Abstract: The laser targeting system of the present invention eliminates the problem of parallax between the arrow's path and the archer's line of sight. An embodiment is a laser integrated into an arrow such that the beam is projected down the axis of the arrow. Another embodiment is an arrow rest with an integrated laser, which can have an angular adjustment. By having the laser extend the axis of the arrow to the target, the laser spot produced on the target accurately represents where the arrow will hit once released, and eliminates the parallax angle between the archer's line of sight and the arrow's path. The present invention also provides a means for using a single laser beam to project a diffractive pattern onto a target, such as several spots or crosshairs. For advanced visibility of the laser spot, an optical filter or infrared vision optical sensors can be used.

Abstract: A substantially passive optical image processor providing image dissection into orthogonally polarized components each modulated on a pixel-by-pixel basis in one or more encounters with an included polarization-altering modulator element of electrical or optical nature. The modulation-processed images are recombined into an output image of the processor. Alternate arrangements of the invention are also described, arrangements including multiple modulation event processing in a plurality of forms and the accommodation of multiple input and multiple output processor images. Mathematical description of the processor's function is included along with identification of real world uses of the invention. Holographic uses of the invention are also disclosed. The underlying concepts of the invention are viewed as applicable to both present day slower and faster future optical materials.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for computer control presented here is based on the novel use of laser produced speckle light patterns and a solid state optical mouse sensor. Two apparatuses for computer control are disclosed, one based on head movement and the other on finger tip movement. Both systems operate on the principle of imaging a speckle pattern onto a solid state optical mouse sensor and translating the movement of the speckle pattern into cursor movement. For the head tracker, the speckle pattern may be generated by passing a laser beam into the end of a fiber-optic bundle or into a specially generated holographic element. For the finger tip tracker, the speckle pattern is generated by focusing a laser beam onto the finger tip. For both types of computer control devices, the solid state optical mouse sensor that may be utilized is a HDNS-2000 sensor element from Agilent Technologies.

Abstract: A sheet-of-light projection system is projects a substantially uniform sheet of laser light (or other electromagnetic radiation) using a fiber-optic bundle. Incidence optics directs a laser beam to be incident to the fiber-optic bundle at a predetermined angle of incidence, resulting in the projection of a sheet of light. For the exemplary embodiment, the angle of incidence is substantially orthogonal to the fiber-optic bundle, resulting in the projection of a substantially planar sheet of light. Thus, the laser projection technique converts a beam of laser light (or other electromagnetic radiation such as UV, visible, IR or microwave radiation) into a radially extending sheet of light that in the exemplary embodiment is substantially planar. In one application, the laser projection technique can be used in the construction industry to project a uniform substantially planar sheet of light for use as a reference marker.

Abstract: A gamma ray imaging camera system and method for using it are described which in representative embodiments include a gamma ray collimator, a scintillator adjacent the collimator for converting gamma photons into visible photons, a low level visible photon detector including at least two optically coupled inverter tubes, a high-speed lens for imaging the visible photons onto the detector, a video imager for receiving, recording and storing sequential images of the visible photons defining the detector output, and a programmed computer for processing the images and determining the spatial distribution of the images.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for effecting medical or dental surgery, and to a related method. A subject body on which surgery is to be performed has a reference thereon or therein identified, such as a layer in the cornea, or a surface of a tooth. A handpiece contains a variable focus lens, and a fiberoptic bundle is connected axially to the proximal end of the handpiece to illuminate the site. The image of the site is passed to a control apparatus for adjusting the variable focus lens so as to provide for focussing of the treatment laser beam at a predetermined distance from the reference.A method of performing surgery comprising determining by focus condition measuring equipment the distance of a reference in a subject body, adjusting a variable focus lens by control signals proportional to the focus condition measured, and passing a laser beam through the variable focus lens in the adjusted position. to provide a focus spot of the laser beam at a predetermined distance from the reference.

Abstract: System and method for tracking the gaze of the human eye are described which comprise directing an infrared light beam along an optical axis into the eye, and displaying the reflected optical light distribution on a position sensing detector to determine eye position, considering the differences in infrared reflectivities between the pupil and the surrounding iris and sclera.

Abstract: An oximetry technique permits determination of hemoglobin oxygenation in vascular beds such as the inner retinal capillary beds. For a retinal application, an oximeter (FIG. 2) uses as a probe light source a multiline argon laser (11) that operates at three wavelengths in the hemoglobin absorption band, preferably 488, 501, and 514 nm. The oximeter optics module (30) attaches to the output end of a conventional slit lamp microscope (20). Reflected probe light is separated (34) into its constituent wavelengths, and photon counters (38) are used to measure light intensity for each wavelength. Data acquisition and analysis are performed by an oximeter processor (40) that computes hemoglobin oxygenation ratios from the intensity measurements, and determines the corresponding percent oxygen saturation.

Abstract: System and method for detection and measurement of airborne biological aerosol particles in a gaseous sample are described comprising a source of low energy radiation for irradiating the gaseous sample whereby biological particles in the sample are ionized, a detector for detecting ionized biological particles in the sample including a pair of electrically charged conducting plates disposed in parallel confronting relationship to each other with a preselected space therebetween, a source of electrical power operatively connected to the plates for applying a preselected electrical potential thereacross, and electronics for sensing collisions on the plates of ionized biological particles in the sample.

Abstract: A pattern ERG (PERG) projector (FIG. 2a) includes a coherent light source (32) for generating a projection beam, modulation optics (34) for modulating the projection beam with an alternating ERG interference pattern (with a selected spatial and alternation frequency), segmentation optics 35 for selectively segmenting the ERG interference pattern, and wide-angle imaging optics (36) for focusing the projection beam such that it passes through the pupil, and then diverges to project onto the entire retinal field-of-view, including the anterior retina out to the far periphery. A PERG testing program can be used to selectively probe the entire retina and develop a retinal map--PERG data has been correlated with retinal ganglion cell viability, and is therefore useful in diagnosing and monitoring retinal degeneration caused by glaucoma and other diseases.

Abstract: A short wavelength light beam such as the blue/green emission lines of an argon-ion laser, is projected through a narrow slit into a chamber onto a metal tube of the kind typically used to receive deposits in fuel testing. The spuriously reflected light is absorbed into the interior chamber wall. The beam spot on the tube is imaged by a short focal length lens onto a photodetector such as a photomultiplier tube. The radiation passing to the detector is filtered to block out all radiation except that having a wave length longer than the incident light. By this means, fluorescence from the deposits on such metal tubes, induced by the incident light beam, is quantified and is used as a proportional indication of the deposit thickness. The metal tube is simultaneously rotated and translated to scan the entire tube and thereby obtain a map of the tube deposits in order to establish a test rating for the fuel.

Abstract: A pulsed laser illumination based one camera ranging and imaging system which requires only a single axis optical aperture and is therefore suited to use on aircraft and other space and configuration limited apparatus is disclosed. The invention uses intensity coded partial images of the distant target in a single camera with the partial images being obtained by a distance segregating optical modulation arrangement which separates pixel portions according to their arrival time and thereby the distance of travel from the target. The described system uses pixel by pixel processing of the segregated images as accomplished in an image array processor, for example.

Abstract: A pulsed laser illumination based two camera ranging and imaging system which requires only a single axis optical aperture and is therefore suited to use on aircraft and other space and configuration limited apparatus is disclosed. The invention uses intensity coded partial images of the distant target with the partial images being obtained by a distance segregating optical modulation arrangement which separates pixel portions according to their arrival time and thereby their distance of travel from the target. The described system uses pixel by pixel processing of the segregated images as accomplished in an image array processor or general purpose computer, for example.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for laser surgery in which laser energy, pulsed or continuous, is focussed to a focus spot of ten to thirty microns which is located within tissue, or the like to cause highly localized heating. The pulsed radiation is in the TEM(oo) mode, has a wavelength of approximately 1064 nanometer, the pulses being not in excess of 100 nanoseconds and the pulse rate being approximately 2000 per second. Where the laser beam is continuous or pulsed, it has a wavelength of approximately 1400 to 1800 nanometer, or in photoablative modes, having a wavelength of 190 to about 300 nanometers. The focus spot may be caused to move relative to the axis of a handpiece; and to liquid may flow across the exposure site to remove debris.

Abstract: A laser delivery system comprises a light weight hollow boom having a bearing intermediate its ends which permits the distal end of the boom to move longitudinally and rotationally relative to the proximal end of the boom. The bearing supports the distal end without supporting physical contact, e.g. by a layer of fluid. The proximal end of the boom is carried by a boom support for movement about two axes, and includes a fork journalled in a base. In one embodiment, the shaft has a portion offset from the axis thereof, and a beam direction changer, such as a prism, is located along the shaft axis between spaced bearings journalling the shaft and carried by the base. In a second embodiment, a light conducting passage extends completely through the shaft. A handpiece is connected to the distal end of the boom for rotation about the boom axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously generating a space volume-filling structural light beam array utilizes a prism assembly which refracts a laser light beam so as to partition it into four separate segments. The four segments produced the two-by-two rectangular beam array by coherent interference of the segments.

Abstract: An optical distortion analyzer system which is capable of automatically quantifying with a high degree of accuracy and repeatability the optical quality of transparencies such as windshields or windows. The analyzer system is made up of a platform adapted to support the transparency with two degrees of freedom. A probe beam of electromagnetic radiation emanating from, for example, a laser is passed through the transparency as the transparency is moved about a horizontal and vertical axis establishing a plurality of test points on the transparency. An analyzer unit receives the probe beam and therefrom establishes horizontal and vertical deviations in the transparency as well as determining the cylindrical and spherical lens power components and principal meridan angle of the transparency. A processor provides recognizable opthalmic parameters of the above characteristics of the transparency and correlates these parameters with the plurality of test points on the transparency.

Abstract: An optical beam intensity control system having a light controller which allows a beam of electromagnetic energy of varying intensity to pass therethrough. A beam splitter directs a portion of the output beam to a detector which provides a signal indicative of the intensity of this beam to a threshold control signal generator. The control signal generator compares the intensity signal with a preselected intensity range and provides a signal indicative of whether or not the intensity of the beam falls within the preselected intensity range. The light controller operates in accordance with the signal from the control signal generator in order to maintain the output beam of the variable beam of electromagnetic energy within the preselected intensity range.

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3-D) topographic data defining a remote surface in terms of the 3-D positions of M.times.N sample points on that surface may be obtained by (1) illuminating the scene with an array of M.times.N (simultaneous) laser beams, (2) sequencing the array of laser beams through a series of mathematical patterns (space coding) by means of a programmable electro-optic shutter, (3) recording by an imaging device the illumination reflected from the surface during the projection of each mathematical pattern, (4) analyzing the images to obtain the three-dimensional locations of each of the M.times.N illuminated points on the surface which are visible to the camera or imaging device, and (5) determining which of the laser beams in the array are not visible to the imaging device. (N and M are any positive integers consistent with the device proposed; typically M=N=128, so that M.times.N=16384 points.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump having a piston completely enclosed by and moving within a cylinder. The pumping action is provided by the interaction between a magnetic component embedded in the piston and an external varying magnetic field produced by a permanent magnet, solenoid, etc. The necessary back-and-forth motion is produced by momentarily offsetting the gravitational force by the spatial driving or time variation of the magnetic field and a suitable combination of valves is provided to control the fluid flow through the cylinder.