Abstract: The invention provides a system for passive measurement of atmospheric temperature using a passive direction detector for detecting the energy of a narrow wavelength band emanating from a volume of atmospheric gas. The resulting signal can be associated with an effective temperature. The effective temperature can be associated with an effective range. The system generates a temperature map which can determine, at predetermined time intervals, atmospheric temperatures in an azimuth plane associated with a predefined range from the detector. The temperature map can then be used to calculate temperature gradients that in turn can be used to compute the average Richardson number over an atmospheric layer and other atmospheric conditions to predict the presence of clear air turbulence.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for passive measurement of atmospheric temperature using a passive direction detector for detecting the energy of a narrow wavelength band emanating from a volume of atmospheric gas. The resulting signal can be associated with an effective temperature. The effective temperature can be associated with an effective range. The system generates a temperature map which can determine, at predetermined time intervals, atmospheric temperatures in an azimuth plane associated with a predefined range from the detector. The temperature map can then be used to calculate temperature gradients that in turn can be used to compute the average Richardson number over an atmospheric layer and other atmospheric conditions to predict the presence of clear air turbulence.

Abstract: A solid state laser comprises a housing having a body portion for enclosing optical components thereof. A mounting means is provided for mounting the optical components directly to the housing. The housing has stiffness sufficient for spatial and angular positioning of the optical components. A cooling means transfers heat from the optical components to the housing by circulation of a preselected gas therewithin.

Abstract: An air cooled, flash lamp pumped, solid state laser device wherein heating devices are disposed on the laser rod at both ends to heat and temperature stabilize the laser rod. The solid state, laser rod is longer than the arc length of the flash lamp. The ends of the laser rod can be heated directly by winding heating wire, such as Nichrome, around each end or by applying heat through thermal conductive supports. A feedback loop is provided to maintain temperature of the solid state laser rod, which is preferably Alexandrite, within a desired range of 80.degree. C. to 120.degree. C.