Abstract: This invention relates to free-flowing compositions of carbon nanosheets and core-shell particles, and to a plasma-torch process for making them.

Abstract: An apparatus for dissociation of gas molecules which absorb light comprising a resonance optical cavity, a nozzle for introducing gas molecules into the resonance optical cavity in contact with the high velocity gas molecules, a focusing lens for focusing the laser beam at the point of contact of the laser beam and the high velocity gas molecules, a 100 percent reflecting mirror for receiving the laser beam after it passes through such molecules, a partially reflecting mirror positioned between the molecules for reflecting a portion of laser beam back into the laser and the remainder of the beam through the gas molecules to the 100 percent reflecting mirror.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of seismic exploration utilizing vibrationally generated, elliptically polarized shear waves in an earth medium for subsequent detection of one or more dimensions of orthogonal particle motion. The invention relies upon a shear wave source of a type which couples a continually rotating longitudinal force into an earth medium thereby to propagate an elliptically polarized shear wave for refraction, reflection or subsurface detection, various forms of exploration being well within the capabilities.

Abstract: A sensor system comprises a fibe optic cable, or a fiber optic cable covered with a cladding, coated with a membrane that is sensitive to a particular substance to be detected. Contact with the material to be detected causes the membrane's index of refraction (normally less than that of the fiber core) to increase, decreasing the intensity of the light transmitted by the core. The fiber-optic sensor can be used to monitor one or more storage tanks for leakage by placing the fiber cable beneath the surface surrounding the tank(s).

Abstract: A monitoring device for determining presence of native hydrocarbons downward along a drilled borehole by analyzing upcoming drilling mud returning to the reserve pit. The device includes a short pulse laser of selected output wavelength disposed at a remote location to couple output light into a fiber optic cable that leads to a position at the reserve pit viewing the returning drill mud. The device employs optical coupling to project any hydrocarbon fluorescence light for return along the fiber optic cable to the remote position for reflection through a monochromator, and the fluorescence light is processed through a photomultiplier tube and data acquisition system to derive charcteristic decay lifetime signatures to distinguish between native hydrocarbons and any lighter oils contained in the drilling mud.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting minute disturbance such as seismic vibrations or the like which utilizes an optically clear gap material as the primary sensing element. The gap material is subjected to the disturbance and any reactive change in width or index is sensed optically by monitoring the light transmission properties of the gap material. A particular type of sensor is disclosed consisting of a length of optic fiber having the tip end covered by the gap material with the distal surface bearing a reflective coating.

Abstract: A device for source compensating a fiber optic coupler output automatically compensates for changes in light intensity at the output end of the fiber caused by changes in light intensity from the source, beam walking at the input of the fiber and mode changes in the fiber. Laser light enters a frequency doubler and exits as a doubled frequency output which is focused onto the input face of a fiber optic cable by a lens. The lens is selected so that the spot size of the focused light on the face of the fiber is smaller than the diameter of the fiber and that the entry angle of the light cone is within the acceptance angle of the fiber. The fiber is tightly wound into a mode scrambler to provide a uniform intensity distribution of the light exiting the fiber. The light leaving the fiber is collimated and directed to additional optical elements. The collimated beam is directed to a beam splitter which reflects 8% of the incident beam to a calibrated photodiode that is terminated with a transimpedance amplifier.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for precise oil correlation using oil-filled fluid inclusions to form signature plots of fluorescence excitation versus emission versus intensity data. The apparatus uses a tunable light source energized periodically through a given series of wavelengths as directed through a microscope to a fluid inclusion to excite fluorescence. Subsequent fluorescence emission is detected by a monochromator/photomultiplier combination for input to a data acquisition system that processes the data and provides requisite fluorescence output plots indicating more particularly the nature of the fluid inclusion matter, i.e., 3-D fluorescence spectra indicative of the oil. The quality of the oil in terms of API.degree. gravity can also be determined by time-resolution fluorescence spectroscopy to determine fluorescence lifetimes.

Abstract: A coupling interface between a two components of a spectrometer system having a monochromator, a spectrometer and a fiber cable therebetween includes a focusing lens and two crossed cylindrical lenses. The focusing lens is used to assure that the convergence angle of light entering the fiber is within the acceptance angle of the fiber. A dual lens system is used to collimate the light from the monochromator, first in one direction of divergence, then in a second direction of divergence. In a second embodiment, the focusing lens is used to collimate the light from the fiber optic cable. The dual lens system is used to converge the collimated light in two directions.

Abstract: A motion sensing device which includes a means including a light source for sympathetic movement with the motion, a light responsive fluid contained in a resilient envelope contiguous to the light source to receive light from the source for either absorption or fluorescence illumination, and photo-responsive means contiguous to the resilient envelope to provide electrical output of the light absorption or fluorescence variations which are inversely or directly proportional, respectively, of said motion.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing vibrational disturbance using fiber optic coils conducting circularly polarized light. A circularly polarized light source illuminates each of a sensing fiber optic coil in a disturbance-sensitive environment and a reference fiber optic coil in a constant environment, and light from both coils is analyzed through polarization shuttering to detect the degree of polarization rotation thereby to enable determination of frequency and amplitude of the disturbance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generation of elliptically polarized shear waves in an earth medium using two shear wave vibrators engaged to the earth medium in cross-polarized attitude and driven at sweep rates having variable phase displacement.

Abstract: Apparatus for determining physical parameters of a disturbance using a fiber optic coil and linearly polarized source light. The apparatus directs a linearly polarized source light through the fiber optic coil being effected by a disturbance, and then measures the effect by comparing optically the source light and the light affected by changes in fiber coil index to detect and develop digital data related to frequency and amplitude of the disturbance.

Abstract: A source of linearly polarized light having a wavelength selected from the range of about 500 to 1100 nanometers provides light into one end of an optical fiber. A nonlinear crystal of the type that mixes the frequency of light passing therethrough is positioned adjacent the other end of the fiber. The fiber transmits light from the source to the crystal which increases its frequency up to 100%, dependent upon crystal selection, thereby providing light in the 250-550 nanometer wavelength range. Adjusting the radial orientation of the crystal with respect to the fiber optimizes conversion of light to the 250-550 nanometer range.

Abstract: The invention provides a vertical velocity signal and an integration signal, respectively, of two detected ambient conditions. The signals are summed, in a selectable ratio, and compared with a predetermined altitude set point. When there is a difference between the summed outputs and the altitude set point, an altitude control signal is provided to control a vertical propulsion system of an object whose altitude is to be maintained above a terrain.

Abstract: A source of linearly polarized light having a wavelength range of about 550 to 1100 nanometers provides light into one end of an optical fiber. A nonlinear crystal of the type that mixes the frequency of light passing therethrough is positioned adjacent the other end of the fiber. The fiber transmits light from the source to the crystal which increases its frequency up to 100%, dependent upon crystal selection providing light in the 250-550 nanometer wavelength range. Adjusting the radial orientation of the crystal with respect to the fiber optimizes conversion of light to the 250-550 nanometer range. Such light is shined into organic dye which emits fluorescent light in the range of about 400 to 1000 nanometers dependent upon the type of dye selected.

Abstract: Apparatus for transmitting light and detecting resultant scattering in order to derive information relating to a light-scattering object. A fiberoptic cable has one end adjacent a light generator and the other end aimed at a light-scattering object. A receiver gathers light scattered by the object at which the light output of the cable is aimed. An information processor is connected to the receiver and is operative to generate values relating to properties of the light-scattering object.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting oil in water. A plurality of oil sensors are maintained at selected positions in a body of water. Each sensor includes a limited wavelength light source for inducing fluorescence in oil which may be present and a light detector for detecting such induced fluorescence. Each sensor is connected to a computer which receives and stores information generated by each light detector.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of hydrocarbons and other substance that fluoresces or absorbs light within a body of water which utilizes a controlled submersible vehicle scanning at or near the water bottom. The method utilizes a selected frequency light source as carried by the submersible to scan the water bottom, and the returned light energy, either at the wavelength of oil fluorescing in water or the source frequency backscatter, is detected and processed for the water bottom as well as a water region that is a selected distance above the water floor. Alternative forms of apparatus are disclosed for carrying out the functions of both oil fluorescence detection, and for obtaining differential absorption readings as to light source backscatter energy that is created by the ambient water and other factors in the water environment such as marine life, turbidity, etc.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for detecting the presence of hydrocarbons and other substance that fluoresces or absorbs light within a body of water which utilizes a controlled submersible vehicle scanning at or near the water bottom. The method utilizes a selected frequency light source as carried by the submersible to scan the water bottom, and the returned light energy, either at the wavelength of oil fluorescing in water or the source frequency backscatter, is detected and processed for the water bottom as well as a water region that is a selected distance above the water floor. Alternative forms of apparatus are disclosed for carrying out the functions of both oil fluorescence detection, and for obtaining differential absorption readings as to light source backscatter energy that is created by the ambient water and other factors in the water environmentsuch as marine life, turbidity, etc.