Abstract: A protection apparatus adapted to protect a moving platform against an incoming threat is provided. The protection apparatus is deployed from the moving platform in a first direction toward the threat, with the threat moving in a second direction toward the moving platform at a threat velocity. The protection apparatus comprises a projectile housing. A first deployable device is operably engaged with the projectile housing, and is adapted to capture the threat upon deployment such that the protection apparatus mass is combined with the threat mass via the first deployable device. A second deployable device is operably engaged with the projectile housing, and is configured to be deployed upon the first deployable device capturing the threat. The second deployable device is further configured to decrease the velocity of the combined protection apparatus and threat masses in the second direction. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for extending the range of effective communication of high speed digital video data between remote devices, such as a microprocessor and a flat panel display, having associated connectors. A fiber optic cable comprising a single optical fiber provides a shared optical path for signal transmission between the connectors. Electrooptic converters are provided for converting the electrical signals sent and received by each of the connectors to optical form for transmission over the single-fiber cable.

Abstract: Apparatus for extending the range of effective communication of high speed digital video data between remote devices, such as a microprocessor and a flat panel display, having associated DVI standard connectors. A fiber optic cable comprising a plurality of fibers provides optical paths for signal transmission between the DVI connectors. Electrooptic converters are provided for converting the electrical signals sent and received by each of the connectors to optical form for transmission over the optical fiber cable.

Abstract: An optical switch for selectively coupling the free end of an input fiber to the free ends of one of two output fibers includes a fiber stabilizing guide. Each of the output fibers is adhesively fixed within a v-groove of an output alignment block. The output alignment blocks are held in stacked relationship within a housing with their v-grooves upturned. An input alignment block having an inverted v-groove within its bottom surface is provided for guiding the input optical fiber, upon switching, toward engagement with the output fiber fixed to the upper output alignment block. A generally-planar fiber guide is fixed transverse to the arm of a two-position switch. The guide includes an internal rectangular aperture for receiving the input fiber whose width and height each exceed the diameter of the fiber.

Abstract: An optical interleaver. The interleaver is based upon the Mach Zender interferometer. At least one of the optical paths joining opposed couplers of the arrangement includes an optical image transfer element intermediate the ends of fibers associated with the couplers. In one embodiment, the optical image transfer element is a single imaging lens whereas, in another embodiment, the element consists of an aligned pair of collimating lenses. During fabrication, optical positioning stages support the optical image transfer element and fiber ends to permit ready adjustment of &Dgr;&THgr;, the optical path length difference between the arms of the interleaver, to assure predetermined optical channel spacing of an input DWDM signal.

Abstract: A method for forming an all-fiber, low-loss interleaver to obtain a predetermined optical channel spacing. The interleaver features at least one arm formed with and continuous between couplers of a Mach Zender type arrangement. The interleaver is formed by first analytically determining &Dgr;&thgr;, the difference in optical lengths between the two optical paths between the couplers. The difference is then fine-tuned by the application of heat and tension to a jacket-stripped segment of the continuous fiber arm as a DWDM signal is observed at the output of the interleaver.

Abstract: An optical interleaver. The interleaver is based upon the Mach Zender interferometer. At least one of the optical paths joining opposed couplers of the arrangement includes an optical image transfer element intermediate the ends of fibers associated with the couplers. In one embodiment, the optical image transfer element is a single imaging lens whereas, in another embodiment, the element consists of an aligned pair of collimating lenses. During fabrication, optical positioning stages support the optical image transfer element and fiber ends to permit ready adjustment of &Dgr;&THgr;, the optical path length difference between the arms of the interleaver, to assure predetermined optical channel spacing of an input DWDM signal.