Abstract: A communications device for receiving and transmitting signals at multiple wavelengths may include a combination optical telescope and RF receiver/transmitter for receiving and transmitting signals at multiple wavelengths. The communications device may also include a nonlinear mixing medium coupled to the combination optical telescope and RF receiver/transmitter. The nonlinear mixing medium may be adapted to switch between optical carrier frequency ranges without detecting and retransmitting a received signal.

Abstract: A system for pointing, acquisition, and tracking in a networked communications system is disclosed. A first communications device of the networked communications system may include a PAT module for establishing PAT links with other communications elements in the networked communications system. A second communications device may also include a PAT module for establishing PAT links with other communications elements in the networked communications system. A communications node may also include a PAT module for establishing PAT links with other communications elements in the networked communications system. A first PAT link is formable between the first communications device and the communications node. A second PAT link is formable between the second communications device and the communications node, and a third PAT link is formable between the first communications device and the second communications device through the communications node.

Abstract: The use of spatial light modulators to steer light beams is disclosed. A dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator can be controlled so as to form a blazed phase grating thereon that effects desire deflection of incident light.

Abstract: Method and system for transmitting optical clock signals and quantum key signals on a single optical channel. A multi-photon optical clock signal is received at an electro-optic switch at a first clock rate. The electro-optic switch may be configured for an interval defined by a second clock rate for generating a single photon quantum key signal. The multi-photon optical clock signal and the single photon quantum key signal are combined such that the single optical channel transmits the single photon quantum key signal at a first interval and the multi-photon optical clock signal at a second interval. The quantum key signal is transmitted from a transmitter at a first timing, and detected by a detector at a receiver. An output signal of the detector is sampled at a second timing that is delayed relative to the first timing for reducing quantum bit error rate.

Abstract: A free-space, decentralized, distributed computing network may comprise at least one free-space dynamic memory unit, at least one free-space processing unit, at least one free-space static memory unit, and at least one free-space communications link. The free-space dynamic memory unit may store data. The free-space processing unit may process the data, stored by the free-space dynamic memory unit, into information. The free-space static memory unit may provide operational instructions to the free-space dynamic memory unit and to the free-space processing unit. The free-space communications link may connect in the free-space the free-space dynamic memory unit, the free-space processing unit, and the free-space static memory unit. The free-space dynamic memory unit, the free-space processing unit, and the free-space static memory unit may each comprise at least one tracking device, and a transducer, transmitter, and/or receiver.

Abstract: A free-space network may include: a plurality of geographically distributed free-space sensors for sensing at least one target; a networking apparatus for combining sensed information regarding at least one target from the geographically distributed free-space sensors; a target information device for communicating to at least one user combined sensed information regarding at least one target, from the geographically distributed free-space sensors, as provided by the networking apparatus; and at least one communication link connecting in free-space the geographically distributed sensors, the networking apparatus, and the target information device.

Abstract: An ultraviolet laser generates a coherent beam, which is downconverted to produce pairs of frequency-entangled photons. For each entangled pair, a first photon is sent along a first path and a second photon is sent along a second path. A first detector detects those photons sent along the first path, and a second detector detects those photons sent along the second path. The detection is performed in a single photon regime. Coincidence counting is performed on outputs of the detectors, including comparing leading edges on outputs of the first and second detectors within a time window.

Abstract: A system is provided where the system comprises a plurality of optical sources, each optical source configured to generate an optical beam and direct the optical beam from each of the plurality of optical sources towards a target; a beam discriminator module configured to monitor a parameter for each optical beam generated from each of the optical source; and a position sensor configured to receive a feedback from the beam discriminator module based on the monitored parameter; wherein based on the feedback, the position sensor determines if any optical beam at the target is off-target.

Abstract: A free-space network may include: al least one free-space sensor for sensing at least one uncooperative target; at least one free-space communications network for allowing a plurality of cooperative users to communicate, at least one free-space processor for processing information from the at least one free-space sensor and information from the at least one free-space communications network: and at least one free-space communications link connecting in free-space the at least one free-space sensor, the at least one free-space communications network, and the at least one free-space processor. The at least one free-space communications network may include a plurality of free-space multi-channel relay converters for tracking a plurality of cooperative users, and a connection system for aligning the plurality of free-space multi-channel relay converters with one another to allow a plurality of cooperative users to communicate.

Abstract: A free-space optical communications network for allowing a plurality of geographically-distributed users to communicate may include free-space multi-channel relay converters for tracking a plurality of users, and a connection system in communication with each of the plurality of multi-channel relay converters. The connection system may include an internal alignment reference and steering mirrors. Each free-space multi-channel relay converter may be adapted to align with the internal alignment reference. The connection system may be adapted to align the plurality of free-space multi-channel relay converters with one another to allow the plurality of geographically-distributed users to communicate.

Abstract: The use of spatial light modulators to steer light beams is disclosed. A dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator can be controlled so as to form a blazed phase grating thereon that effects desire deflection of incident light.

Abstract: A wavefront correction system using a dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator to vary phase relationships of a wavefront is disclosed. A light beam from the dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator can be split into a reference beam and a plurality of measurement beams to enhance a speed and/or accuracy of phase measurement. A temperature of the dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator can be sensed to facilitate temperature control and/or temperature compensation, so as to enhance the accuracy associated with use of the crossover frequency used to control the dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator.

Abstract: The use of spatial light modulators to steer light beams is disclosed. A dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator can be controlled so as to form a blazed phase grating thereon that effects desire deflection of incident light.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a more robust flat panel display by using the Faraday effect to control light emission from a solid state material so as to form two-dimensional or three-dimensional images. Flux tubes can be configured to define a two dimensional array. Each flux tube is somewhat analogous to a single bubble of a magnetic bubble memory and can define a pixel. At least some aspect of light transmitted through a flux tube can be varied thereby, so as to facilitate the formation of an image.

Abstract: A method and system for aligning a spatial light modulator with respect to an imaging device is disclosed. An image of the spatial light modulator can be formed upon the imaging device and a controller can be used to position optical elements in a manner that effects translation, rotation, and scaling of the image so as to provide desired alignment. Such alignment can, for example, facilitate enhanced wavefront correction so as to at least partially compensate for the detrimental effects of atmospheric distortion in such applications as optical communications, imaging, and weaponry.

Abstract: A wavefront correction system using a dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator to vary phase relationships of a wavefront is disclosed. A light beam from the dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator can be split into a reference beam and a plurality of measurement beams to enhance a speed and/or accuracy of phase measurement. A temperature of the dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator can be sensed to facilitate temperature control and/or temperature compensation, so as to enhance the accuracy associated with use of the crossover frequency used to control the dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A method is provided for initiating and sustaining a combustive reaction in a solid fuel. The method includes generating at least one pulsed optical signal and directing the pulsed optical signal to a plurality of ignition points within at least one combustion chamber containing a solid fuel. The pulsed optical signal is generated by an optical source, e.g. a laser pump, and modulated using an intensity profiler. The intensity profiler modulates the pulsed optical signal to initially have a first peak power sufficient to initiate a combustive reaction in a solid fuel. The intensity profiler further modulates the pulsed optical signal to subsequently have a second peak power sufficient to sustain the combustive reaction until sufficient exothermic energy is released by the combustive reaction to make the reaction self-sustaining.

Abstract: A method and system for transmitting optical clock signals and quantum key signals on a single optical channel, and for reducing quantum bit error rate in a quantum key distribution system. The method includes receiving a multi-photon optical clock signal at an electro-optic switch at a first clock rate. The electro-optic switch may be configured for an interval defined by a second clock rate for generating a single photon quantum key signal. The multi-photon optical clock signal and the single photon quantum key signal may be combined such that the single optical channel transmits the single photon quantum key signal at a first interval and the multi-photon optical clock signal at a second interval. The quantum key signal may be transmitted from a transmitter at a first timing, and detected by a detector at a receiver. An output signal of the detector may be sampled at a second timing that is delayed relative to the first timing for reducing quantum bit error rate.

Abstract: A wavefront correction system using a dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator to vary phase relationships of a wavefront is disclosed. A light beam from the dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator can be split into a reference beam and a plurality of measurement beams to enhance a speed and/or accuracy of phase measurement. A temperature of the dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator can be sensed to facilitate temperature control and/or temperature compensation, so as to enhance the accuracy associated with use of the crossover frequency used to control the dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A fiber gain medium assembly is provided. The fiber gain medium assembly includes a fiber gain medium, which in turn, includes a longitudinally extending inner core. The fiber gain medium also includes a cladding layer and a photo-emitting conductive polymer, both of which surround the inner core and extend longitudinally therealong. In this regard, the photo-emitting conductive polymer can surround the cladding layer to thereby surround the inner core. Alternatively, the cladding layer can comprise the photo-emitting conductive polymer. The fiber gain medium assembly can also include an electrical system electrically coupled to the photo-emitting conductive polymer. The electrical system is capable of providing an electric field to thereby excite the photo-emitting conductive polymer to emit photons capable of propagating into the inner core and producing gain for the signals propagating through the inner core.