference pattern consisting of a varying distribution of amplitude maxima separated by amplitude nulls (or minimas) that change in accordance with the encoded information. This read interference pattern is detected by photosensing diode arrays and after decoding, the system outputs an information signal representing the original information.

Abstract: An optical system is provided implementing a field correction apparatus. The system includes a rotating support driven by a motor. A plurality of focussing lenses are circumferentially spaced about the axis of rotation of the support. As the support rotates, each focussing lens successively passes over a record medium in an arcuate path. The support is also provided with a pyramidal distributing mirror having a number of reflecting surfaces. Each reflecting surface of the disturbing mirror is associated with one of the focussing lenses. The pyramidal distributing mirror is mounted on the center of the support and receives an optical beam on one of its reflecting surfaces. The optical beam is conveyed to the reflecting surface associated with the focussing lens passing over the record medium in a plane that includes the axis of rotation of the support. The optical beam is also directed to the reflecting surface at an angle to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A recording medium utilizing metal azides as an energy amplifying substance is disclosed. A photosensitive material comprises an energy absorptive dye and a metal azide dispersed in an inert binder. Low to moderate pulses of laser light cause the azide particles to react exothermally creating a void in the photosensitive material which can be read by an optical readout device.

Abstract: An optical playback system for reading data from a record includes a focusing system for focusing a scanning light beam onto data on the record without need for precision positioning of the record and optical elements of the system. The light beam is modulated by the data and then transmitted to a light detector to produce a playback data signal corresponding to the recorded data. The focusing system includes a source of light having an axially symmetric intensity distribution and a lens designed to focus such light into a focal zone with a specified intensity distribution along the zone. This distribution is preferably uniform so as to provide the detector with a modulated light beam of uniform average intensity regardless of the position of the record along to focal zone .

Abstract: Recording and playback optical scanners are relatively movable with respect to each other and with respect to a movable recording medium such as reel of tape adapted for recording variations in applied light. The playback scanner reproduces recorded information at a time delayed with respect to the time of recording, wherein the amount of delay can vary within wide limits. When the playback scanner is moved relative to recording scanner, the playback rate will be faster or slower than the recording rate.