Abstract: Threat detection systems and methods are disclosed that employ position-sensing photodiodes (PSDs) to locate a munitions flash within a field of view of a collection optical system. Image intensifiers are used to form intensified first and second focus spots from the focus spots formed by the collection optical system over two different wavelength bands. The intensified focus spots are then detected by corresponding PSDs. The flash is then located on a map of the monitored terrain, which map can be displayed to a system user. Processing electronics determine whether the flash is actually munitions-based or is from another non-threatening light source.

Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to defect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in ah iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets mat provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.

Abstract: Aerogel-based optical elements are disclosed. The aerogel-based optical elements have an aerogel member having at least one surface, and at least one optical surface disposed on the at least one aerogel member surface. The at least one optical surface comprises an electroformed metal or at least one glass sheet. The at least one optical surface can be transmissive, reflective, or both. Different types of aerogel-based optical elements are presented, along with various methods of making the aerogel-based optical elements.

Abstract: Threat detection systems and methods are disclosed that employ position-sensing photodiodes to locate a munitions flash within a field of view of a collection optical system. The flash is then located on a map of the monitored terrain, which map can be displayed to a system user. Processing electronics determine whether the flash is actually munitions-based or is from another non-threatening light source.

Abstract: A waveguide optical gyroscope is disclosed. The waveguide optical gyroscope includes a laser, two detectors, a set of couplers and a set of waveguides. The laser generates a light beam. A first waveguide guides the light beam to travel in a first direction, and a second waveguide guides the light beam to travel in a second direction. The first and second waveguides are coupled to several ring waveguides via the couplers. The first detector detects the arrival of the light beam traveling from the first waveguide, and the second detector detects the arrival of the light beam traveling from the second waveguide.

Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to defect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in ah iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets mat provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.

Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to detect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in an iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets that provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.

Abstract: Aerogel-based optical elements are disclosed. The aerogel-based optical elements have an aerogel member having at least one surface, and at least one optical surface disposed on the at least one aerogel member surface. The at least one optical surface comprises an electroformed metal or at least one glass sheet. The at least one optical surface can be transmissive, reflective, or both. Different types of aerogel-based optical elements are presented, along with various methods of making the aerogel-based optical elements.

Abstract: A waveguide optical gyroscope is disclosed. The waveguide optical gyroscope includes a laser, two detectors, a set of couplers and a set of waveguides. The laser generates a light beam. A first waveguide guides the light beam to travel in a first direction, and a second waveguide guides the light beam to travel in a second direction. The first and second waveguides are coupled to several ring waveguides via the couplers. The first detector detects the arrival of the light beam traveling from the first waveguide, and the second detector detects the arrival of the light beam traveling from the second waveguide.

Abstract: A projector of multiple skewed light planes or sheets is located adjacent a vehicle to be protected and detectors are arranged to detect the penetration of the light sheets by an incoming object, with the time intervals between the piercing of the planes defining the path of the incoming object and its expected impact time. An array of bullet-firing barrels is arranged to project bullets in an iron curtain under control of a fire control module that fires a round in a barrel above the projected flight path such that the round impacts the nose of the object and disables it. It is thus the piercing of the skewed light sheets that provides information as to the impact point of the object as well as its time of arrival so that a round can be fired to intercept the object as it arrives at the iron curtain.

Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly useful for telecommunications applications, such as switching (Add/Drop), multiplexing and demultiplexing, is disclosed. The method commences by directing a source of input optical signal(s) (10) onto a movable diffractive optical element or MDOE. Each of the optical signals is associated with a particular wavelength. Next, one or more output stations are supplied. Finally, the MDOE generates and distributes output optical signals among the output station(s). The corresponding system for treating the optical signals from a source thereof includes a source carrying two or more input optical signals, each of the signals being associated with a particular wavelength. Also included is a movable diffractive optical element positioned to intercept the source optical signals for producing and distributing one or more diffracted output optical signals. Finally, one or more output stations are positioned to receive the diffracted optical signal(s) from the MDOE.

Abstract: Compact scanning techniques that can scan a large degree optical solid angle are disclosed. One particular embodiment is a processor controlled scanner that is capable of a large degree optical solid scan angle. Dual axis scan capability can be provided with a single compact package. A pivoting ball joint on which a mirror assembly is attached is employed. The mirror assembly is operatively coupled to an actuator assembly (e.g., electro-magnets or piezoelectric based actuators). When control voltage is applied to the actuator assembly, the ball joint to moves thereby moving the integrally attached mirror assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to method and apparatus for measuring the spectral characteristics of an object from a formed object generated input signal. The method comprises the steps of directing the input signal onto a diffraction grating. Diffracted signals are directed to a resonant mirror assembly for sequentially focusing a select diffracted signal. From that focused select diffracted signal, a spectral characteristic of said object is determined. Each said spectral characteristic is associated with each corresponding focused select diffracted signal and the associated signals are published. The apparatus is an improved spectrometer comprising a fiber cable assembly for receiving an object generated input signal and a diffraction grating. A resonant mirror assembly sequentially focuses a select diffracted signal, a sensor sensing which diffracted signal has been focused from the diffraction grating.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and method for measuring the spectral characteristics of an object surface. The apparatus comprises a light source for generating an input signal comprising a plurality of wavelengths of energy and a diffraction grating for diffracting the input signal into a plurality of diffracted wavelengths of energy. A resonant mirror assembly associated with the diffraction grating sequentially directs a select diffracted wavelength to the object surface to generate a corresponding reflected wavelength of energy. The apparatus further comprises a sensor for determining each select diffracted wavelength of energy directed to the object surface and a detector for detecting one or more of the reflected wavelengths. The detector is coupled with the sensor for associating each select diffracted wavelength with each corresponding reflected wavelength.

Abstract: A contact lens has an inner surface adapted to be placed against the eye of a wearer and an outer surface bearing a cosmetic holographic optical diffraction grating that, when worn by a wearer, displays color to an observer of the contact lens. The holographic optical diffraction grating can diffract incident light to display one or more colors to the observer, or can be formed as an alphanumeric character(s) or graphic display to the observer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement in a diffractive display suitable for presenting graphic and the like displays. Broadly, a novel embodiment is realized from a holographic diffraction pattern carried by a magnet or element and an electrically energizable coil magnetically coupled with said magnet that is energizable for movement of the magnet. Rotation of the holographic diffraction pattern generates a display using the diffracted light from the holographic diffraction grating. Another novel embodiment is realized from a faceted rotatable element (FRE) having an array of facets each bearing a diffraction grating and a source energizable for rotation of the FRE from a resting station to a viewing station. Rotation of the FRE generates a display using the diffracted light from the diffraction gratings.

Abstract: A light bulb, composed of an envelope and an interiorly disposed light source, generates colored light to an observer by providing a reflective holographic optical element (HOE) diffraction grating associated with the envelope. The envelope also has an outer non-light transmissive area in which is disposed a light transmissive aperture. The HOE diffraction grating is oriented to receive and diffract light from the light source and reflect the diffracted light to the aperture for generating a select color of light to the observer. Such light bulb is made by disposing an apertured envelope of a light transmissive aperture disposed within a non-light transmissive area. A reflective holographic optical element (HOE) diffraction grating is associated with the envelope non-light transmissive area. The HOE diffraction grating is oriented to receive and diffract light from the light source and to reflect the diffracted light to the aperture for generating a select color of light to the observer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement in a diffractive display suitable for presenting graphic and the like displays. Broadly, a novel embodiment is realized from a holographic diffraction pattern carried by a magnet or element and an electrically energizable coil magnetically coupled with said magnet that is energizable for movement of the magnet. Rotation of the holographic diffraction pattern generates a display using the diffracted light from the holographic diffraction grating. Another novel embodiment is realized from a faceted rotatable element (FRE) having an array of facets each bearing a diffraction grating and a source energizable for rotation of the FRE from a resting station to a viewing station. Rotation of the FRE generates a display using the diffracted light from the diffraction gratings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a curved surface element (e.g., light bulb, ornament, light pipe, etc.) which has at least a portion thereof (inner or outer surface) covered with a holographic diffraction grating which was constructed to be essentially distortion free on said curved surface, whereby such diffraction grating diffracts light to emit color to the observer. The diffraction grating can take for form of a holographic optical element (HOE) attached to the curved surface or a diffractive holographic optical pattern (HOP) embossed into the curved surface.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improvement in a diffractive display suitable for presenting graphic and the like displays. Broadly, a novel embodiment is realized from a holographic diffraction pattern carried by a magnet or element and an electrically energizable coil magnetically coupled with said magnet that is energizable for movement of the magnet. Rotation of the holographic diffraction pattern generates a display using the diffracted light from the holographic diffraction grating. Another novel embodiment is realized from a faceted rotatable element (FRE) having an array of facets each bearing a diffraction grating and a source energizable for rotation of the FRE from a resting station to a viewing station. Rotation of the FRE generates a display using the diffracted light from the diffraction gratings.