Abstract: Lidar systems and methods are presented herein. In one embodiment, a lidar system includes a laser operable to propagate ultrashort laser pulses to a target during a plurality of scanning periods. The lidar system also includes a streak tube imaging system operable to collect returns of the ultrashort laser pulses from the target during each scanning period, and to generate a two-dimensional image of the returns during each scanning period. The lidar system also includes a processor operable to generate a representation of the target based on the 2D images from the streak tube imaging system.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein provide for Laser Detection and Ranging (Lidar). In one embodiment, a Lidar system includes a laser operable to propagate continuous wave (CW) laser light and a scanner operable as a transmitter and a receiver for the CW laser light. The Lidar system also includes a detector for determining a range to a target based on displacement of the CW laser light received by the receiver. The displacement of the CW laser light is proportional to an angular velocity of the scanner.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein provide for Laser Detection and Ranging (Lidar). In one embodiment, a Lidar system includes a laser operable to propagate continuous wave (CW) laser light and a scanner operable as a transmitter and a receiver for the CW laser light. The Lidar system also includes a detector for determining a range to a target based on displacement of the CW laser light received by the receiver. The displacement of the CW laser light is proportional to an angular velocity of the scanner.

Abstract: Lidar systems and methods are presented herein. In one embodiment, a lidar system includes a laser operable to propagate ultrashort laser pulses to a target during a plurality of scanning periods. The lidar system also includes a streak tube imaging system operable to collect returns of the ultrashort laser pulses from the target during each scanning period, and to generate a two-dimensional image of the returns during each scanning period. The lidar system also includes a processor operable to generate a representation of the target based on the 2D images from the streak tube imaging system.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein provide for Laser Detection and Ranging (Lidar). In one embodiment, a Lidar system includes a laser operable to propagate continuous wave (CW) laser light and a scanner operable as a transmitter and a receiver for the CW laser light. The Lidar system also includes a detector for determining a range to a target based on displacement of the CW laser light received by the receiver. The displacement of the CW laser light is proportional to an angular velocity of the scanner.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an imaging system includes a laser operable to diverge laser light to a surface. An imaging element is configured in a bistatic arrangement with respect to the laser and is operable to image laser light returns from the surface. A detector is in optical communication with the imaging element to generate one or more digital images of the laser light returns. And, a processor generates mapping data of the surface from the one or more digital images.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for switching the generation of light emissions using charge separation in a gain medium to manipulate carrier lifetimes. For a given output pulse energy, extended carrier lifetimes may allow carrier generation powers to be reduced and/or carrier generation times to be extended. L-switching of light output from a gain medium may be combined with other switching schemes utilizing different approaches to control lasing, such as Q-switching.

Abstract: Systems and methods herein provide for Laser Detection and Ranging (Lidar). In one embodiment, a Lidar system includes a laser operable to propagate continuous wave (CW) laser light and a scanner operable as a transmitter and a receiver for the CW laser light. The Lidar system also includes a detector for determining a range to a target based on displacement of the CW laser light received by the receiver. The displacement of the CW laser light is proportional to an angular velocity of the scanner.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems and methods for scanning an optical sensor on a platform required to operate within a medium having a different pressure than the internal pressure of the sensor, including both underwater and high-altitude applications. For the case of underwater platforms, portions of the vehicle may be pulled or driven by propulsive forces through the water, whereas other portions of the vehicle may carry the platform for optical scanning, attached and rotationally controlled with respect to the driven portion of the vehicle. The platform may be rotated with respect to the portion that is pulled or driven through the water or other fluid. In some embodiments, that driven portion remains rotationally fixed with respect to the water. Other embodiments of vehicles in different environments may interface with different fluids or gasses and may be driven through the fluids or gases in similar manners.

Abstract: An electrode is provided that is adapted to both pierce a barrier and providing an over-air discharge of electrical energy. In this regard, an over air discharge of electrical energy may be provided to an opposing side of a barrier. In one arrangement, the electrode includes a tapered point, which may be a hardened material, to facilitate piercing a barrier. In a further arrangement, the electrode incorporates an insulative shaft. In this arrangement, the insulative shaft electrically isolates a conductor of the electrode from a conductive barrier. Accordingly, the electrode may be utilized to pierce metallic enclosures and provide an electrical discharge for the purpose of altering the operation of electronic device within such enclosures.

Abstract: An electrode is provided that is adapted to both pierce a barrier and providing an over-air discharge of electrical energy. In this regard, an over air discharge of electrical energy may be provided to an opposing side of a barrier. In one arrangement, the electrode includes a tapered point, which may be a hardened material, to facilitate piercing a barrier. In a further arrangement, the electrode incorporates an insulative shaft. In this arrangement, the insulative shaft electrically isolates a conductor of the electrode from a conductive barrier. Accordingly, the electrode may be utilized to pierce metallic enclosures and provide an electrical discharge for the purpose of altering the operation of electronic device within such enclosures.