Abstract: A charge-neutralization system is provided. The charge-neutralization system includes a reservoir, a plasma generator and a flow-restricting transfer line. The reservoir is configured to hold matter to be ionized under pressure. The plasma generator is configured and arranged to create a neutral energy plasma on a vehicle from the matter to be ionized. The flow-restricting transfer line provides a fluid communication between the reservoir and the plasma generator.

Abstract: A system and method for launching a launch vehicle in the presence of lightning. A processor detects potential sources of lightning and maneuvers one or more charge mitigation vehicles to locations proximate to the potential source of lightning such that at least one charge mitigation vehicle remains a better path to ground than the launch vehicle being launched at any given time during the launch.

Abstract: A charge neutralization system is provided. The charge neutralization system includes a reservoir, a plasma generator and a flow restricting transfer line. The reservoir is configured to hold matter to be ionized under pressure. The plasma generator is configured and arranged to create a neutral energy plasma on a vehicle from the matter to be ionized. The flow restricting transfer line provides a fluid communication between the reservoir and the plasma generator.

Abstract: A Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) apparatus comprises a laser generator configured to generate an output laser signal toward a target area, at least one detector configured as an array of light sensitive elements, the array including a plurality of rows and columns of the light sensitive elements, and at least one wavelength dispersion element positioned in a return path of a returning laser signal returning from the target area. The at least one wavelength dispersion element is configured to separate wavelengths of the returning laser signal onto the plurality of rows and columns of the array, wherein the plurality of columns of the array are associated with the separated wavelengths that correspond with a position along a row of the array, the position along the row of the array corresponding with a spatial position of the target area along a first axis. Methods for scanning a target area and obtaining spectral and spatial data are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A radiation-hardened semiconductor structure including an insulator material doped with at least one of a transition metal, a lanthanide, and an actinide, and a semiconductor material located over the insulator material. A semiconductor device including the radiation-hardened semiconductor structure is also disclosed, as are methods of forming the radiation-hardened semiconductor structure and the semiconductor device.

Abstract: Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) apparatus comprises a laser generator configured to generate an output laser signal toward a target area, at least one detector configured as an array of light sensitive elements, the array including a plurality of rows and columns of the light sensitive elements, and at least one wavelength dispersion element positioned in a return path of a returning laser signal returning from the target area. The at least one wavelength dispersion element is configured to separate wavelengths of the returning laser signal onto the plurality of rows and columns of the array, wherein the plurality of columns of the array are associated with the separated wavelengths that correspond with a position along a row of the array, the position along the row of the array corresponding with a spatial position of the target area along a first axis. Methods for scanning a target area and obtaining spectral and spatial data are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Optical devices include a doped glass material in which the dopant facilitates the transmission of energy out from the glass material. The doped glass may not significantly absorb a selected wavelength of laser radiation to be manipulated by the optical devices. The dopant may comprise one or more of a transition metal element, an actinide element, and a lanthanide element. Laser systems include at least one such optical device and a laser device configured to emit a beam to be manipulated by the optical device. Methods for forming optical devices and laser systems including such optical devices include dispersing a dopant within a glass material to form, and forming the glass material into a body having a size and shape configured to manipulate a beam of radiation emitted by a laser device. The dopant is selected to comprise a material that facilitates the transmission of energy out from the glass material.

Abstract: A radiation-hardened semiconductor structure including an insulator material doped with at least one of a transition metal, a lanthanide, and an actinide, and a semiconductor material located over the insulator material. A semiconductor device including the radiation-hardened semiconductor structure is also disclosed as are method of forming the radiation-hardened semiconductor structure and the semiconductor device.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pumped alkali metal vapor cell system is provided. The system comprises a vapor cell and windings. The vapor cell contains alkali metal and a buffer. The windings are positioned around the vapor cell and are configured to create an electromagnet field in the vapor cell when an AC signal is applied to the windings. The electromagnetic field pumps unexcited alkali vapor into unionized D1 and D2 states.

Abstract: A lightning direction device is provided. The lightning direction device includes a drag member, a pendant mass and a conductor. The drag member is configured to have a select amount of wind resistance. The pendant mass has a select weight and shape. Moreover, the conductor is coupled between the pendant mass and the drag member.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pumped alkali metal vapor cell system is provided. The system comprises a vapor cell and windings. The vapor cell contains alkali metal and a buffer. The windings are positioned around the vapor cell and are configured to create an electromagnet field in the vapor cell when an AC signal is applied to the windings. The electromagnetic field pumps unexcited alkali vapor into unionized D1 and D2 states.

Abstract: A lightning direction device is provided. The lightning direction device includes a drag member, a pendant mass and a conductor. The drag member is configured to have a select amount of wind resistance. The pendant mass has a select weight and shape. Moreover, the conductor is coupled between the pendant mass and the drag member.

Abstract: Optical devices include a doped glass material in which the dopant facilitates the transmission of energy out from the glass material. The doped glass may not significantly absorb a selected wavelength of laser radiation to be manipulated by the optical devices. The dopant may comprise one or more of a transition metal element, an actinide element, and a lanthanide element. Laser systems include at least one such optical device and a laser device configured to emit a beam to be manipulated by the optical device. Methods for forming optical devices and laser systems including such optical devices include dispersing a dopant within a glass material to form, and forming the glass material into a body having a size and shape configured to manipulate a beam of radiation emitted by a laser device. The dopant is selected to comprise a material that facilitates the transmission of energy out from the glass material.