Abstract: Techniques for reducing a likelihood of detection of an imaging system by another imaging system are provided. For example, the techniques may include controlling read-out such that the timings between frames of an image are non-uniform. For example, a processor may be configured to generate a plurality of frame synchronization signals from a main clock and transmit the plurality of frame synchronization signals to readout circuitry. Each frame synchronization signal is an instruction to start the biasing and reading for a respective frame. The plurality of frame synchronization signals may be generated such that a timing between pulse biasing the same thermal sensor is not uniform. The techniques may also include controlling the read-out such that the timings between lines within a frame are non-uniform which also results in the timing between pulse biasing of the same thermal sensor not being uniform.

Abstract: A bi-static optical system utilizing a separate transmit and receive optical train that are identically steerable in azimuth-over-elevation fashion while accommodating an autoboresight technique and function. Further provided may be a common elevation assembly with two opposite-facing elevation fold mirrors on either side that are controlled by the same motor assembly allowing for common elevation control without overlapping or combining the apertures.

Abstract: A bi-static optical system utilizing a separate transmit and receive optical train that are identically steerable in azimuth-over-elevation fashion while accommodating an autoboresight technique and function. Further provided may be a common elevation assembly with two opposite-facing elevation fold mirrors on either side that are controlled by the same motor assembly allowing for common elevation control without overlapping or combining the apertures.

Abstract: The system and method for combining two optical assemblies into the same volume, particularly when the field of view of the two assemblies are different, so that the overall volume and swap for the system is reduced. This also allows both subsystems to use the same external protective window, reducing overall cost for a system of co-located dissimilar optical systems in a single aperture.

Abstract: Systems for detecting a presence of a microbolometer are provided. The systems may also discriminate a type of the microbolometer. The systems may comprise analog filtering and processing or digital filtering and processing. In some examples, both analog and digital filtering may be used. For example, a system may comprises a photodiode, an analog to digital converter (ADC) having a frequency sampling rate of at least two times an expected frequency range of known microbolometers and a processor. The ADC may receive an amplified output from the photodiode and produce a sampled sequence using the frequency sampling rate. The processor converts the sampled sequence into a frequency profile, examines the frequency profile to identity at least a fundamental frequency and determines whether a microbolometer is detected in a line of sight of the photodiode based on the fundamental frequency.

Abstract: The system and method for combining two optical assemblies into the same volume, particularly when the field of view of the two assemblies are different, so that the overall volume and size, weight and power (SWaP) for the system is reduced. This also allows both subsystems (e.g., narrow field of view (NFOV) and wide field of view (WFOV) to use a single aperture and the same external protective window, reducing overall cost for a system of co-located dissimilar optical systems in a single aperture.

Abstract: The system and method for combining two optical assemblies into the same volume, particularly when the field of view of the two assemblies are different, so that the overall volume and size, weight and power (SWaP) for the system is reduced. This also allows both subsystems (e.g., narrow field of view (NFOV) and wide field of view (WFOV) to use a single aperture and the same external protective window, reducing overall cost for a system of co-located dissimilar optical systems in a single aperture.

Abstract: The system and method for combining two optical assemblies into the same volume, particularly when the field of view of the two assemblies are different, so that the overall volume and swap for the system is reduced. This also allows both subsystems to use the same external protective window, reducing overall cost for a system of co-located dissimilar optical systems in a single aperture.

Abstract: A laser warning receiver system and method having at least four optical components mapped to a photodetector array to provide for omnidirectional detection of incident laser light. In some cases, a fifth optical component is mapped to the central portion of a photodetector array to provide hemispheric detection of laser light. The laser warning receiver system is configured to detect laser light in the NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and/or LWIR range using a single photodetector array and ROIC.

Abstract: The system and method for frequency encoded beacons for use in covert dismount identification, friend or foe and communications. Waveforms are capped at thresholds below human and conventional night vision detection. Waveforms are further modulated to identify dismounts as well as other information such as day and time, rank, health status, and the like. The beacons may operate at different wavelengths depending on whether they are used on ground, in air, or at sea.

Abstract: An active receiver having a digital-pixel focal plane array (DFPA) ranges a target when observing return pulses from a pulsed laser beam synced with the receiver. The DFPA establishes a time when the pulsed laser beam contacts a target and the range can then be established because the speed at which the laser beam travels is known. Various basis functions may be implemented with the DFPA data to establish when the laser beam contacts the target. Some exemplary basis functions are binary basis functions, and other exemplary basis functions are Fourier basis functions.

Abstract: The system and method for frequency encoded beacons for use in covert dismount identification, friend or foe and communications. Waveforms are capped at thresholds below human and conventional night vision detection. Waveforms are further modulated to identify dismounts as well as other information such as day and time, rank, health status, and the like. The beacons may operate at different wavelengths depending on whether they are used on ground, in air, or at sea.

Abstract: A laser warning receiver system and method having at least four optical components mapped to a photodetector array to provide for omnidirectional detection of incident laser light. In some cases, a fifth optical component is mapped to the central portion of a photodetector array to provide hemispheric detection of laser light. The laser warning receiver system is configured to detect laser light in the NIR, SWIR, MWIR, and/or LWIR range using a single photodetector array and ROIC.

Abstract: An active receiver having a digital-pixel focal plane array (DFPA) ranges a target when observing return pulses from a pulsed laser beam synced with the receiver. The DFPA establishes a time when the pulsed laser beam contacts a target and the range can then be established because the speed at which the laser beam travels is known. Various basis functions may be implemented with the DFPA data to establish when the laser beam contacts the target. Some exemplary basis functions are binary basis functions, and other exemplary basis functions are Fourier basis functions.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint includes a first fiber optic cable operably coupled to one of a stator and a rotor and a second fiber optic cable operably coupled to the other of the stator and the rotor. The stator and the rotor define a free space optical path between the first fiber optic cable and the second fiber optic cable. The rotor is rotatable about an axis of rotation parallel and collinear with an optical axis of at least one end of the fiber optic rotary joint. A first beam conditioning mechanism is configured to condition a light beam emitted from the first fiber optic cable and a second beam conditioning mechanism is configured to focus the conditioned light beam into the second fiber optic cable.

Abstract: A method for fabricating crystalline dielectric material on top of metal layers to produce an apparatus for non-mechanical steering of an input laser beam is provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of stacked parallel dielectric waveguides, each waveguide of which is fabricated by separating layers of dielectric material from a donor wafer and bonding the separated layers of dielectric material to a receiving wafer. A plurality of voltages is applied across the stacked parallel dielectric waveguides. Each of the stacked parallel dielectric waveguides is electrically phase modulated to deflect an output beam in a predictable manner.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for producing and/or optimizing jamming codes for use in directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) systems. In some embodiments, Fourier analysis may be implemented to produce jamming codes which more efficiently (e.g., time efficient, power efficient) and/or more reliably (e.g., no frequency gaps) achieve optical break-lock (OBL) of infrared (IR)-seeking missiles/threats over a broad range of frequencies (e.g., short-wavelength IR, mid-wavelength IR), as compared to heritage jamming code methodologies. Some embodiments may be implemented in military/defense applications (e.g., protection of military/tactical aircraft or other vehicles); some other embodiments may be implemented in non-military/commercial applications (e.g., protection of domestic, civilian, and/or commercial aircraft or other vehicles).

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for producing and/or optimizing jamming codes for use in directional infrared countermeasures (DIRCM) systems. In some embodiments, Fourier analysis may be implemented to produce jamming codes which more efficiently (e.g., time efficient, power efficient) and/or more reliably (e.g., no frequency gaps) achieve optical break-lock (OBL) of infrared (IR)-seeking missiles/threats over a broad range of frequencies (e.g., short-wavelength IR, mid-wavelength IR), as compared to heritage jamming code methodologies. Some embodiments may be implemented in military/defense applications (e.g., protection of military/tactical aircraft or other vehicles); some other embodiments may be implemented in non-military/commercial applications (e.g., protection of domestic, civilian, and/or commercial aircraft or other vehicles).

Abstract: A front-end signal generator for hardware-in-the-loop simulators of a simulated missile is disclosed. The front-end signal generator is driven by the Digital Scene And Reticle Simulation-Hardware In The Loop (DSARS-HITL) simulator. The simulator utilizes a computer to calculate irradiance on an Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) detector. The generator converts irradiance values into voltages that are injected into the missile's electronics during simulation. The conversion is done with low latency and a high dynamic range sufficient for hardware-in-the-loop simulation. The generator is capable of emulating laser pulse inputs that would be present during laser-based jammer countermeasures. Computer control of the generator occurs via front-panel-data-port (FPDP).

Abstract: A system and method for launching countermeasures, such as flares and chaff, from an aircraft under attack by a missile. A plurality of countermeasure launchers are mounted preferably on the two sides and tail and nose of the aircraft and communicate with a missile detection and warning system mounted in the aircraft. Based upon the circumstances reported by the warning system, the appropriate countermeasure weapon or weapons are selected and dispensed. The circumstances reported are based upon the angle of elevation and azimuth angle of the approaching missile in relation to the aircraft and distance of the missile from the aircraft. Also, the speed and altitude of the aircraft are utilized in determining the countermeasures applied. The various responses are distinguished by the number and types of countermeasures dispensed, the dispense time of the countermeasures and the particular launcher or launchers used, based upon the type of aircraft being protected.