Abstract: A light wave rangefinder includes a light transmitting optical system for directing a laser pulse at a target, and a light receiving optical system for receiving reflected light from the target, including a Geiger-mode avalanche photodiode (APD) array and a non-imaging optical device. The non-imaging optical device is positioned between the received reflected light and the APD array, and is configured to uniformly distribute the received reflected light across the APD array. The APD array is uniformly illuminated by a single received reflected laser pulse, producing a plurality of Geiger-mode avalanche events.

Abstract: Non-normal plane wave electromagnetic scattering from active guiding structures, such as dielectric films, generates large resonances at discrete plane-wave angles of incidence relative to an interface with the active film. These resonances are generated from a "leaky" wave phase matching condition. Enhancement in the scattered field intensities on the order of 100 is achieved using finite diameter pump and probe laser beams and active films as thin as 6 microns. Solid state and dye lasers with unique characteristics are obtained. Oscillators, amplifiers, gyroscopic and nonlinear laser applications employing the active guiding structure or film provide enhanced performance.

Abstract: Non-normal plane wave electromagnetic scattering from active guiding structures, such as dielectric films, generates large resonances at discrete plane-wave angles of incidance relative to an interface with the active film. These resonances are generated from a "leaky" wave phase matching condition. Enhancement in the scattered field intensities on the order of 100 is achieved using finite diameter pump and probe laser beams and active films as thin as 6 microns. Solid state and dye lasers with unique characteristics are obtained. Oscillators, amplifiers, cyroscopic and nonlinear laser applications employing the active guiding structure or film provide enhanced performance.