Abstract: An apparatus includes a lighter than air platform, a reversible propulsive/wind turbine, a deployable anchor to constrain movement of the lighter than air platform with respect to an anchor point allowing wind to drive the turbine, and a generator/motor coupled to the turbine to produce electrical power when movement of the lighter than air platform is constrained. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a lighter than air platform, a reversible propulsive/wind turbine, a deployable anchor to constrain movement of the lighter than air platform with respect to an anchor point allowing wind to drive the turbine, and a generator/motor coupled to the turbine to produce electrical power when movement of the lighter than air platform is constrained. A method performed by the apparatus is also provided.

Abstract: Spin-polarized xenon gas is provided in medical-grade purity for use as a contrast medium in MRI studies by use of collision-induced transfer of spin energy to the xenon gas from laser-pumped spin-polarized Rb gas. The Rb gas is provided by thermally vaporizing solid Rb at low pressure in a container having an inside surface coated with a siliconizing agent and exposed to the Rb gas. The combined xenon and Rb gases are separated after transfer of the spin energy in order to provide a sufficient purity of the xenon gas by use of a cryogenic separation process. The Rb gas is removed from the xenon gas and is returned cryogenically to a solid stated to an acceptable level of purity for the xenon gas. The gas may be analyzed optically to measure the remaining Rb concentration.

Abstract: An interferometer comprising a base forming an interior, and first and second optical members located in the interior of the base. The interferometer further comprises a first retainer assembly connecting the first optical member to the base, translation means for moving the second optical member relative the first optical member to vary the distance between the first and second optical members, and a second retainer assembly connecting the second optical member to the translation means. The preferred mechanical configuration and design features of the interferometer produce a very durable instrument that can rapidly scan and accurately filter light across a wide bandwidth. This uniquely designed instrument combines high speed switching, high resolution, wide bandwidth, and adjustable damping capabilities in a durable flight capable instrument.

Abstract: A short path scanning interferometer comprising a base forming an interior, and first and second optical members located in the interior of the base. The interferometer further comprises a first retainer assembly connecting the first optical member to the base, translation means for moving the second optical member relative the first optical member to vary the distance between the first and second optical members, and a second retainer assembly connecting the second optical member to the translation means. The preferred mechanical configuration and design features of the interferometer produce a very durable instrument that can rapidly scan and accurately filter light across a wide bandwidth including short path scanning at low orders. This uniquely designed instrument combines high speed switching, high resolution, wide bandwidth, and adjustable damping capabilities in a durable flight capable instrument.

Abstract: A variable spectral resolution agile filter has instantly adjustable spectral resolution with no required mechanical motion and a quickly adjustable center wavelength. Adjustment of the center wavelength is accomplished by reliable piezoelectric actuators. Adjustment of the spectral resolution is achieved by changing the finesse of the system, the finesse being governed by the reflectivity of the faces. By making one of the faces exhibit electrically variable reflectivity, the finesse of the system is instantly changeable, and thus the spectral resolution is also instantly changeable.

Abstract: The light from a telescope impinges upon a tilted image plane. The plane primarily includes a mirror having a high spatial resolution focal plane imbedded therein. The mirror reflects image light rays to a lower spatial resolution focal plane. The detectors from the high spatial resolution focal plane and lower spatial resolution focal plane are connected to a computer which is capable of generating a display of the lower spatial resolution focal plane showing a general background scene as well as a superimposed display of the small high spatial resolution focal plane showing an enhanced image of a desired small area. The result is the minimization of the number of detectors that must be employed to obtain a satisfactory high spatial resolution area of interest with attendant minimization of computer processing time.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the retroreflectance properties of surfaces to angles including an angle of zero degrees of the incident beam. The instrument comprises a source of collimated radiation, a beam splitter such as a cube biprism, a beam chopper, a radiation sensor system operated in a coherent detection mode with the chopper, and indicating and/or recording means. A beam of radiation aimed at a normal incidence at the surface of the test specimen is passed through the biprism which has its 45.degree. diagonal semi-reflecting surface interposed in the beam. The undesirable part of the beam is reflected off the diagonal surface to and through one of the sides of the biprism and the reflection back therefrom passes through the diagonal surface and then travels to the radiation sensor. The desirable part of the beam from the radiation source goes directly through the diagonal surface and passes to the surface of the specimen.