Abstract: A method of multiplying together a series of factors includes representing a multiplication operation in terms of a summation of a series of natural logarithmic functions that undergo exponentiation to represent the multiplication of the factors. An optical signal is generated for each of the factors to be multiplied. Each optical signal has a power or energy level that represents its respective factor. Each of the optical signals is applied to a respective material that undergoes a two-photon absorption process to implement a natural logarithm function. Each optical output signal output by the materials is directed to an optical combiner to obtain a summed optical signal. The summed optical signal is directed to a saturable absorber to implement an exponential function. The power or energy of the resulting optical output signal from the saturable absorber represents the product of the factors to be multiplied.

Abstract: A threat detection system having a reconfigurable reflect-array and compressive sensing unit to effectively detect objects that are a threat is presented. A statistical library, having a wide range of threat and non-threat examples and capable of incorporating new examples while being used, is utilized by several optimization algorithms to calculate an optimal illumination pattern for compressive sensing detection. The reflect-array is configured to produce the optimal illumination pattern via a plurality of reflect-array elements. In this way, a plurality of data may be parallel processed, thereby increasing the detection speed and reducing cost.

Abstract: A threat detection system having a reconfigurable reflect-array and compressive sensing unit to effectively detect objects that are a threat is presented. A statistical library, having a wide range of threat and non-threat examples and capable of incorporating new examples while being used, is utilized by several optimization algorithms to calculate an optimal illumination pattern for compressive sensing detection. The reflect-array is configured to produce the optimal illumination pattern via a plurality of reflect-array elements. In this way, a plurality of data may be parallel processed, thereby increasing the detection speed and reducing cost.

Abstract: This document describes techniques and apparatuses for implementing an asymmetric sensor array for capturing images. These techniques and apparatuses enable better resolution, depth of color, or low-light sensitivity than many conventional sensor arrays.

Abstract: A beam combining method (and concomitant apparatus) comprising, with a plurality of cascaded partially reflective surfaces, receiving images from a plurality of fields of view and combining the images into a single output optical path, and employing compressive sensing with an optical sensor receiving the combined images.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for converting an analog waveform to a series of digital values includes receiving an input analog waveform to be digitized over a particular frequency band. A phase-sensitive frequency-domain representation of the input analog waveform is recorded. The phase-sensitive frequency-domain representation is read out and digitized to produce a spectral series of digital values. An output series of digital values that represent the analog waveform digitized over the particular frequency band is determined based on the spectral series. In some embodiments, the spectral series of digital values is produced with a conventional high dynamic range, low bandwidth digitizer that has a bandwidth at least a factor of two less than a width of the particular frequency band for digitizing the target analog waveform.

Abstract: In the disclosed error correcting scheme, information data is encoded and decoded in parallel and in the spectral or frequency domains based on a Reed-Solomon (RS) code. As a result, when compared with space domain decoding, the spectral decoding scheme of the present invention shifts some of the computationally intensive modules into the encoder thus reducing decoder complexity. Thus, integrated circuit implementations of the error correcting scheme of the present invention are faster, have reduced power dissipation and occupy less chip area than serial encoders and decoders.

Abstract: A field emission cathode having a parallel array of individual electrically conductive rods of metal silicide or germanide in a silicon-based or germanium-based single crystal matrix. Each rod has an emission end exposed at one major surface of the cathode and an ohmic contact end exposed at an opposite major surface. In a preferred cathode, the matrix and rod materials are the constituents of a eutectic composition. The cathode is fabricated by a process involving producing a composite boule from a eutectic composition of a silicon-based or germanium-based material and a metal. The composite cathode body is cut from the boule so that the rods are generally normal to the major surfaces. Etching may be used to expose a uniform length of the rods at the emitting surface.