Abstract: A process for making a ribbed light weight composite mirror unit. Preferred embodiments are silicon carbide composite structures. Preferred structures comprise a front smooth silicon carbide surface supported by a silicon carbide ribbed back support. The ribbed back support may be produce by milling out portions of SiC block or by the joining of multiple simple shapes to form the ribbed support. At least the smooth front SiC surface is produced using a chemical vapor composite process as described in the Background Section. These include very large mirrors that resist gravitational sagging and smaller scanning and stepping mirrors that can be pointed quickly and accurately with minimal hysteresis. Preferred milling techniques include precision water jet milling. Special bonding techniques are described to produce ribbed support from multiple parts.

Abstract: A beam delivery unit and method of delivering a laser beam from a laser light source for excimer or molecular fluorine gas discharge laser systems in the DUV and smaller wavelengths is disclosed, which may comprise: a beam delivery enclosure defining an output laser light pulse beam delivery path from an output of a gas discharge laser to an input of a working apparatus employing the light contained in the output laser light pulse beam; a purge mechanism operatively connected to the beam delivery enclosure; an in-situ beam parameter monitor and adjustment mechanism within the enclosure, comprising a retractable beam redirecting optic; a beam analysis mechanism external to the enclosure; and, a retraction mechanism within the enclosure and operable from outside the enclosure and operative to move the retractable beam redirecting optic from a retracted position out of the beam path to an operative position in the beam path.

Abstract: Water jet milled ribbed silicon carbide mirrors and a method of making the mirrors. In a preferred embodiment the component is a light weight silicon carbide mirror fabricated with water jet milling from a solid silicon carbide work piece. A prior art water jet cutting process has typically cuts edges, slots, and holes is utilized in a controlled-depth application where the jet does not pass all the way through the silicon carbide work piece. In preferred embodiments the silicon carbide material is a product of a chemical vapor composite process such as that described in U.S. Pat. Nos.

Abstract: A laser produced plasma (“LPP”) extreme ultraviolet (“EUV”) light source and method of operating same is disclosed which may comprise an EUV plasma production chamber having a chamber wall; a drive laser entrance window in the chamber wall; a drive laser entrance enclosure intermediate the entrance window and a plasma initiation site within the chamber and comprising an entrance enclosure distal end opening; at least one aperture plate intermediate the distal opening and the entrance window comprising at least one drive laser passage aperture. The at least one aperture plate may comprise at least two aperture plates comprising a first aperture plate and a second aperture plate defining an aperture plate interim space. The at least one drive laser aperture passage may comprise at least two drive laser aperture passages.

Abstract: A projectile tracking system for acquiring and precisely tracking a projectile in flight in order to reveal the source from which the projectile was fired. The source is revealed by the back projection of a 3-dimensional track file. In preferred embodiments the system is installed on a vehicle, such as an un-manned blimp or other aircraft, road vehicle or ship, for locating and destroying small arms fire directed at the vehicle. A kill system may also be included on the vehicle to destroy the source of the projectile.

Abstract: An aboveground fueling facility includes one or more vertical fuel supply tanks, each of which is positioned on a reinforced mounting pad on a fueling island that also includes one or more fuel dispensers. Fuel is supplied from the vertical fuel supply tanks to the dispensers via piping that is secondarily contained within the reinforced mounting pad. Each of the vertical fuel supply tanks may have more than one compartment so as to permit different grades of fuel to be dispensed by the dispensers, including mixtures. Fueling lanes are defined between the vertical fuel supply tanks for permitting vehicular access to the fuel dispensers. A canopy for sheltering the fueling lanes is structurally supported by the vertical fuel supply tanks, and informational signage is provided on the canopy for providing information such as fuel pricing to the consumer.

Abstract: An interface for coupling an eye to a surgical laser is disclosed. A lens cone includes a base ring opposite an apex ring. The base ring defines a first plane and is adapted to couple to the delivery tip of the laser such that the first plane has a predetermined position relative to the delivery tip. An applanation lens is affixed to the apex ring and has a surface disposed in a second plane such that the second plane is parallel to and has a predetermined position relative to the first plane. A gripper is engagable with the lens cone. An attachment ring is affixed to the gripper and is adapted to couple to the anterior surface of the eye. When the lens cone and gripper are engaged, the applanation lens contacts the anterior surface of the eye, placing the anterior surface in spatial registration with the delivery tip.