Abstract: A first beam of light from a laser is split by a beam splitter into a reference beam and at least one second beam of light, the latter of which is directed from an optical head into an atmosphere. Light from the at least one second beam of light scattered by molecules or aerosols in the atmosphere is collected by a corresponding at least one telescope of the optical head as at least one light signal. The at least one light signal and the reference beam are simultaneously processed by different portions of a Fabry-Pérot interferometer, and resulting fringe patterns are imaged onto a detector and processed by a data processor to determine at least one associated air data product.

Abstract: An improved, temperature-compensated piezoelectric force motor features greater dynamic range and robustness as compared to previous motor designs. By implementing positive and negative expanding elements, the overall motor length is held constant over temperature. A central stretching member removes the PZT element from the load path of the motor when the motor is relaxed, thereby preventing damage to the element during assembly and deployment. When the piezoelectric element is powered, the central structural member also improves the failure strength of the assembly to further increase the robustness of the motor design. The invention finds applicability in various commercial products including, but not limited to, scientific etalons, nanopositioning systems, custom fiber optic assemblies, and custom CCD detectors.

Abstract: A compact optical instrument called Molecular Optical Air Data System (MOADS) can directly measure wind speed and direction, density, and temperature of a body of air. From these measurements, a complete set of air data products can be determined. In contrast to pitot tubes, however, MOADS can operate at high angles of attack. In the proper configuration, MOADS can continue to measure air data products at angles of attack of 90 degrees. The MOADS instrument is a flush-mount design which lends itself to low observability since there are no aircraft protrusions to generate a radar cross section. MOADS is also airframe independent, and is much less costly to calibrate, recalibrate or service due to this lack of dependence. The system uses a Fabry-Pérot interferometer to detect the (incoherent) Doppler shift from laser light backscattered by air molecules and aerosols (Rayleigh and Mie scattering).

Abstract: An improved, temperature-compensated piezoelectric force motor features greater dynamic range and robustness as compared to previous motor designs. By implementing positive and negative expanding elements, the overall motor length is held constant over temperature. A central stretching member removes the PZT element from the load path of the motor when the motor is relaxed, thereby preventing damage to the element during assembly and deployment. When the piezoelectric element is powered, the central structural member also improves the failure strength of the assembly to further increase the robustness of the motor design. The invention finds applicability in various commercial products including, but not limited to, scientific etalons, nanopositioning systems, custom fiber optic assemblies, and custom CCD detectors.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are employed to enhance the efficiency and applicability of Fabry-Perot interferometers. In existing devices, light introduced at a first off-axis point on the image plane is partially transmitted through the interferometer to the detector and partially reflected to a second off-axis point on the image plane. Broadly, the invention re-uses the light reflected to the second off-axis point rather than discarding it. As one example, the reflected light is guided to a third off-axis point on the image plane for retransmission back through the interferometer to a different point on the detector. A plurality of optical fibers are employed, each having one end to receive light at an off-axis point of the image plane, and another end to re-direct the light back through the etalon from a different off-axis point of the image plane. Alternatively, the reflected light is guided to a second detector, which may, in fact, form a portion of a second interferometer.

Abstract: An optical system employs an internally conical reflector for converting circular fringe information, such as that which is produced by a Fabry-Perot Interferometer, into linear information whereby the reflected light can be received by conventional linear array detectors, such as charge coupled device which are used in spectroscopic analysis. The azimuthal angle of the detected circular fringe pattern is reduced with the use of a tele-kaleidoscope having a predetermined arrangement of mirrors. Electromagnetic energy which is issued from the interferometer is propagated substantially along the conical axis of the cone of which the reflector forms a segment, and is reflected and focused substantially onto a line in the vicinity of the conical axis, where the linear detector is situated. In a preferred embodiment, the apex of the cone is situated where the conical axis intersects the focal plane of the circular fringe pattern.