Abstract: A system and apparatus for navigating and tracking a robotic platform includes a non-contact velocity sensor module set positioned on the robotic platform for measuring a velocity of the robotic platform relative to a target surface. The non-contact velocity sensor module set may include a coherent light source that is emitted towards the target surface and reflected back to the coherent light source. Measuring the change in intensity of the reflected coherent light source may be used to determine the velocity of the robotic platform based on the its relationship with the principles of a Doppler frequency shift. A communication unit may also be utilized to transmit data collected from the non-contact velocity sensor set to a computer for data processing. A computer is then provided on the robotic platform to process data collected from the non-contact velocity sensor set.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed lithium ion rechargeable battery include an anode, a cathode, and a separator including an electrolyte to prevent physical contact between the anode and the cathode, while also providing medium for transporting the lithium ions. In some embodiments, the anode may include a microporous scaffold structure that includes a silicon crystal covered in a thin polycrystalline silicon cover. Additionally, the various embodiments described herein further describe increasing the surface area of the microporous scaffold structure so as to provide a more efficient charge flow between the anode and the cathode. In some embodiment, the two or more microporous scaffold structures are stacked on top of one another so that there is an increase in contact area and reduced contact resistance, thus further increasing the charge capacity of the disclosed lithium ion rechargeable battery.

Abstract: A photodetector assembly for ultraviolet and far-ultraviolet detection includes an anode, a microchannel plate with an array of multichannel walls, and a photocathode layer disposed on the microchannel plate. Additionally, the photocathode may include nanowires deposited on a top surface of the array of multichannel walls.

Abstract: A photodetector assembly for ultraviolet and far-ultraviolet detection includes an anode, a microchannel plate with an array of multichannel walls, and a photocathode layer disposed on the microchannel plate. Additionally, the photocathode may include nanowires deposited on a top surface of the array of multichannel walls.

Abstract: Profilometers for industrial metrology and other applications are described. A line is projected on a surface to be profiled. The line is scanned to build a three dimensional point cloud allowing the three-dimensional (3D) profile of the surface to be determined. In some embodiments, the line is projected by a laser system. In other embodiments, the line is projected by a digital micromirror device (DMD). In still further embodiments, multiple lines, or other patterns are projected.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for x-ray imaging. In some embodiments, an aperture, or a plurality thereof, are configured to have image transfer functions lacking a zero within a usable spatial frequency range. In further embodiments, the image transfer function is determined according to the shape of the aperture and the usable spatial frequency range is determined according to a usable signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: An optical impact system controls munitions termination through sensing proximity to a target and preventing effects of countermeasures on false munitions termination. Embodiments can be implemented on in a variety of munitions such as small and mid caliber that can be applicable in non-lethal weapons and in weapons of high lethality with airburst capability for example and in guided air-to-ground and cruise missiles. Embodiments can improve accuracy, reliability and lethality of munitions depending on its designation without modification in a weapon itself and make the weapon resistant to optical countermeasures.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for x-ray imaging. In some embodiments, an aperture, or a plurality thereof, are configured to have image transfer functions lacking a zero within a usable spatial frequency range. In further embodiments, the image transfer function is determined according to the shape of the aperture and the usable spatial frequency range is deter mined according to a usable signal to noise ratio.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing soil shear strength from a vehicle, comprises a plurality of sensors mounted on a vehicle and configured to measure distances from the sensors to the soil surface. The sensors comprise a first sensor disposed on the vehicle and configured to measure a first distance between the first sensor and the soil and a second sensor disposed on the vehicle and configure to measure a second distance between a the sensor and a track made in the soil by the vehicle, wherein the first sensor measures the distance at a location before the vehicle wheel travels over that location and the second sensor measures the distance to the bottom of the track made by the wheel. A processing module is communicatively coupled to the sensors and is configured to calculate track depth as a function of the first and second distance measurements; and to derive soil shear strength as a function of the calculated track depth and the vehicle parameters.

Abstract: A system and method for characterizing soil shear strength from a vehicle, comprises a plurality of sensors mounted on a vehicle and configured to measure distances from the sensors to the soil surface. The sensors comprise a first sensor disposed on the vehicle and configured to measure a first distance between the first sensor and the soil and a second sensor disposed on the vehicle and configure to measure a second distance between a the sensor and a track made in the soil by the vehicle, wherein the first sensor measures the distance at a location before the vehicle wheel travels over that location and the second sensor measures the distance to the bottom of the track made by the wheel. A processing module is communicatively coupled to the sensors and is configured to calculate track depth as a function of the first and second distance measurements; and to derive soil shear strength as a function of the calculated track depth and the vehicle parameters.