Abstract: An improved hologram writer writes a halogram from a three dimensional data stream or signal such as a signal corresponding to a scene, a picture, drawing or the like. A reference beam and an object or information beam are directed to a holographic recording member, and the information beam is focused through a point near the holographic recording member. A diverger means such as a diffuser, a lens array, a holographic element or the like adapted to form an expanding beam from a point image or spot receives a focused modulated information beam and directs it to the holographic recording member as a divergent beam. The beam may be sent directly to the recording member or it may be optically or otherwise relayed to the member. The point source may be in front of, behind or within the holographic recording member.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for studying motion of an object or element, to determine not only quantities of motion but also direction of motion. A laser beam or the like is circularly polarized and directed to two or more retroreflectors and then to a detector. Beams of different frequencies are established and determination of relative direction of motion of the retroreflectors is made from the increase or decrease of frequency of beats of one beam against the other. In one embodiment, left and right circularly polarized light is reflected, and one of the beams is frequency-shifted. The light, being circularly polarized, is insensitive to rotational orientation of the test object, while maintaining directional and motion information.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for measuring and monitoring vibrational or similar motion in mechanical elements. Retroreflectors on the elements are illuminated with monochromatic light, preferably a laser, and the reflected beams form an interference pattern. Shifts in the interference fringes correspond to motion which changes the relative length of the paths of reflected light and these shifts are counted or analyzed to monitor such motion. Both micro and macro motion can be monitored.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for detecting, locating and monitoring floating objects and other subject matter at sea on another body of water or in other location of difficult access. A floating unit contains several retroreflecting elements and is placed at a location where detection is desired. For example, rescue or monitoring can be facilitated by detecting the floating unit from the air. Detection may include air borne signal apparatus such as a scanning laser beam or ordinary light source and air borne detection apparatus for detecting and analyzing a reflected signal.

Abstract: A continuous working chemical laser is disclosed. A primary gas such as hydrogen or deuterium is mixed with an activator for a secondary gas, and desirably with a buffer such as a noble gas. The primary gas mixture and a secondary gas such as fluorine are mixed at low temperature and subsequently a laser emitting chemical reaction is triggered. In one embodiment the gases are mixed in supersonic flow and the reaction is triggered by a shock wave. In another embodiment the reaction is triggered by external stimulation such as ultraviolet radiation or electric discharge or the like.