Abstract: In an example, an apparatus includes a cryogenic container configured to store a cryogenic fluid, a superconducting coil disposed within the cryogenic container, and an outer casing surrounding at least a lateral surface area of the cryogenic container. The apparatus is configured such that, while the superconducting coil is carrying a current, is in a superconducting state, and is being cooled by the cryogenic fluid stored in the cryogenic container, an outward magnetic pressure is imposed on the cryogenic container and the outer casing. The cryogenic container and the outer casing are configured to withstand the outward magnetic pressure for at least a predetermined period of time, including while the superconducting coil is being charged to the superconducting state. An occurrence of a trigger event while the outward magnetic pressure is being imposed causes the cryogenic container and the outer casing to expand and burst into radially-dispersed fragments.

Abstract: In an example, an apparatus includes a cryogenic container configured to store a cryogenic fluid, a superconducting coil disposed within the cryogenic container, and an outer casing surrounding at least a lateral surface area of the cryogenic container. The apparatus is configured such that, while the superconducting coil is carrying a current, is in a superconducting state, and is being cooled by the cryogenic fluid stored in the cryogenic container, an outward magnetic pressure is imposed on the cryogenic container and the outer casing. The cryogenic container and the outer casing are configured to withstand the outward magnetic pressure for at least a predetermined period of time, including while the superconducting coil is being charged to the superconducting state. An occurrence of a trigger event while the outward magnetic pressure is being imposed causes the cryogenic container and the outer casing to expand and burst into radially-dispersed fragments.

Abstract: A neutron generator includes a fuel source configured to provide a neutron-producing fuel. The neutron generator includes a plasma confinement device coupled to the fuel source and configured to generate a z-pinch of the neutron-producing fuel.

Abstract: A single-use neutron generator includes a power supply. The single-use neutron generator includes a fuel source configured to provide neutron-producing fuel. The single-use neutron generator includes a plasma confinement device coupled to the power supply and the fuel source and configured to generate a plasma pinch of the neutron-producing fuel. At least one component of the single-use neutron generator is configured for single use.

Abstract: A nondestructive bond strength testing method, including: coupling an expendable device to a structure under test, the expendable device including a patterned planar array of exploding bridge wires; simultaneously vaporizing the patterned planar array of exploding bridge wires by applying a pulse of electrical energy to the patterned planar array of exploding bridge wires; and sensing an initial disbonding signature of the structure under test.

Abstract: A visual obscurant system for obscuring object from an observer having a field of view (FOV) is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor for detecting characteristics that indicate a presence of the object, a light source for emitting light in an electromagnetic spectrum, a source, and a controller. The source releases an obscurant into atmosphere to create a cloud. The obscurant attenuates a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The cloud is positioned within the FOV of the observer so as to obscure the object when the light emitted from the light source is directed towards the cloud. The controller is in communication with at least the sensor and the source. The controller modulates the light source at a frequency sufficient such that the observer interprets the light as being constant when energized.

Abstract: A nondestructive bond strength testing method, including: coupling an expendable device to a structure under test, the expendable device including a patterned planar array of exploding bridge wires; simultaneously vaporizing the patterned planar array of exploding bridge wires by applying a pulse of electrical energy to the patterned planar array of exploding bridge wires; and sensing an initial disbonding signature of the structure under test.

Abstract: A method and system for a light source detection system, comprising an aircraft carrying at least one camera. The system includes a database for storing information about the aircraft's motion, direction, and position and ground location information, such as the onboard navigation system database or an remotely accessible database. The system also includes a processor that accesses the database and is connected to the camera. The processor uses image analysis and processing techniques to determine the ground location corresponding to the light source from an image of that light captured by the camera. It determines the path traveled by that light and estimates its location as being a pre-selected distance vertically above the ground along the path traveled by the light to the aircraft when the image of the light was captured.

Abstract: Electromagnetic radiation scanning is used to monitor the integrity of a composite laminate structure. The composite laminate structure is optically resonant at a frequency of electromagnetic radiation, allowing inconsistencies in the laminate to be detected and mapped.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the active initiation of incident energy-dissipating material from a structure surface coating as a counter measure response for the protection of a structure surface. The active initiation is triggered at a predetermined area or areas on a targeted structure surface in response to incident directed energy sensed on a target surface.

Abstract: A neutron generator includes a fuel source configured to provide a neutron-producing fuel. The neutron generator includes a plasma confinement device coupled to the fuel source and configured to generate a z-pinch of the neutron-producing fuel.

Abstract: A visual obscurant system for obscuring object from an observer having a field of view (FOV) is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor for detecting characteristics that indicate a presence of the object, a light source for emitting light in an electromagnetic spectrum, a source, and a controller. The source releases an obscurant into atmosphere to create a cloud. The obscurant attenuates a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The cloud is positioned within the FOV of the observer so as to obscure the object when the light emitted from the light source is directed towards the cloud. The controller is in communication with at least the sensor and the source. The controller modulates the light source at a frequency sufficient such that the observer interprets the light as being constant when energized.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the active initiation of incident energy-dissipating material from a structure surface coating as a counter measure response for the protection of a structure surface. The active initiation is triggered at a predetermined area or areas on a targeted structure surface in response to incident directed energy sensed on a target surface.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for protecting a vehicle from a directed energy attack is provided. The method includes receiving, at the vehicle, a beam of directed energy, determining a threat level of the beam of directed energy, and causing the vehicle to automatically execute at least one evasive maneuver when the threat level of the beam of directed energy is greater than a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems may protect a target from undesirable electromagnetic radiation by detecting electromagnetic radiation (including coherent radiation such as laser beams) aimed at a target from a source; calculating a first release position to disrupt the electromagnetic radiation thereby protecting the target; launching a projectile that may include a disruptive medium or a disruptive-medium precursor; directing the projectile to the first release position; and releasing the disruptive medium from the projectile at the first release position, such that the releasing of the disruptive medium forms a cloud of the disruptive medium.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an electrically switchable mirror includes: a first electrically switchable layer of cholesteric liquid crystal material, the first electrically switchable layer having a first state in which right-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is reflected and left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is transmitted and a second state wherein right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon are transmitted; a second electrically switchable layer of cholesteric liquid crystal material, the second electrically switchable layer having a first state in which left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is reflected and right-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is transmitted and a second state wherein right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon are transmitted; and a first electrically switchable wave plate disposed between the first and second electrically switchable layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the active initiation of incident energy-dissipating material from a structure surface coating as a counter measure response for the protection of a structure surface. The active initiation is triggered at a predetermined area or areas on a targeted structure surface in response to incident directed energy sensed on a target surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the passive initiation and release of incident energy-dissipating material from locations on an incident energy target surface as a counter measure response for the protection of a platform. The response is activated over a predetermined area or areas on an incident energy target surface in response to an incident directed energy sensed on a target surface.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems may protect a target from undesirable electromagnetic radiation by detecting electromagnetic radiation (including coherent radiation such as laser beams) aimed at a target from a source; calculating a first release position to disrupt the electromagnetic radiation thereby protecting the target; launching a projectile that may include a disruptive medium or a disruptive-medium precursor; directing the projectile to the first release position; and releasing the disruptive medium from the projectile at the first release position, such that the releasing of the disruptive medium forms a cloud of the disruptive medium.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, an electrically switchable mirror includes: a first electrically switchable layer of cholesteric liquid crystal material, the first electrically switchable layer having a first state in which right-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is reflected and left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is transmitted and a second state wherein right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon are transmitted; a second electrically switchable layer of cholesteric liquid crystal material, the second electrically switchable layer having a first state in which left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is reflected and right-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon is transmitted and a second state wherein right-handed and left-handed circularly polarized light incident thereon are transmitted; and a first electrically switchable wave plate disposed between the first and second electrically switchable layers.