Abstract: A method of protecting silver reflectors from damage caused by contact with gaseous substances which are often present in the atmosphere and a silver reflector which is so protected. The inventive method comprises at least partially coating a reflector with a metal oxide such as aluminum oxide to a thickness of 15 .ANG. or less.

Abstract: A system is described for testing aspheric optic elements by the interference of light beam components that are respectively directed to the element to be tested and to a reference element, which facilitates the testing. A reference element is deformable in a controlled manner to more closely match the element to be tested, to produce straighter and more even fringes.

Abstract: An output electrode which is angularly oriented with respect to the reading and scanning electrode is used with associated circuitry to provide a two dimensional image scan for an acousto-optical cell. The output electrode is an interdigitally shaped echelon and intercepts the output signal at a position which is determined by the transit time to a selected step of the echelon.

Abstract: A pulsed laser having a laser gain medium of broadband output is tuned to essentially monochromatic output. An acousto-optic cell is driven with an acoustic wave which varies linearly in frequency, causing the laser beam to be resolved into a number of essentially monochromatic focal points. The focused beam of the desired wavelength is reflected to the output through one or more apertures which block out the unwanted wavelengths.

Abstract: A device for IR imaging with surface wave readout wherein RF signals are d to interrogate a depletion depth pattern of a doped pyroelectric material, the depletion depth pattern being a function of the IR energy detected. The RF signals set up an acoustic surface wave in a piezoelectric material in close proximity to the pyroelectric material, and the surface wave is modulated by the pattern. The surface wave is readout and used to modulate the intensity of a visual presentation for one line of the presentation, a two-dimensional visual image being obtained by proper sequential tracing.