Abstract: An optical data distribution system, for densely packed transmitter/receiver modules, of a phased-array antenna which includes an optical source and a plurality of light bars for distributing the optical energy to the photoconductor of each respective transmitter/receiver module. Each bifurcated light bar has an entrance aperture coupled to the optical source through a star coupling and branched light distributing elements branching from the entrance aperture air gap bridging optics to direct the light from each output aperture of fiber bundles to the photodetector.

Abstract: A radar test system for producing multiple delayed replicas of a radio frequency radar signal is provided. A laser diode is adapted to receive the radar signal and generate a modulated optical wave signal carrying the radar signal. The modulated optical wave signal passes through a fiber optic delay line. The delayed optical wave signal engages a partially transmissive and reflective assembly wherein a first portion of the optical wave signal is transmitted therethrough and a second portion is reflected back to the laser diode. That portion of the optical wave signal reflected back to the laser diode is amplified therein and subsequently regenerated. The signal transmitted through the partially transmissive and reflective assembly is demodulated to extract the optical wave leaving only the radar signal. In this manner, a series of multiple echoes of the radar signal is produced.

Abstract: An electro-optical test tool for testing an input laser beam includes a collecting optics system of attenuating and collimating lenses enabling the test tool to test high powered, high PRF laser sources. A processor controlled CCPD sensor array provides a shuttered laser beam video signal which can be processed using a non-linear technique to improve the dynamic range of the system. Additionally, boresight error correcting capabilities are provided as well as range finding techniques.

Abstract: A pulsed laser arc welding method and apparatus whereby a pulsed input laser beam is generated by a laser pulse generator to cause an ionized plasma cloud to be generated at a worksite. A power supply supplies energy to an arc welding device, which is stored in a capacitor therein. This energy is drawn out of the storage capacitor once the ionized plasma cloud is sufficiently conductive. Control circuitry is provided to control the pulse repetition frequency of the laser pulse generator and to control the energy dissipation from the storage capacitor in the arc welding device.

Abstract: A microwave oscillator circuit having a voltage controlled oscillator for producing a controllable frequency microwave signal and a high overtone bulk acoustic resonator coupled to receive the signal is provided with a light source for directing a light beam onto the resonator such that the light is diffracted in response to the presence of acoustic waves produced in the resonator by the microwave signal. Diffracted and undiffracted portions of the light beam are measured and compared to provide an indication of resonance phenomena within the high overtone bulk acoustic resonator. This technique is particularly applicable to frequency agile stable local oscillators in radar equipment. Optical data extraction is completely non-invasive with respect to the microwave circuit functions, resulting in unimpaired stable local oscillator operation.

Abstract: An attenuated fiducial replica of the far field pattern of a high energy laser beam is obtained by a system and method wherein a first fraction of an incident high energy beam is deflected from one reflective surface of a holey plate and the diffracted orders of the beam are transmitted from the holes to a concave reflector, which reflects diffracted orders toward an opposite reflective surface of the holey plate. A zinc selenide partially reflective member is disposed on-axis between the rear reflective surface and the concave surface for re-reflecting successive fractional portions of the reflected beam a selected number of times to attenuate the beam converging upon a focal plane from an effective focal distance greater than the physical length of the optical system.

Abstract: A system for characterizing miniature optical sources such as laser diodes is disclosed. In its most convenient form the system includes an optical system for collecting a wide angle beam and collimating the beam into substantially parallel rays. In the substantially parallel beam, equal area angular portions of the wide angle beam should correspond to equal areas in the parallel beam. Optical sensors are utilized to generate signals indicative of the intensity of the parallel optical beam. Digital processing is included to calculate the characteristics of the optical beam from the intensity samples of the parallel beam. In one embodiment, a reflecting plane is positioned between the source and the optical system so that Lloyd's fringes are produced in a measurement plane.

Abstract: A system for analyzing the characteristics of a light beam is disclosed. Functionally, the system includes an optical system for collecting the light beam to be analyzed. An array of light-sensitive elements is positioned at the focal plane of the optical system. A digital system sequentially samples the output signals of the light sensors and processes the resulting data to generate signals indicative of the characteristics of the light beam.

Abstract: A directional optical fiber signal tapping assembly. A light pipe rod encircles and accepts stray light rays leaving the otherwise bare outer surface of a length of optical fiber in a region following a location having a bend that induces a selected degree of outward leakage of optical signal rays in the bend following longitudinal light pipe region. Curvature of one end of the light pipe rod conducts the extracted optical signal sample to an optical detector device.

Abstract: An improved passive optical range simulator device which can be used to test the ranging function of an optical radar ranger system having parallel beams leaving and entering. An adapter member provides for mechanical coupling and optical alignment of the simulator device with the ranger system. A focusing lens transforms parallel beams entering and leaving the ranger system into focused beams entering and leaving one end of a coil of optical fiber having a mirror at its opposite end to act as an optical delay medium. A primary tilted-glass-element optical attenuator limits optical energy allowed to reach the optical fiber entrance face, while defecting first surface reflection away from ranger system input. A removable attenuator assembly having oppositely-tilted flat glass elements at the fiber entrance face permits, by substitution, fine adjustment of beam attenuation.

Abstract: An improved passive optical range simulator device used to test the ranging function of the optical radar ranger system by input to a coil of optical fiber having a mirror at its inner terminus that permits such coil to act as an optical delay medium. Improvement resides in inclusion of a partial mirror at the input end of the optical fiber coil to present multiple "target echo" reflections of the laser pulses back to the optical radar ranger system undergoing test.

Abstract: A fiber optic interface junction assembly in which an unsheathed end portion of a floating buffer optical fiber is held in perpendicular biased abutment with an optical interface surface by a constrained terminator for such end portion and a continuous coiled portion of the buffered fiber. The interface surface may be active, as in light transmission to the abutting fiber end, or passive, as in reflection of light backwardly into the fiber at such end, according to the particular function needed to be served by the assembly. The end of the optical fiber abutting the interface surface is made square to the fiber axis by cleaving, for efficient optical coupling with such surface, and chamber means are provided for retention of index matching fluid in encirclement of such end, for added assurance of coupling efficiency and protection against contamination by light-obstructing foreign substances that may be present in the surrounding environment.