Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring a surface of an object. The system, in one embodiment, includes a laser projector device mounted at a fixed location relative to an object being formed by a fabrication process, and a videogrammetry device mounted at another fixed location relative to the object. The laser projector device includes a laser element mounted on a two-axis gimbal assembly, and the gimbal assembly directs laser beams from the laser element onto target points on a surface of the object. The laser projector device measures angles of the laser beams to the target points, while the videogrammetry device simultaneously performs measurements of the target points by capturing video images of the laser beams reflecting off of the target points. A controller processes the measurements from the laser projector device and the videogrammetry device to calculate x, y, z coordinates of the target points in a 3D coordinate system.

Abstract: An optical detection apparatus includes a housing having a circumferential opening therein. A primary mirror reflects light rays to form a first set of light rays to a secondary mirror that has a generally concave shape coupled to the housing. A tertiary mirror having a generally concave shape coupled to the housing spaced apart from the secondary mirror directs light to detection optics that form an image using the third set of light rays. The detection optics include a micro-mirror array that redirect the image to a detector. A controller controls the micro-mirror array and determines an event characteristic based upon the image thereon.

Abstract: An optical detection apparatus includes a housing having a circumferential opening therein. A primary mirror reflects light rays to form a first set of light rays to a secondary mirror that has a generally concave shape coupled to the housing. A tertiary mirror having a generally concave shape coupled to the housing spaced apart from the secondary mirror directs light to detection optics that form an image using the third set of light rays. The detection optics include a micro-mirror array that redirect the image to a detector. A controller controls the micro-mirror array and determines an event characteristic based upon the image thereon.

Abstract: An optical detection apparatus includes a housing having a circumferential opening therein. A primary mirror reflects light rays to form a first set of light rays to a secondary mirror that has a generally concave shape coupled to the housing. A tertiary mirror having a generally concave shape coupled to the housing spaced apart from the secondary mirror directs light to detection optics that form an image using the third set of light rays. The detection optics include a micro-mirror array that redirect the image to a detector. A controller controls the micro-mirror array and determines an event characteristic based upon the image thereon.

Abstract: An optical detection apparatus includes a housing having a circumferential opening therein. A primary mirror reflects light rays to form a first set of light rays to a secondary mirror that has a generally concave shape coupled to the housing. A tertiary mirror having a generally concave shape coupled to the housing spaced apart from the secondary mirror directs light to detection optics that form an image using the third set of light rays. The detection optics include a micro-mirror array that redirect the image to a detector. A controller controls the micro-mirror array and determines an event characteristic based upon the image thereon.

Abstract: A method of calibrating angle drift of a laser radar system is provided, in one aspect of the present invention. The method includes, providing a plurality of virtual fiducials into an xy scanner; and providing a plurality of auxiliary laser sources into the xy scanner. The method also includes, routing a plurality of auxiliary laser beams from the plurality of auxiliary laser sources into the xy scanner; and calibrating an angular position of a plurality of laser directing means. The methods provides creating a calibration signal for updating the angular position of a plurality of scanning mirrors.

Abstract: An angle absolute encoder comprises an encoded code rod that has code marks, such as pairs of fine code lines and coarse code lines. Light is reflected from or transmitted through the code marks and detected by a light detector to determine absolute angle position.

Abstract: An assembly is provided that may be used in high data rate optical communications, such as free-space communication systems. The assembly may include a main optical receiver element and a lenslet array or other optical element disposed near the focal plane that collects an optical signal and focuses that signal as a series of optical signal portions onto a photodetector array, formed of a series of InGaAs photodiodes, for example. The electrical signals from the photodetectors may be amplified using high bandwidth transimpedance amplifiers connected to a summing amplifier or circuit that produces a summed electrical signal. Alternatively, the electrical signals may be summed initially and then amplified via a transimpedance amplifier. The assembly may be used in remote optical communication systems, including free-space laser communication environments, to convert optical signals up to or above 1 Gbit/s or higher data rates into electrical signals at 1 Gbit/s or higher data rates.

Abstract: An antenna system for communicating electromagnetic and optical signals using a common aperture is provided. The system includes at least one optical phased array terminal integrated with an optically transparent electromagnetic antenna such that the optically transparent electromagnetic antenna and the optical phased array terminal share a common aperture. The optically transparent electromagnetic antenna includes a substrate fabricated of a substantially electrically non-conductive material that is substantially optically transparent to optical signals having a wavelength within a specific portion of the optical spectrum. An antenna element layer, including an array of electromagnetic antenna elements electrically connected by transmission lines and a plurality of phase shifters electrically connected to the electromagnetic antenna elements is disposed onto the substrate.

Abstract: An antenna system for receiving both RF wave and optical wave radiation via a single antenna aperture that may be moved between stowed and deployed configurations as needed. The system includes a wavefront correction system for correcting optical wavefront distortion errors caused by anomalies in the shape of the antenna aperture itself, as well as optical wavefront distortion errors caused by atmospheric perturbations. The optical components used for optical signal conditioning are supported from the antenna aperture and form a compact, unobtrusive means for separating electromagnetic and optical wave signals received by the antenna aperture.