Abstract: An optical keyboard includes an optical panel having optical waveguides stacked together. First ends of the waveguides define an inlet face, and opposite ends thereof define a screen. A projector transmits a light beam outbound through the waveguides for display on the screen as a keyboard image. A light sensor is optically aligned with the inlet face for sensing an inbound light beam channeled through the waveguides from the screen upon covering one key of the keyboard image.

Abstract: A calibration system and method include isotropically diffusing high-intensity light emitted from a detection apparatus, with the diffused light being coupled to at least one optical line, typically an optical fiber. In the preferred embodiment, the apparatus to be calibrated is a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) apparatus and the isotropic diffusion is achieved by means of an integrating sphere. For calibrating distance calculations, the optical fiber includes a reflecting mechanism, such as Bragg gratings, at a fixed and known distance from the input end of the optical fiber. The reflecting mechanisms simulates the presence of a remote object at the known distance. For a velocity calculation, a frequency offset may be introduced to the light propagating through the optical fiber, thereby simulating a Doppler shift induced by a moving object. The simulations of the presence and movement of remote objects are used to calibrate the apparatus.

Abstract: A three-dimensional dosimetry system and method for calibrating and mapping the expected radiation dose to be applied to a particular volume of tissue. In one embodiment, a stack of film is positioned within a radiation generation apparatus and is exposed to radiation. The film is scanned by a scanner and the scanner output is sent to a computer where it is compared to reference data of the desired dose distribution.

Abstract: A metal compound having a metal radical containing one or more metals, and a radical containing hydrogen and one or more of the elements C, N, O and B is thermally decomposed in the presence of a substrate to form a coating of a metal oxide, nitride carbide or boride on the substrate. In one embodiment of the invention, the metal compound is entrained in a supersonic molecular beam which, upon impact with the surface to be coated, thermally decomposes, forming a refractory metal coating and gaseous by-products.

Abstract: The absorption of neutrons of a nuclear reactor without producing fissions is reduced by providing selected isotopes of zirconium for fabrication of parts such as cladding, thimble tubes and grids. Specifically, the zirconium is enriched in .sup.90 Zr or is depleted in .sup.91 Zr. The selected isotopes are produced by irradiating Zr(OC.sub.4 H.sub.9).sub.4.sup.t, Zr(OC.sub.5 H.sub.11).sub.4.sup.t and/or Zr(OC.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.4.sup.t, with radiation from a CO.sub.2 laser tuned to the vibrations of the CO(.sup.90 Zr) bond or the O(.sup.91 Zr) bond.

Abstract: The compound Tl.sub.3 PSe.sub.4 is disclosed. Non-conducting single crystals of the compound are prepared which have outstanding acousto-optical properties including an exceptionally high acousto-optical figure of merit. The crystals are used in various acousto-optical devices including a display device, a laser modulator, a non-collinear acousto-optical filter, and an acoustic delay line.

Abstract: A method for controlling the population inversion in a solid state laser material by optically pumping the material with a laser beam having a wavelength corresponding to the absorption band of the laser material and the output of which is spatially and temporally modulated. Spatial and temporal modulations of the population inversion in the pumped material are achieved by means of a two-dimensional spatial modulator positioned between the pump laser beam and the pumped laser material, the modulation being thermo-optically controlled by a scanning electron or laser beam or electro-optically controlled by a scanning electron beam or acousto-optically controlled by a two-dimensional acousto-optical modulator. Utilization of a lens between the spatial modulator and the optical cavity of the laser material permits electronic deflection of the output from said laser material by focusing the beam transmitted through said spatial modulator.

Abstract: A collinear, acousto-optical, tunable filter is described. A well-collimated, polarized beam of light enters a crystal of Tl.sub.3 AsSe.sub.3. A sound wave generated in the crystal collinear to the light rotates the plane of polarization of the light. A method of analyzing a light spectrum is also disclosed.An acousto-optically tunable laser employing an acousto-optical filter between the mirrors of a laser is also described.

Abstract: Single crystals of Tl.sub.3 VS.sub.4 and Tl.sub.3 NbS.sub.4 are disclosed which have useful acousto-optical properties, including low acoustic velocities and high acousto-optical figure of merit. They are used in acousto-optical devices such as a display device, a laser modulator, a non-collinear tunable filter, and an acousto-optical delay line.

Abstract: A method and means for controlling the output characteristics of a laser in which the optical axis of the laser output, either within the optical cavity of said laser or outside of said cavity, is transected with a fluid stream. The laser output may either be transected with a fluidic jet such as a jet of gas to modulate the output characteristics or the laser beam positioned by means of a directed flow of liquid across the optical axis thereof.

Abstract: An optical waveguide modulator is disclosed which uses single crystals of TlGaSe.sub.2 or TlInS.sub.2. The optical waveguide modulator is used to impress a signal upon a light beam traveling in a waveguide. Monochromatic light is guided along a thin plate of the crystal. Acoustic waves are generated which move across the thickness of the crystal, modulating the light. The frequency, polarization, or mode of the light can be modulated by the acoustic waves.

Abstract: The compound Tl.sub.3 PSe.sub.4 is disclosed. Non-conducting single crystals of the compound are prepared which have outstanding acousto-optical properties including an exceptionally high acousto-optical figure of merit. The crystals are used in various acousto-optical devices including a display device, a laser modulator, a non-collinear acousto-optic filter, and an acoustic delay line.