Abstract: A system and method for argon and nitrogen extraction from a feed stream comprising hydrogen, methane, nitrogen and argon, such as tail gas of an ammonia production plant is provided. The disclosed system and method provides for nitrogen-argon rectification and the methane rejection within a column system comprised of at least one distillation column. Nitrogen and argon are further separated and to produce liquid products. An argon stripping column arrangement is disclosed where residual argon is further removed from the methane-rich fuel gas and recycled back to the feed stream.

Abstract: A vacuum drying system includes: a support platform, which is used to support the substrate, wherein the support platform comprises a plurality of sub-platforms which are arranged along a predetermined direction and there are gaps between the adjacent sub-platforms; a mechanical arm which comprises a plurality of strip structures at positions corresponding to the gaps, and is used to place the substrate onto the support platform or move the substrate out of the support platform. Comparing to the prior art wherein the substrate is supported by a plurality of needle-shaped supports in the vacuum drying process, in the technical solution of the present disclosure, the contact area between the support platform and the substrate is much larger, which can reduce the local pressure on the substrate, thereby avoiding the display brightness mura of the substrate caused by the supporting operation in the vacuum drying process.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to apparatuses melting batch materials, the apparatuses comprising a vessel; an electrode assembly comprising an electrode and at least one detection component coupled to the electrode; and at least one device configured to measure an electrical or optical property of the electrode assembly. Also disclosed herein are electrode assemblies for the optical or electrical detection of electrode length, and apparatuses comprising such electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A ventilation and noise reduction system for centralized cooling towers includes a wind outlet sound-reduction structure, a wind inlet sound-reduction channel, a rainwater collection system, and an arrestor device; wherein the integrated sound-absorbing and sound-insulation shed includes a loading-bearing installation structure for a lifting ring, a concrete foundation, a bearing support structure, a ceiling installation structure, a sound-insulation structure and a lighting and sound-insulation structure.

Abstract: A manifold with a circular cross-section having a deviation angle of 180 degrees for a tube bundle heat exchanger for large product pressures has a first and second flange on each inlet and outlet. The manifold has two manifold halves respectively made of a single piece, and each half comprises a joining point on an end facing away from a flange. The manifold halves are connected together on the associated joining point. Extension of the passage cross-section of each manifold half is formed by rotationally symmetrical through openings, from which at least one of the flanges and at least one of the joining points extends in the respective coaxial arrangement on rotational axes. First and second axes of through openings of the first manifold halves and third and fourth axes of through openings of the second manifold halves extend on a common plane representing a meridian plane for each flange.

Abstract: A stacked type fluid heater includes a first low temperature layer with low temperature side flow passages into which target medium to be heated is introduced, a first high temperature layer with high temperature side flow passages into which heating medium for heating the target medium to be heated is introduced, a second high temperature layer with high temperature side flow passages into which the heating medium is introduced. The target medium has a temperature lower than the freezing point of the heating medium. The first high temperature layer includes the high temperature side flow passages located adjacent each other via a metal material of the first high temperature layer. The high temperature side flow passages of the first high temperature layer and those of the second high temperature layer are adjacent each other via a metal material of the second high temperature layer.

Abstract: A system capable of providing a liquid purification process using heat regenerating or recovering via heat exchangers (“HEs”). The system, in one embodiment, includes a first set of thermal conductive channels (“TCC”), a second set of TCC, and a third set of TCC. The first set of TCC configured in a first HE is arranged in cylindrical shape which is able to surround or enclose a boiler. A function of TCC is to guide a liquid flow traveling through an HE. The second set of TCC configured in a second HE guides a second liquid flow traveling through the second HE. The third liquid flow such as a cold water stream, for example, flows through the third set of TCC adjacent to the first set of TCC and extracts heat from the first liquid flow such as hot purified water via TCC.

Abstract: A liquid-cooling heat dissipating apparatus includes a heat dissipating structure and a cover. The heat dissipating structure includes a vapor chamber, a heat exchanger and a heat dissipating component. The vapor chamber has a hollow slot. The heat exchanger is installed to the vapor chamber and has plural heat exchange plates and a through hole. The through holes of the upper and lower heat exchange plates communicate with each other to form a fluid channel. The heat dissipating component includes a substrate and plural fins, and the heat dissipating component seals the hollow slot by the substrate. The cover covers the vapor chamber and forms a liquid cavity, and the heat exchanger and each fin are formed in the liquid cavity, and the cover has a water inlet and a water outlet communicating with the liquid cavity.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for storing thermal energy. The subject thermal energy storage apparatus can function as a heat absorber in a cooling system. A cooling system can incorporate a cooling cycle that utilizes thermal energy storage and has two coolant loops. The primary cooling loop acquires the waste heat from a heat source, such as an electronic device, by heat transfer to the primary coolant via, for example, a sensible heat process (where sensible heat is heat absorbed or transmitted by a substance during a change in temperature which is not accompanied by a change of state) or by evaporating the primary coolant through a latent heat phase change process. The waste heat absorbed by the primary coolant is transferred to the host material of the heat absorber.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a textile fibre, thread or yarn. The fibre, thread or yarn is generally for production into a fabric. Alternative aspects are described for achieving a cooling effect, energy harvesting, heating, energy generation, energy emission, and others.

Abstract: A flat tube for a header-plateless heat exchanger has an inner plate and an outer plate that are each press-molded from a metal plate and are curved/folded into a groove shape comprising a groove bottom section and two side wall sections. Both plates are such that the outer plate is fitted to the outside of the inner plate in a manner such that the groove bottom sections oppose each other, and an expanded opening in the thickness direction is formed at both ends of the plates.

Abstract: A porthole gasket is configured to seal a circumferential region around two overlapping portholes in two adjacent heat exchanger plates of a plate heat exchanger, so as to define a passage for a fluid into or out of the plate heat exchanger. The porthole gasket has a ring-shaped portion to be compressed between the two adjacent heat exchanger plates while surrounding the overlapping portholes. The porthole gasket further comprises a plurality of projections that protrude from an outer perimeter of the ring-shaped portion and are configured to be compressed between the two adjacent heat exchanger plates so as to support the ring-shaped portion against pressure exerted by the fluid. A plate package for a plate heat exchanger is configured to include the two adjacent heat exchanger plates and the porthole gasket.

Abstract: An arrangement for a tempering device may include a component including an opening. The arrangement may also include a tubular body through which a fluid is flowable. The tubular body may include a connecting section that may be arranged in and held by the opening of the component. At least one of the tubular body and the component may also include a plastic layer, more specifically a plastic coating, for sealing the opening.

Abstract: A heat dissipation component for a semiconductor element includes: a composite part containing 50-80 vol % diamond powder with the remainder having metal including aluminum, the diamond powder having a particle diameter volume distribution first peak at 5-25 ?m and a second peak at 55-195 ?m. A ratio between a volume distribution area at particle diameters of 1-35 ?m and a volume distribution area at particle diameters of 45-205 ?m is 1:9 to 4:6; surface layers on both composite part principal surfaces, each of the surface layers containing 80 vol % or more metal including aluminum and having a film thickness of 0.03-0.2 mm; and a crystalline Ni layer and an Au layer on at least one of the surface layers, the crystalline Ni layer having a film thickness of 0.5-6.5 ?m, and the Au layer having a film thickness of 0.05 ?m or larger.

Abstract: In a dual material vapor chamber and an upper shell thereof, the dual material vapor chamber includes an upper shell, a copper lower shell, and a working fluid. The upper shell includes an aluminum substrate and plural aluminum fins. The aluminum substrate has an outer surface and an inner wall. The aluminum fins individually extend from the outer surface and are formed integrally. A copper deposition layer is coated on the inner wall. The copper lower shell is sealed to the upper shell correspondingly. A chamber is formed between the upper shell and the copper lower shell. The working fluid is filled in the chamber. Therefore, the weight and material cost of the whole vapor chamber can be reduced, and the packing combination between the upper shell and the copper lower shell can be simplified.

Abstract: A hollow board cooling apparatus is for cooling a formed hollow board and includes first and second cooling devices, a coolant-circulating device, and a temperature-controlling unit. Each of the first and second cooling devices has a main body, a cooling channel extending through the main body to form inlet and outlet openings for passage of the hollow board, and a coolant channel formed in the main body. The coolant-circulating device introduces a coolant into the coolant channels via coolant inlets, and retrieves the coolant therefrom via coolant outlets. The temperature-controlling unit controls the coolant-circulating device to cool the coolant when the board temperature is higher than a reference temperature.

Abstract: Environmental control systems for aircraft including a ram module having a primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger, a refrigeration module having an air cycle machine module and a condenser heat exchanger, and a first altitude diverter valve operable from a first position wherein the primary and secondary heat exchangers operate in series and a second position wherein the primary and secondary heat exchanger operate in parallel. Air from the primary and secondary heat exchangers is provided to (i) the condenser heat exchanger when the primary and secondary heat exchangers operate in series and (ii) an aircraft cabin when the primary and secondary heat exchangers operate in parallel.

Abstract: Environmental control system for aircraft are provided having a ram module having a primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger, a refrigeration module having an air cycle machine module and a condenser heat exchanger module, and at least one conduit fluidly connecting the ram module to the refrigeration module such that the ram module and the refrigeration module can be installed in two separate volumes of the aircraft.

Abstract: A firearm includes a receiver for housing a trigger mechanism. The receiver is attached to a firearm barrel, and the receiver includes a bolt carrier that is configured to reciprocate therein. The firearm includes a recoil spring that has a first end and a second end, and the first end interfaces with the bolt carrier. The recoil spring further includes a dampened portion positioned between the first and second ends. The dampened portion has a plurality of dead spring coils. The firearm also includes a spring retainer that is configured to retain the recoil spring within the firearm.

Abstract: A delinking feeder of a minigun includes an access door mounted to a delinking feeder housing and movable between a closed position and an open position. The access door has an enclosed recess for receiving a tongue that is rotationally coupled to the access door and is movable between a retracted position and a deployed position. When the access door is in the open position, the tongue is in the deployed position and a tongue first contact surface can contact and secure a linked cartridge positioned in the delinking feeder. When the access door is in the closed position, the tongue is in the retracted position and a tongue second contact surface can contact and guide a cartridge positioned in the delinking feeder. The enclosed recess is covered so that when the access door is in the closed position, the tongue does not protrude through the access door.

Abstract: A firearm safety system and method is disclosed. The firearm safety system includes motion and location sensors in a device that is attached to a firearm. When the motion sensor detects movement, it causes the location sensor to send a notification to the owner of the firearm on a mobile device or another computing platform. The owner interacts with an application receiving the notification to take steps to prevent the misuse of the firearm.

Abstract: A firearm-safety-sensing camera-light-laser system apparatus and method, providing a camera that is automatically activated upon the release of the firearm's safety control, and providing a light and a laser pointer, each of which can be automatically activated upon the release of the safety, ensuring that the camera will record events in the firearm's line of fire, starting with the anticipation of discharge of the weapon, associated with release of the safety, and optionally to log and notify an appropriate authority of the release of the safety.

Abstract: A firearm has a frame, a barrel assembly, a slide assembly which holds a recoil assembly, and a firing system with a trigger assembly and safety mechanism. The slide and recoil assemblies are located above the barrel so that the barrel is situated between the topmost part of the frame and the bottom of the slide assembly. The barrel assembly includes a housing which is covered by the slide assembly and secures one side of the recoil assembly. The barrel can be removably connected to the frame through front and rear mounts with removable pins and can modularly connect with the frame and slide assembly so that different caliber barrels can be interchanged. In addition to the trigger, the trigger assembly has a hammer, a sear, a lever arm that engages the trigger, sear and hammer, and springs that bias the trigger assembly components.

Abstract: A switch barrel recoil lug for clamping together a rifle action and a rifle barrel having a body with a barrel shank bore hole and a split section allowing expansion and contraction of the barrel shank bore hole, an index pin hole or threaded holes for aligning and connecting the body to the rifle action and a stock flange for engaging a rifle stock wherein the barrel shank bore hole has a tapered surface matching a tapered surface on a barrel shank of the rifle barrel.

Abstract: A device for simulation of the mechanical functions of a real weapon using electronic and mechanical solutions is described. The simulation device can be mounted on a real weapon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bow or prod of a crossbow, said prod having a spring limbs connected with a crosspiece and a working rotatable elements guiding a bowstring and/or cable, and the bowstring and/or the cable, wherein the working rotatable elements guiding the bowstring and/or the cable are located at both ends of the spring limbs, respectively. In one embodiment of the prod, the rear ends of the spring limbs (2) are fastened to both rear ends of the crosspiece (1) by the holders (9) fastened rotatably on the pivots (7a), and the working rotatable elements (3) guiding the bowstring (6) are rotatably fastened to the rear ends of the crosspiece (1) and coaxially with said holders (9), said bowstring (6) is fastened at the fastening point (5) with its for receiving the rear working to the first front end of the crosspiece (1), and similarly with its second end to the second opposite front end of the crosspiece (1).

Abstract: A paintball loader for use on a paintball gun for feeding paintballs is provided. The paintball loader includes a container for holding a plurality of paintballs, a paintball agitator rotatably mounted in the container, the paintball agitator including at least two fins extending substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation, the fins spaced apart from each other forming a gap therebetween large enough to accommodate more than one paintball. At least two paintballs are positioned in the gap between the fins. A motor is configured to rotate the paintball agitator. The container includes an exit tube exiting from the bottom portion of the container and leading to an inlet tube of the paintball gun. A microprocessor in communication with a sensor may also be provided for controlling the motor. A deflector for deflecting paintballs may also be provided, the deflector movably attached to the interior surface of the container.

Abstract: A cylinder for a toy gun is assembled to the toy gun (100) for containing bullets. The cylinder (6) includes a fastening structure (61, 61a) and a surrounding structure (62). The fastening structure (61, 61a) is rotatably disposed on the toy gun (100). The surrounding structure (62) is surroundingly disposed in an outer periphery of the fastening structure (61, 61a). The surrounding structure (62) includes multiple sleeves (621) circularly connected to one another. Each sleeve (621) has a chamber (622) for containing the bullet. An inner wall of each chamber (622) is in elastic contact with the bullet to position the same. Accordingly, the cylinder (6) is suitable for all bullets (e.g. ball bullets (900) made from iron or lead or a plastic trumpet-shaped bullet (800)), thereby enhancing utility, and all bullets can be positioned stably and properly in the chambers (622) without falling out.

Abstract: An ambidextrous actuating mechanism configured as a mechanical interlock may be adapted to a battery operated light emitting device for mounting forward of the trigger guard of a firearm. The mechanism includes first and second mechanically coupled pivotable switch actuators disposed under and on either side of the barrel of the firearm. Operation of either one of the first and second actuator levers locks the other actuator from pivoting, thereby eliminating ambiguity and overridden operations in the control of the light emitting device. The operating motion of both actuators, either up for ON or down for MOMENTARY, is the same for both actuators. An alternate embodiment provides functionally equivalent electronically interlocked actuators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to target acquisition and related devices, and more particularly to telescopic gunsights and associated equipment used to achieve shooting accuracy at, for example, close ranges, medium ranges and extreme ranges at stationary and moving targets.

Abstract: An optic device turret for adjusting the optical element of the optic device with at least two knobs that are each movable between a first position wherein the knob is not rotatable and a second position wherein the knob can be rotated. The access to and rotation of both knobs can be accomplished without the use of tools. The rotation of each knob adjusts the optical element. A spiral cam mechanism is engaged with the turret to define a maximum and minimum adjustment of the optical element. A rotation indicator displays the amount a knob has been rotated.

Abstract: A method steers a missile towards a flying target. In order to permit precise flight to the target even under poor visibility conditions owing to the weather, a radar which is remote from the missile detects the target and transmits data relating to a first location area of the target to the missile. The missile determines, from the data of its own missile radar, a second location area of the target, processes both location areas to form a target area and flies to the target area.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical invisible device. The optical invisible device sequentially comprises along an incident direction of an optical path: a first microlens array for imaging, an imaging unit, a display screen, and a second microlens array for projecting content displayed by the display screen to the outside, and further comprises an image processing unit. In addition, there is further provided another optical invisible device, which comprises: a first microlens array for imaging, a first imaging unit, a first image processing unit, a first display screen, and a second microlens array that are located at a first side, and a third microlens array, a second imaging unit, a second image processing unit, a second display screen, and a fourth microlens array that are located at a second side.

Abstract: A ballistic breacher shield has a combined shield/battering ram functionality. The breacher shield's design permits an officer assigned to breach a barrier (such as a door) to have shield protection as he approaches the barrier, a battering ram to break open the barrier, and then the shield protection again once the barrier has been breached. The officer's follow-through for breaching a door positions the breacher shield to provide cover for the entire team lined up in a stack for entering the barricaded dwelling. The breacher shield has a flattened top to provide a greater area of impact for battering and a shape/size to act as a shield. The sizes of the shields may vary to accommodate individual preference and/or the size of operator. Shields are suitable for right-handed or left-handed operators, and may have an agency identifier and/or lights used for illumination or red and blue flashing lights for use as identifiers and attention attractors.

Abstract: A guided projectile that includes a warhead case, a cartridge case coupled to the warhead case, and a tail kit assembly positioned within the cartridge case. The tail kit assembly includes a hollow casing including a plurality of fin slots defined therein, a control fin selectively extendable from within the hollow casing through each fin slot of the plurality of fin slots, and a fin slot cover positioned within each fin slot with a minimum clearance fit such that the control fin is retained within the hollow casing. The fin slot cover is releasable from within each fin slot such that the control fin is deployable therethrough.

Abstract: Munitions structures comprising one or more high strength reactive alloys, in particular reactive bulk metallic glasses, have significant amounts of inherent chemical energy. This energy may be discharged by subjection of the munitions structure to rapid impulsive loading and fragmentation in the presence of oxygen and/or nitrogen. A munitions structure can be configured in both large and small penetrators, e.g. warheads and bullets, with increased lethality. The lethality of these munitions structures is augmented by means of rapidly and simultaneously imparting both mechanical energy (kinetic energy through impact and fragmentation) and chemical energy (blast and/or fireball) to a target. A high-strength reactive alloy can substitute at least in part one or both of explosives and inert structural materials in conventional munitions systems to improve performance and reduce parasitic weight of structural casing.

Abstract: A bullet with controlled fragmentation has a core in the form of a generally cylindrical body having a forward end and a rear end and intermediate side portions extending there between, the forward end of the core defining a cavity, a jacket encompassing the rear end and at least selected portions of the sides of the core, the jacket having a sidewall having a first drive band portion having a first wall thickness, and a second portion immediately forward of the drive band portion having a second thickness less than the first thickness, the exterior of the jacket defining a cannelure groove encircling the bullet, and the cannelure groove being positioned forward of the first drive band portion. The drive band may have forward edge defining a step. The bullet of the present invention may also be received in the case mouth of a rimless case and be partially protruding therefrom.

Abstract: Frangible firearm projectiles, firearm cartridges containing the same, and methods for forming the same. The firearm projectiles are formed from a compacted mixture of metal powders that includes zinc and iron powders and which may include an anti-sparking agent. The compacted mixture is heat treated for a time sufficient to form a plurality of discrete alloy domains within the compacted mixture. The frangible firearm projectile may be formed by a mechanism that includes vapor-phase diffusion bonding and oxidation of the metal powders and that does not include forming a liquid phase of any of the metal powders or utilizing a polymeric binder. A majority component of the frangible firearm projectile may be iron. One or more of zinc, bismuth, tin, copper, nickel, tungsten, boron, and/or alloys thereof may form a minority component of the frangible firearm projectile. The anti-sparking agent may include a borate, such as boric acid.

Abstract: A method for deploying a control surface from an exterior surface of a spinning projectile during flight is provided. The method including: at least partially retracting the control surface into an interior of the projectile for a portion of a full revolution of the spinning projectile and extending the control surface from the interior of the projectile for another portion of the full revolution of the spinning projectile; and maintaining the control surface in a same plane during the full revolution of the spinning projectile.

Abstract: According to an aspect a bulkhead assembly is provided having particular application with a downhole tool, in particular for oil well drilling applications. The bulkhead assembly includes a bulkhead body and an electrical contact component disposed within the bulkhead body, wherein at least a portion of the electrical contact component is configured to pivot about its own axis, without compromising its ability to provide a pressure and fluid barrier. In an embodiment, a ground apparatus is provided to provide an electrical connection for at least one ground wire. The ground apparatus may be positionable on the bulkhead body of the bulkhead assembly. In an aspect, a downhole tool including the bulkhead assembly and ground apparatus is also generally described.

Abstract: An articulated arm CMM system comprises an articulated arm comprising a plurality of articulated arm members, a measuring probe at a distal end, and a base at a proximal end, the base comprising a docking portion. The articulated arm CMM system also includes a plurality of feature packs configured to electronically connect to the articulated arm via the docking portions and provide additional electronic functionality.

Abstract: A headlamp aiming tool includes a linear member and four legs, the first of which is connected with one end of the member and the second, third and fourth of which are adjustable relative to the linear member. The first and second legs of the tool are used to measure the distance between the headlamps of a vehicle and the height of the headlamps relative to the ground or floor. The tool may also be mounted on the vehicle via the first and second legs and a fastener connected with the third leg arranged between first and second legs. Lastly, the tool includes a laser device connected with the fourth leg which is also between the first and second legs. The laser device can be aligned with a centerline of the vehicle to direct a laser beam against a screen in front of the vehicle to indicate the vehicle centerline on the screen.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a sensing circuit, a processing method of the sensing circuit and a curved surface profile measuring method. Conductors of the sensing circuit are arranged in flexible protection bodies in a braiding manner, and the conductors and the flexible protection bodies are at a compressed state. Therefore, the sensing circuit of the present invention has better flexibility and tensile property, can be attached to a surface of equipment, can be used for sensing multiple situations of the equipment, such as slight touch and collision of a large displacement, and can also be applied to precise measurement of a size of a curved surface profile.

Abstract: A single-chip off-axis magnetoresistive Z-X angle sensor and measuring instrument. The single-chip off-axis magnetoresistive Z-X angle sensor comprises a substrate located on an X-Y plane, at least one X-axis magnetoresistive sensor and at least one Z-axis magnetoresistive sensor, the X-axis magnetoresistive sensor and the Z-axis magnetoresistive sensor being located on the substrate. The X-axis magnetoresistive sensor and the Z-axis magnetoresistive sensor each comprise magnetoresistive sensing units and a flux concentrator, the magnetoresistive sensing units being electrically connected into a magnetoresistive bridge comprising at least two bridge arms. The Z-axis magnetoresistive sensor is a push-pull bridge structure, a push arm and a pull arm of the push-pull bridge structure being respectively located at positions equidistant from a Y-axis central line of the flux concentrator.

Abstract: A rotation-detecting apparatus includes the following: a rotor coil provided on a rotor; detection coils provided on stators; a control circuit that detects the relative rotational angle between the rotor and the stators by processing detection signals induced in the detection coils as a result of the rotor coil being excited by an excitation signal; and a communicating means for performing data communication with an external device. The control circuit in the rotation-detecting apparatus has functionality whereby a switch signal that turns on and off at preset rotational angles is outputted on the basis of the aforementioned detection signals. Also, the control circuit is designed such that the set rotational angles for the aforementioned switch signal can be changed by the external device via the abovementioned communicating means.

Abstract: An interferometer includes a first interferometer arm and a second interferometer arm. A first central beam, originating from a central image point of an image, passes through the first interferometer arm. A second central beam, originating from the central image point, passes through the second interferometer arm. The first central beam and the second central beam are superimposed and generate a kperpendicular=0 interference at a superposition point. A first light beam perpendicular to the first central beam, originating from an image point of the image, passes through the first interferometer arm. A second light beam perpendicular to the second central beam, originating from the image point, passes through the second interferometer arm. The first light beam and the second light beam overlap at the superposition point. At the superposition point, a wave vector component of the first light beam opposes a wave vector component of the second light beam.

Abstract: A probe head of a coordinate measuring machine (‘CMM”) includes a sensor to detect impact of the probe head with a foreign object. The probe head is movably coupled to the CMM such that the sensor detects motion of the probe head relative to a portion of the CMM resulting from an impact event. Some embodiments cause the CMM to take action in response to detecting an impact. Probe clips allow adjustment of the position of a CMM probe relative to the portion of the CMM from which the probe is suspended. This allows the position and orientation of the CMM probe to be adapted to a variety of applications.

Abstract: There is provided a system for measuring temperature and strain simultaneously utilizing Brillouin Scattering within an optical fiber. The system has a cladding, a first optical core within the cladding and a second optical core within the cladding and having a different refractive index profile and/or composition than the first core. Means to couple light into and out of said individual optical cores and/or from one optical core to the other within the fiber is provided along with means for calculating strain and temperature characteristics based on measured Brillouin frequencies for said optical cores.

Abstract: Metrology measurement methods and tools are provided, which illuminate a stationary diffractive target by a stationary illumination source, measure a signal composed of a sum of a zeroth order diffraction signal and a first order diffraction signal, repeat the measuring for a plurality of relations between the zeroth and the first diffraction signals, while maintaining the diffractive target and the illumination source stationary, and derive the first order diffraction signal from the measured sums. Illumination may be coherent and measurements may be in the pupil plane, or illumination may be incoherent and measurements may be in the field plane, in either case, partial overlapping of the zeroth and the first diffraction orders are measured. Illumination may be annular and the diffractive target may be a one cell SCOL target with periodic structures having different pitches to separate the overlap regions.

Abstract: A sample for coordinates calibration including (1) a substrate having a circular plate-shape, and (2) multiple intentional defects that form a grid pattern with squares as unit grids on a surface of the substrate, the intentional defect providing a center point of the grid pattern coinciding with a center point of the substrate and, letting the maximum value of a number of the unit grids arranged from the center point of the substrate in radial directions be N (a natural number equal to or larger than two), a number of the intentional defects formed at equal spaces along one side of the unit grid being N+1 including the two intentional defects providing a vertex of the unit grid is proposed.