Abstract: The present invention relates to a deformable mirror, specifically a gimbaled deformable mirror for use with wavefront sensors, which mirror separates the tilt correction from the higher order modes (e.g. defocus, spherical, astigmatism, and coma at higher order aberrations, up to the limits of a particular mirror design) in order to use all of the available mirror deformation stroke for correcting the higher order modes. The separation is done by placing the deformable mirror in a gimbaled structure, so that the deformable mirror can be tilted in two independent, orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A tandem shaped charge warhead having a forward charge and a rear charge mounted in tandem along a charge axis. The forward charge has a shaped charge liner with an explosive surrounding it, along with a metallic confinement housing surrounding the explosive and liner, with a retaining ring at the front to secure the liner to the confinement housing. The confinement housing has a cavity between the explosive and its' exterior surface which houses a booster and detonator. The rear charge is a conventional shaped charge warhead with a conical liner. A delay timing means is provided for imparting an activation delay in the detonations of the charges from the forward to the rear charge. In one embodiment, a lightweight blast shield is placed between the forward and the rear charge. The tandem system is capable of time delays which exceed the state-of-the-art by more than factor of four.

Abstract: A fiber collimator is provided, comprising at least two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a collimating lens or a plano-plano pellet) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than the surface of the other optical component(s) (e.g., at least one optical fiber). The optical components are joined together by fusion-splicing, using a laser. A gradient in the index of refraction is provided in at least that portion of the surface of the optical element to which the optical fiber(s) is fusion-spliced or at the tip of the optical fiber. The gradient is either formed prior to or during the fusion-splicing. Back-reflection is minimized, pointing accuracy is improved, and power handling ability is increased.

Abstract: A fiber collimator is provided, comprising at least two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a collimating lens or a plano—plano pellet) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than the surface of the other optical component(s) (e.g., at least one optical fiber). The optical components are joined together by fusion-splicing, using a laser. A gradient in the index of refraction is provided in at least that portion of the surface of the optical element to which the optical fiber(s) is fusion-spliced or at the tip of the optical fiber. The gradient is either formed prior to or during the fusion-splicing. Back-reflection is minimized, pointing accuracy is improved, and power handling ability is increased.

Abstract: A fiber collimator is provided, comprising at least two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a collimating lens or a plano-plano pellet) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than the surface of the other optical component(s) (e.g., at least one optical fiber). The optical components are joined together by fusion-splicing, using a laser. A gradient in the index of refraction is provided in at least that portion of the surface of the optical element to which the optical fiber(s) is fusion-spliced or at the tip of the optical fiber. The gradient is either formed prior to or during the fusion-splicing. Back-reflection is minimized, pointing accuracy is improved, and power handling ability is increased.

Abstract: A fiber collimator is provided, comprising at least two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a collimating lens or a plano-plano pellet) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than the surface of the other optical component(s) (e.g., at least one optical fiber). The optical components are joined together by fusion-splicing, using a laser. A gradient in the index of refraction is provided in at least that portion of the surface of the optical element to which the optical fiber(s) is fusion-spliced or at the tip of the optical fiber. The gradient is either formed prior to or during the fusion-splicing. Back-reflection is minimized, pointing accuracy is improved, and power handling ability is increased.

Abstract: A fiber collimator is provided, comprising at least two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a collimating lens or a plano-plano pellet) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than the surface of the other optical component(s) (e.g., at least one optical fiber). The optical components are joined together by fusion-splicing, using a laser. A gradient in the index of refraction is provided in at least that portion of the surface of the optical element to which the optical fiber(s) is fusion-spliced or at the tip of the optical fiber. The gradient is either formed prior to or during the fusion-splicing. Back-reflection is minimized, pointing accuracy is improved, and power handling ability is increased.

Abstract: A method is provided for fusion-splicing with a laser beam two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a lens) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than a surface of the other optical component (e.g., an optical fiber).

Abstract: A method is provided for fusion-splicing with a laser beam two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a lens) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than a surface of the other optical component (e.g., an optical fiber).

Abstract: A method is provided for fusion-splicing with a laser beam at least two optical components to a different optical component, the different optical component (e.g., an optical element such as a lens) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than a surface of the other optical components (e.g., at least two optical fibers).

Abstract: A shaped charge explosive device for defeat of advanced armor is presented. In operation, a conically capped hemispherical liner is collapsed in reverse sequence. Detonation of the base of the hemisphere, done earlier in sequence, produces a thick massive jet for initial penetration as a deep crater, in the armor. The conical liner is collapsed afterward, producing a thin jet which reaches the armor deep into the crater earlier produced, at an increased distance than would be usual without a crater. The increased standoff is a further contribution in destructive improvement since adding travel distance to the target for a destructive jet, up to a point, will increase destruction of the target. Various detonation mechanisms, inhibitors, and judicious use of various high explosives and detonation arrangements, all provide the tools for formation of a desired particular two-jet sequence, to accomplish a desired destructive potential.

Abstract: A method is provided for fusion-splicing with a laser beam two optical components, one of the optical components (e.g., an optical element such as a lens) having a surface that has a comparatively larger cross-sectional area than a surface of the other optical component (e.g., an optical fiber).

Abstract: A novel warhead employing a unique shaped charge liner design is disclosed. particular construction of the liner is described whereby the fabrication process uses three radii of curvature to generate an arcuate design which is convex when viewed from the open end. This liner design is capable of producing two distinct jets; a front or precursor jet consisting of small diameter particles traveling faster than a secondary or main jet and consists of larger diameter particles.

Abstract: A shaped charge device having a cylindrical housing, an explosive charge with a cavity at one end, a fuze, booster, a multimaterial vertically layered liner having a hemispherical, semi-hemispherical, arcuate or conical shape with a number of segments of materials, each segment in contact with the explosive charge and the cavity, each segment oriented normal, parallel or oblique to the charge axis. The detonating of the explosive charge causes the liner to form a jet of a plurality of the segments. A method of manufacture is also disclosed wherein the liners made in the vertical manner avoid mixing or interaction between dissimilar materials undergoing the jetting action. Vertically layered liners provide excellent material flow and liner collapse diagnostics.

Abstract: A method of reducing the velocity gradient of a shaped charge liner is diosed. A particular construction for the liner is also disclosed which has the same effect. The velocity gradient and jet-tip velocity are both reduced by forming a plurality of relatively small diameter holes in the charge liner before the liner is assembled with the remaining components of an explosive device.

Abstract: A shaped-charge warhead increases the lethality of the liner material by roducing a lethal material into an appropriate region of a jet penetrator so that the lethal material is projected on the shot-line ahead of a normally large slow-moving slug, or rearward portions of the stretching jet penetrator, without hindering the actual penetration process of an outer vehicle armor. The improved shaped-charge liner eliminates the necessity of using naturally pyroforic material or poisonous liquids.