Abstract: A non-contact gaging method and apparatus using a directional light beam develops a silhouette image on a CCD camera detector array; the image spanning opposite edges of an object to be gauged. The three dimensional object is imaged on the two dimensional camera array and, by means of computer analysis of pixels output from the camera, precise measurements to MIL Standards of physical dimensions are made at high rates for high volume production.Errors inherent in Prior Art devices are eliminated by only using a point source of light and eliminating the need for any additional optics. The system overcomes dimensional error by continuously gauging the high precision etched mark on the camera faceplate.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser device that is modular can readily be changed to produce laser configurations for a broad spectrum of applications, using a minimum of components. A set of semiconductor modules covering wavelengths and polarizations of interest in specific technologies can be coupled to one of two beam shaping modules and projected through a selected objective optics module to provide large and small circular beams as well as broad and narrow line segments. Resolution enhancing and diffraction limiting filters may be included in the objective optics.

Abstract: An apparatus including an integrated circuit matrix of resistance elements for generating black body thermal images is used as a thermal radiation signal source in infrared apparatus testing and development. The matrix of thermal elements that have quasi-instantaneous temperature rise is controlled by computer program to produce multiple thermal images at locations over the field of view of a detector device or observation camera, and image motion can be simulated by computer program sequences. No transistors are used in the matrix thereby permitting very low cost and fast element heating (e.g., to 350K. in 0.2 .mu.sec from an 80K. cryogenic environment). A system including a cryogenic chamber enables the microcircuit matrix and an infrared CCD observation camera to output video frame and intensity data signals from a simulated cold environment for test of systems such as infrared guidance systems.

Abstract: A fraction of the theoretical spot size in a lens system is obtained by applying a filter consisting of a variable pitch circular grating, in front of the focus lens. The focal point Image of a lens is a spot called an Airy disk. The diameter of the Airy disk is proportional to (wavelength)/(Numerical Aperture). Numerical aperture is equal to (1/2 of the diameter of the lens)/(focal length). This is the theoretical limit of spot size. Using a Bessel Transform, modified circular grating, filter the resulting first and higher order diffraction images lie on the optical axis and interfere resulting in a small beam spot at the focus surrounded by interference bands, producing a narrowed zero order beam for projection in optical and infrared applications.

Abstract: The diode laser having an elliptic beam and a Gaussian intensity distribution is transformed by graded index lenses and beam shaping prisms to a circular beam of small diameter and then focused to a point. The focused beam is then magnified by a compound meniscus lens and a collimating lens, producing a collimated flat beam of uniform intensity having negligible loss of the energy of the diode laser radiation. The design is easily implementable using all spherical surface lenses and industry standard glass types, producing a collimated, diffraction limited output beam.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the surface contour of optical elements having aspheric surfaces accommodates large numerical aperture optical elements. A null lens composed of only spheric surfaces is inserted into the optical path for nulling an aspheric surface under test, such as parabola or hyperbola, so that the aberration is zero as indicated by a reduced Ronchi fringe image from a Ronchi test grating located at the optical path focus. The surface contour of the aspheric surface is obtained as equivalent to the conjugate of the null lens.

Abstract: A computer assisted optical instrument analyzes a differential wave front developed by subtracting the wave front due to a circular grating reticle only in the optical path, from the wave front due to a reflecting surface being analyzed in the optical path including the reticle, to obtain a Foucault shadow fringe pattern indicating the surface curvature. The differential wave front is analyzed by the circular grating and a CCD camera, in polar coordinates, to obtain polynomial coefficients defining the wave front. The polynomial is then plotted and displayed as the topographic shadow fringe pattern of the reflected surface. Dedicated lens and reflector combinations adapt the instrument to specific embodiments in ophthalmology and metrology.