Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes, for each field of view of a plurality of fields of view forming a field of regard, positioning a rotating disk in a first position corresponding to a first section of a plurality of sections. Each section of the plurality of sections may have a different focal length. The method further includes receiving a first image representing a first field of view, analyzing the first image, adjusting the plurality of mirrors based on the analysis, positioning the rotating disk in a second position corresponding to a second section, and receiving a second image representing the first field of view captured while the rotating disk was in the second position. The method further includes generating a range image of the field of view using at least the first image and the second image, and determining a range to a target using the range image.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a method includes, for each field of view of a plurality of fields of view forming a field of regard, positioning a rotating disk in a first position corresponding to a first section of a plurality of sections. Each section of the plurality of sections may have a different focal length. The method further includes receiving a first image representing a first field of view, analyzing the first image, adjusting the plurality of mirrors based on the analysis, positioning the rotating disk in a second position corresponding to a second section, and receiving a second image representing the first field of view captured while the rotating disk was in the second position. The method further includes generating a range image of the field of view using at least the first image and the second image, and determining a range to a target using the range image.

Abstract: A method of electromagnetically shielding a sensor window with a metallization coating including providing a randomized elliptical grid pattern having a plurality of randomly distributed elliptical shapes, where providing includes arranging the elliptical shapes on the sensor window such that the elliptical shapes are physically connected to each-other as a result of direct shape-to-shape contact or overlap, where arranging includes increasing a pattern density, which is a ratio of elliptical shapes per unit of sensor window area, towards an edge of the sensor window; and where the elliptical shapes are hollow to allow for transmission of electro-optical radiation through the sensor window.

Abstract: In one aspect, a scintillation generator for simulation of aero-optical and atmospheric turbulence is described. A first deformable mirror is illuminated using collimated light from a source laser beam. In one aspect, movement of a first deformable mirror is controlled to modulate a reflected laser beam to induce wave-front phase errors onto the reflected laser beam to simulate propagation of the reflected laser beam through near-field aero-optical disturbance. In one aspect, the reflected laser beam is focused onto a second deformable mirror to form a near-field beam. In one aspect, movement of the second deformable mirror is controlled to modulate a reflection of the near-field laser beam to induce amplitude fluctuations onto the reflected near-field laser beam to simulate propagation of the reflected near-field laser beam through far-field atmospheric turbulence. The second deformable mirror is in a Fourier plane of the first deformable mirror. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method of obtaining information about a target by using an ellipsometric technique of illuminating the target with coherent light beams from moveable light sources and recording reflections from the target. By analyzing the reflections, the surface material refractive index or dielectric tensors may be classified to yield information about the surface material properties. The beams can be emitted at different polarities and/or different frequencies. Ultra-coherent lasers can be used to produce beams that illuminate targets up to 100 kilometers from the beam source.

Abstract: An apparatus carried by an unmanned vehicle to provide passive sensing and facilitate avoiding airborne aerial obstacles is provided. The apparatus can include at least one, but typically multiple optical systems installed, for example, in the nose of the aerial vehicle to passively sense and determine a range, direction, and velocity of the airborne obstacles to allow the aerial vehicle to avoid the airborne obstacles. The typical optical system includes at least one focal plane array or other imaging device configured to receive a wide field of view and at least one focal plane array or other imaging device configured to receive a steerable narrow field of view within the wide field of view to allow concentrated determination of the range, direction, and/or velocity of obstacles detected by the wide field of view imaging devices.

Abstract: A randomized elliptical grid disposed on a sensor window for electro-magnetic and/or radio-frequency shielding of sensors, and a method of applying same. Grids may be made of electrically conductive or resistive material and may include elliptical or circular shapes. The shapes are in physical contact with each-other and preferably do not contain straight lines to reduce detection artifacts caused by the coating. Grid element shape, size, orientation, and grid pattern density may be randomized or varied across a sensor window.

Abstract: In one aspect, a scintillation generator for simulation of aero-optical and atmospheric turbulence is described. A first deformable minor is illuminated using collimated light from a source laser beam. In one aspect, movement of a first deformable mirror is controlled to modulate a reflected laser beam to induce wave-front phase errors onto the reflected laser beam to simulate propagation of the reflected laser beam through near-field aero-optical disturbance. In one aspect, the reflected laser beam is focused onto a second deformable mirror to form a near-field beam. In one aspect, movement of the second deformable minor is controlled to modulate a reflection of the near-field laser beam to induce amplitude fluctuations onto the reflected near-field laser beam to simulate propagation of the reflected near-field laser beam through far-field atmospheric turbulence. The second deformable mirror is in a Fourier plane of the first deformable mirror. Other aspects are described and claimed.

Abstract: A method of obtaining information about a target by using an ellipsometric technique of illuminating the target with coherent light beams from moveable light sources and recording reflections from the target. By analyzing the reflections, the surface material refractive index or dielectric tensors may be classified to yield information about the surface material properties. The beams can be emitted at different polarities and/or different frequencies. Ultra-coherent lasers can be used to produce beams that illuminate targets up to 100 kilometers from the beam source.

Abstract: An apparatus carried by an unmanned vehicle to provide passive sensing and facilitate avoiding airborne aerial obstacles is provided. The apparatus can include at least one, but typically multiple optical systems installed, for example, in the nose of the aerial vehicle to passively sense and determine a range, direction, and velocity of the airborne obstacles to allow the aerial vehicle to avoid the airborne obstacles. The typical optical system includes at least one focal plane array or other imaging device configured to receive a wide field of view and at least one focal plane array or other imaging device configured to receive a steerable narrow field of view within the wide field of view to allow concentrated determination of the range, direction, and/or velocity of obstacles detected by the wide field of view imaging devices.

Abstract: The present inventions provides for a system and method to facilitate dynamic spatial positioning of a second vehicle in relation to a first vehicle autonomously. The system includes a first vehicle, a second vehicle, a light pattern located on the first vehicle, an imaging system, and a processor. The imaging system is located on the second vehicle and is operable to receive a signal from the light pattern while having a clear line of sight with the light pattern. Furthermore, the processor is in communication with the imaging system, such that the processor is operable to determine the spatial positioning between the first vehicle and the second vehicle. Additionally, the processor is further operable to communicate instructions to the second vehicle, such that the second vehicle can achieve the desired spatial positioning autonomously.

Abstract: A randomized elliptical grid disposed on a sensor window for electro-magnetic and/or radio-frequency shielding of sensors, and a method of applying same. Grids may be made of electrically conductive or resistive material and may include elliptical or circular shapes. The shapes are in physical contact with each-other and preferably do not contain straight lines to reduce detection artifacts caused by the coating. Grid element shape, size, orientation, and grid pattern density may be randomized or varied across a sensor window.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system and method that substantially eliminates or reduces disadvantages and problems associated with previously developed optical visual display systems and methods used for displaying critical visual symbology or rastered imagery in high ambient brightness environments.

Abstract: An apparatus measures optical deviations caused by an aircraft canopy. In this apparatus, a light source generates a beam of light. A collimator, optically coupled to the light source, then collimates the beam of light. An optical assembly patterns the collimated beam of light into a patterned array of subaperture beams, which is directed onto an imaging screen. The patterned collimated beam of light produces images, which are electronically imaged and recorded to memory. An undistorted image results when the aircraft canopy is not placed in a path of the patterned collimated beam of light. However, a distorted image results when the aircraft canopy is placed in a path of the patterned collimated beam of light and distorts the patterned collimated beam of light. A processing unit compares the distorted image to the undistorted image to determine the optical distortions caused by the aircraft canopy.