Abstract: An all fiber optic laser based scanning system for real time terrain mapping under degraded visual conditions is disclosed. A laser output is modulated to achieve a desired pulse width and pulse repetition frequency (PRF) and the modulated signal is amplified. The amplified optical signals are split into N channels that correspond to N elements of an optically phased array that steers light by modulating the phase of light entering and exiting the optical system. By applying a linear phase shift across the beam's wave front, the light propagating along the system's optical axis is steered to an off-axis angle. A real time map of an underlying terrain is accomplished by sweeping the N channel array across the terrain while collecting range information from each scan grid.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring parameters such as the material properties or structural integrity of a wind turbine blade on a wind turbine. An example method comprises detecting light reflected from a wind turbine blade, generating a value based on the detecting, comparing the value to a threshold value and determining a parameter of the wind turbine blade based on the comparing. A further embodiment comprises determining a wind velocity by detecting reflected light from a target area in front of the wind turbine blade. An example system comprises a detector configured to detect light reflecting from a turbine blade and to produce a value representative of the detected light. The system also comprises a comparator configured to compare the value to a threshold value and to determine a parameter of the turbine blade.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using laser Doppler velocimeters to determine and use wind velocities at the locations of impending and occurring events such as sports events are presented. Laser Doppler velocimeters are used to determine wind velocities where an event is occurring or an impending event is about to occur. The determined wind velocities are used to generate and display a representation of the impending or occurring event that accounts for the effect of the determined wind velocities on the impending or occurring event.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to increase efficiency of turbines in wind farms. A sensor is configured to detect direction and speed of an inflow of wind. A controller is configured to generate a control signal based the detected direction and speed of the inflow of wind. A pitch adjustment device configured to adjust pitch of a blade of the turbine based on the control signal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to increase efficiency of turbines in wind farms. A sensor is configured to generate a wind map of an inflow of wind. A controller is configured to generate a control signal based the wind map. A pitch adjustment device configured to adjust pitch of a blade of the turbine based on the control signal.

Abstract: A system and method are provided to increase efficiency of turbines in wind farms. A sensor is configured to generate a wind map of an inflow of wind. A controller is configured to generate a control signal based the wind map. A pitch adjustment device configured to adjust pitch of a blade of the turbine based on the control signal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using laser Doppler velocimeters to determine and use wind velocities at the locations of impending and occurring events such as sports events are presented. Laser Doppler velocimeters are used to determine wind velocities where an event is occurring or an impending event is about to occur. The determined wind velocities are used to generate and display a representation of the impending or occurring event that accounts for the effect of the determined wind velocities on the impending or occurring event.

Abstract: A wind turbine power management system and method includes one or more wind turbines at a wind farm and one or more laser sources used to measure wind conditions remote from the wind farm. The laser sources may be collocated with the wind turbines, and are able to measure wind conditions at various predetermined ranges from the wind turbines. The laser sources measure wind conditions at locations that provide 10 to 20 seconds of advance notice, and also at locations that provide 50 to 100 seconds of advance notice. Wind condition at locations that provide 500 or more seconds of advance notice are also measured using remote laser sources.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting high-density wind velocity data for the inflow area of a wind turbine are presented. Wind turbines are provided with one or more wind velocity sensors that provide a plurality of wind velocity measurements to the turbine from various ranges and locations across the inflow. Sensors are proximate to the wind turbine. Sensors mounted on the turbine's nacelle work collaboratively to provide the wind velocity measurements. Sensors mounted on the turbine's hub spin with the turbine blades. Spatial and temporal wind mapping provides improved fidelity of data to the wind turbine control system.

Abstract: A system and method uses light signals to detect and display the position of an airborne vehicle, such as a helicopter, during takeoff or landing or low speed, low altitude operation. A transmitter on the vehicle emits light signals while an optical receiver retrieves reflected light signals. Using light detection and ranging techniques, various parameters, such as altitude, ground speed and relative wind, are calculated based on the Doppler shift within the reflected light signals. The signals are transmitted in three different directions to facilitate the measurements of different Doppler shifts. The parameters are also displayed on a screen or other visual device within the vehicle.

Abstract: A system and method uses light signals to detect and display the position of an airborne vehicle, such as a helicopter, during takeoff or landing or low speed, low altitude operation. A transmitter on the vehicle emits light signals while an optical receiver retrieves reflected light signals. Using light detection and ranging techniques, various parameters, such as altitude, ground speed and relative wind, are calculated based on the Doppler shift within the reflected light signals. The signals are transmitted in three different directions to facilitate the measurements of different Doppler shifts. The parameters are also displayed on a screen or other visual device within the vehicle.

Abstract: An optical system or assembly is formed of a plurality of optical sources (10, 12, 14) and components of different laser-based equipment systems. The sources and/or components may be combined and/or eliminated to reduce complexity, cost and/or overall weight of the system by consolidating multiple laser sources into a reduced number of sources, and by multiplexing (19) different wavelength signals over common carriers. A laser engagement system (12, 14) and an infrared aim light (10) (or infrared illuminator) are powered by a single laser source which is adopted for use with conventional equipment by lengthening the duration of the coded pulses emitted by the transmitter. The transmitter may be triggered in response to the heat and/or pressure generated by the blank upon firing. A visible bore light may be eliminated by connecting infrared and/or visible aim light (10) directly to a rifle barrel.

Abstract: A laser Doppler velocimeter is formed using erbium-doped fiber as the lasing medium. The fiber is diode-pumped. By properly modulating the lasing in the fiber, pulses of radiation may be generated. A telescope acts as the transmission device to focus the radiation at a specified point, and may also act as the receiving system for reflected radiation. The portion of the reflected radiation collected by the receiving system is analyzed to determine the Doppler shift caused by aerosols or objects at the focal point of the telescope.

Abstract: A laser Doppler velocimeter is formed using erbium-doped fiber as the lasing medium. The fiber is diode-pumped. By properly modulating the lasing in the fiber, pulses of radiation may be generated. A telescope acts as the transmission device to focus the radiation at a specified point, and may also act as the receiving system for reflected radiation. The portion of the reflected radiation collected by the receiving system is analyzed to determine the Doppler shift caused by aerosols or objects at the focal point of the telescope.

Abstract: A laser Doppler velocimeter is formed using erbium-doped fiber as the lasing medium. The fiber is diode-pumped. By properly modulating the lasing in the fiber, pulses of radiation may be generated. A telescope acts as the transmission device to focus the radiation at a specified point, and may also act as the receiving system for reflected radiation. The portion of the reflected radiation collected by the receiving system is analyzed to determine the Doppler shift caused by aerosols or objects at the focal point of the telescope.

Abstract: The disclosed invention concept utilizes a homodyne/heterodyne interferometer technique in a modified lidar in such a manner as to sense the rotational velocity magnitude and sense of a rotating (or “spinning”) object. Sensing is accomplished in assessing either the Doppler bandwidth of a single axis system. or in sensing the frequency separation of Doppler spectrums in a “two” axis system. The technique is unique in that the Doppler bandwidth is linearly proportional to rotational velocity and independent of intercept position in the rotation plane. The technique as disclosed is based on optical fiber lidar techniques, but can be implemented in free-space optics as well. The disclosed invention therefore comprises both a technique for utilization of an optical fiber lidar and a new arrangement of lidar elements. Compact and cost effective, standoff rotation velocity sensors and systems can be fabricated with this technique.

Abstract: An optical fiber has a small diameter core for transmitting one or more wavelength multiplexed first light signals in a first direction, and an inner cladding for transmitting a second light signal in the opposite direction. A lower-index outer cladding or buffer is used to confine the second signal in the first cladding. The diameter of the core may be less than about ten microns. A notch, prism or other suitable device extends into the first cladding and is used to reflect the second signal into an input/output fiber. The reflective device may also be used to input additional light energy into the first optical fiber, to thereby augment an outgoing beam. The optical fiber system may be used in combination with a multi-function signal generating system mounted on an aimable device. A lens device may be used to collimate the outgoing beam and to converge a reflected return beam onto the end of the first fiber.

Abstract: An optical system is formed of a plurality of optical sources and components of different laser-based equipment systems. The sources and/or components may be combined and/or eliminated to reduce complexity, cost and/or overall weight of the system by consolidating multiple laser sources into a reduced number of sources, and by multiplexing different wavelength signals over common carriers. A laser engagement system and an infrared aim light (or infrared illuminator) are powered by a single laser source which is adopted for use with conventional equipment by lengthening the duration of the coded pulses emitted by the transmitter. The transmitter may be triggered in response to the heat and/or pressure generated by the blank upon firing. A visible bore light may be eliminated by connecting infrared and/or visible aim light directly to a rifle barrel.

Abstract: A laser Doppler velocimeter is formed using erbium-doped fiber as the lasing medium. The fiber is diode-pumped. By properly modulating the lasing in the fiber, pulses of radiation may be generated. A telescope acts as the transmission device to focus the radiation at a specified point, and may also act as the receiving system for reflected radiation. The portion of the reflected radiation collected by the receiving system is analyzed to determine the Doppler shift caused by aerosols or objects at the focal point of the telescope.

Abstract: An optical system or assembly is formed of a plurality of optical sources (10, 12, 14) and components of different laser-based equipment systems. The sources and/or components may be combined and/or eliminated to reduce complexity, cost and/or overall weight of the system by consolidating multiple laser sources into a reduced number of sources, and by multiplexing (19) different wavelength signals over common carriers. A laser engagement system (12, 14) and an infrared aim light (10) (or infrared illuminator) are powered by a single laser source which is adopted for use with conventional equipment by lengthening the duration of the coded pulses emitted by the transmitter. The transmitter may be triggered in response to the heat and/or pressure generated by the blank upon firing. A visible bore light may be eliminated by connecting infrared and/or visible aim light (10) directly to a rifle barrel.