Abstract: An apparatus includes a finite impulse response demodulator. The finite impulse response demodulator includes least one stage. Each stage includes a cascaded pair of interferometers. The cascaded pair of interferometers includes a first interferometer and a second interferometer. Optionally, the first interferometer includes a first delay. The second interferometer includes a second delay. The first delay and the second delay are fixed or variable. Optionally, the first delay is unequal or equal to said second delay. Optionally, the first interferometer includes first internal power monitors, and the second interferometer includes second internal power monitors. The first power monitors monitor phase bias conditions within the first interferometer. The second power monitors monitor phase bias conditions within the second interferometer. Optionally, the first interferometer includes a first adjustable coupler, and the second interferometer comprises a second adjustable coupler.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for downconverting high frequency subbands to a lower frequency band and recovering signals-of interest. The system includes a controller, a signal generator, an optical source, a dual-drive mach zehnder modulator (DDMZM), a photodetector, and a dechipping/image (DI) rejector. The controller outputs chipping frequencies to the signal generator which generates local oscillator (LO) tones shifted by the respective chipping frequencies. The optical source outputs an optical signal to the DDMZM which has first and second arms and modulators. The first modulator receives a signal from a source and modulates it onto the optical signal propagating through the first arm to form a first modulated optical signal. The second modulator receives the shifted local oscillator tones and modulates them onto the optical signal propagating through the second arm to form a second modulated optical signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for downconverting are provided. A dual-drive mach zehnder modulator (DDMZM) receives: a continuous wavelength optical signal, an input signal (microwave signal), and local oscillator tones. The DDMZM includes: first and second arms formed from optical waveguides which receive the optical signal, a first modulator that receives the input signal, and a second modulator that receives the oscillator tones. The input signal is modulated onto the optical signal propagating through the first arm to form a first modulated optical signal. The oscillator tones and third-order intermodulation products of those tones are modulated onto the optical signal propagating through the second arm to form a second modulated optical signal. The modulated optical signals are combined to form an output optical signal. The oscillator tones are spaced two folded bandwidths apart and centered within a spectrum of interest of the input signal.

Abstract: A multicore fiber optic cable comprising of a central fiber having a central fiber outer diameter, a central fiber coating surrounding the central fiber outer diameter of the central fiber, the central fiber coating having a continuous spiraled groove around the central fiber outer diameter, a dual core optical fiber having a dual core optical fiber geometry, the dual core optical fiber spiraled around the central fiber coating and disposed within the spiraled groove such that the dual core optical fiber is wound around the central fiber coating in a spiral pattern and the central fiber core geometry and the dual core optical fiber geometry are oriented longitudinally to negate link path length difference; and an outer sheath surrounding the central fiber coating and the dual core optical fiber.

Abstract: An umbrella repair assembly for reattaching a canopy of an umbrella to a rib of the umbrella includes a first shell that has a first slot integrated therein to accommodate a rib of an umbrella. A second shell is hingedly coupled to the first shell and the second shell is positionable in a closed position having the second shell abutting the first shell. The second shell has a second slot is integrated therein to accommodate the rib of an umbrella when the second shell is closed. In this way a canopy of the umbrella is compressed between the first shell and the second shell for reattaching the canopy to the rib.

Abstract: A multicore fiber optic cable comprising of a central fiber having a central fiber outer diameter, a central fiber coating surrounding the central fiber outer diameter of the central fiber, the central fiber coating having a continuous spiraled groove around the central fiber outer diameter, a dual core optical fiber having a dual core optical fiber geometry, the dual core optical fiber spiraled around the central fiber coating and disposed within the spiraled groove such that the dual core optical fiber is wound around the central fiber coating in a spiral pattern and the central fiber core geometry and the dual core optical fiber geometry are oriented longitudinally to negate link path length difference; and an outer sheath surrounding the central fiber coating and the dual core optical fiber.

Abstract: A multicore fiber optic cable comprising of a dual core optical fiber having a dual core optical fiber geometry, the cores are spiraled parallel to one another along the longitudinal axis of the fiber to negate link path length difference, a coating that surrounds the fiber, a buffer tube that surrounds the coated fiber, a strength member that surrounds the buffer tube, and an outer jacket that surrounds the strength member.

Abstract: Example aspects of a roofing removal tool and a method for constructing a roofing removal tool are disclosed. The roofing removal tool can comprise a shaft defining an upper section, a lower section, and an intermediate section therebetween, a base positioned at the lower section, a first handle extending from the upper section in a first direction, and a second handle extending from one of the upper section and the intermediate section in a second direction that is different from the first direction.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for downconverting are provided. A dual-drive mach zehnder modulator (DDMZM) receives: a continuous wavelength optical signal, an input signal (microwave signal), and local oscillator tones. The DDMZM includes: first and second arms formed from optical waveguides which receive the optical signal, a first modulator that receives the input signal, and a second modulator that receives the oscillator tones. The input signal is modulated onto the optical signal propagating through the first arm to form a first modulated optical signal. The oscillator tones and third-order intermodulation products of those tones are modulated onto the optical signal propagating through the second arm to form a second modulated optical signal. The modulated optical signals are combined to form an output optical signal. The oscillator tones are spaced two folded bandwidths apart and centered within a spectrum of interest of the input signal.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a roof covering system includes at least two ridge post members, a tarp at least two cables, at least two poles, at least two pole attachment members, and at least two winches. Each ridge post member may include a base configured to attach to a ridge of a roof, a head member; and a post having a bottom end and a top end, the bottom end secured to the base, and the top end secured to the head member. The tarp may have a top edge and a bottom edge, and connection points disposed near the top and bottom edges, wherein the head members are configured to attach to the connection points near the top edge. The cables may be configured to attach to the connection points near the bottom edge of the tarp. The poles may be configured to each guide a respective cable. The two pole attachment members may each be configured to attach a respective pole to a location on the roof below the ridge of the roof.

Abstract: A photonic waveform generator and system is described. The photonic waveform generator is used in produce an electrical pulse having arbitrarily controllable temporal characteristics in a Fourier transform (FT) pulse shaper or a direct space-to-time (DST) photonic generator. The electrical pulse signal may be used in a radar, a telecommunications system or other electrical apparatus where the spectral and temporal characteristics of the signal are be optimized with respect to specific system needs, such as spectral occupancy, peak-to-average power, minimum pulse duration, target-to-clutter ratio, target type discrimination, and the like.