Abstract: A buffered direct injection pixel is disclosed that includes a photodiode for receiving an input signal, a direct injection transistor associated with the photodiode, and a Sackinger current mirror coupled with the direct injection transistor, providing reduced size, low noise and low power, as compared to prior art buffered direct injection pixels.

Abstract: Methods used with a thermal imager in capturing a primary thermal image of an object or scene and then associating it, as desired, with any of a multitude of information relating to the object or scene. The related information can be associated with the primary thermal image in the field after the image is captured. The related information can pertain to further detail regarding the object, the surroundings of the scene, and/or surroundings of the location of the scene, which when associated with the primary thermal image, collectively represents a form of asset information card for the image.

Abstract: Present novel and non-trivial system, device and method for generating visual aid image data are disclosed. In one embodiment, an image generator receives navigation data representative of at least one surface of interest (e.g., runway of intended landing) and aircraft position; retrieves navigation reference data representative of surface information; creates zone data representative of a lighting awareness zone for each surface of interest; receives first image data from a first source; and generates second image data as a function of the first image data and the zone data, thereby generating a visual aid to increase situational awareness of a pilot by enhancing his or her ability to detect or recognize the runway environment as presented by an enhanced image. In an additional embodiment, the image generator receives and includes third image data in the function for generating the second data.

Abstract: A fusion night vision system has an optical element coupled to a display for improving the performance and viewability of images through a fusion night vision device while reducing overall system cost. The display producing a scene image from an image detector. The optical element has a flat input surface and a curved output surface. The curved output surface shaped to match an output surface of an image intensifier tube. The output from the display and the image intensifier being combined in an image combiner before entering an eyepiece for presentation to an operator as a fused image.

Abstract: A thermochromic window that can effectively insulate heat when warming is conducted in winter. The thermochromic window that includes a substrate, a thermochromic thin film formed on the substrate, and a transparent conductive film formed on at least one surface of the upper surface and the undersurface of the thermochromic thin film. The emissivity of the transparent conductive film is lower than the emissivity of the thermochromic thin film.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-wave band light sensor combined with a function of infrared ray (IR) sensing including a substrate, an IR sensing structure, a dielectric layer, and a multi-wave band light sensing structure. The substrate includes a first region and a second region. The IR sensing structure is in the substrate for sensing IR. The dielectric layer is on the IR sensing structure. The multi-wave band light sensing structure includes a first wave band light sensor, a second wave band light sensor, and a third wave band light sensor. The second wave band light sensor and the first wave band light sensor are overlapped and disposed on the IR sensing structure on the first region of the substrate from the bottom up. The third wave band light sensor is in the dielectric layer of the second region.

Abstract: Photovoltaic structures for the conversion of solar irradiance into electrical free energy. In a particular implementation, a photovoltaic cell includes a granular semiconductor and oxide layer with nanometer-size absorber semiconductor grains surrounded by a matrix of oxide. The semiconductor and oxide layer is disposed between electron and hole conducting layers. In some implementations, multiple semiconductor and oxide layers can be deposited.

Abstract: In an electronic endoscope system, a changed-area detector detects a changed area from an image captured by an endoscope, the changed area having different features from other area of the captured image. A mask data produce produces mask data based on the detected changed area, the mask data allocating an image processing parameter to each pixel of the captured image such that the changed area is processed in a different way from the other area. An image processor processes the captured image according to the mask data. Thus, an image area corresponding to an artificial object like a surgical tool may be detected as the changed area and excluded from unnecessary image processing.

Abstract: A material may be identified using THz radiation that simultaneously or sequentially includes at least one first frequency portion and a second frequency portion different therefrom. An object formed from the material to be identified is irradiated with the THz radiation and the THz radiation exiting the object is detected using a phase-sensitive THz receiver. A time or phase offset, caused by the object, is measured at least for the first frequency portion and a material thickness is determined therefrom. Attenuation of the received signal, at least for the second frequency portion, is determined. An absorption coefficient for at least the second frequency portion is calculated using the material thickness.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, suspension structures extending from the upper surface of the substrate, and an absorber stack attached to the substrate by the suspension structures. The suspension structures suspend the absorber stack over the substrate such that a gap is defined between the absorber stack and the substrate. The absorber stack includes a plurality of metallization layers interleaved with a plurality of insulating layers. At least one of the metallization layers has a thickness of approximately 10 nm or less.

Abstract: A millimeter wave measurement system has been developed for remote detection of airborne nuclear radiation, based on electromagnetic scattering from radiation-induced ionization in air. Specifically, methods of monitoring radiation-induced ionization of air have been investigated, and the ionized air has been identified as a source of millimeter wave radar reflection, which can be utilized to determine the size and strength of a radiation source.

Abstract: A method for real-time optical diagnostics in laser ablation and laser processing of layered or structured materials or material structures. Diagnostics is provided during laser ablation that is utilized regularly in laser processing and/or chemical analysis of structured materials, by means of measuring optical emission generated as a result of the pulsed laser-material interaction in real time. The method can involve a single-layer-film or a stack of multiple layers or a structure of different domains. The method is particularly beneficial in fabrication of thin-film structures, such as photovoltaic and electronic devices or circuits of devices.

Abstract: A system and method for correcting non-linearities in the output of a tunable laser over a sweep range. Electromagnetic radiation is directed over a range of wavelengths to a measurement system from the tunable laser source, wherein the measurement system collects data over the range of wavelengths. The electromagnetic radiation emitted over the range of wavelengths is monitored. A non-linearity in one or more wavelengths over the range of wavelengths is determined. A signal is transmitted to the measurement system to cease collecting data when the one or more wavelengths having the non-linearity is output from the tunable laser source or the data is ignored.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems for performing radiography analysis. For example, certain embodiments perform radiographic analysis using mixed variable computation techniques. One exemplary system comprises a radiation source, a two-dimensional detector for detecting radiation transmitted through a object between the radiation source and detector, and a computer. In this embodiment, the computer is configured to input the radiographic image data from the two-dimensional detector and to determine one or more materials that form the object by using an iterative analysis technique that selects the one or more materials from hierarchically arranged solution spaces of discrete material possibilities and selects the layer interfaces from the optimization of the continuous interface data.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide, for some embodiments, infrared cameras and target position acquisition techniques for various applications. For example, in one embodiment, a system may include a portable imaging/viewing subsystem having a target position finder and may also include a fixed mount camera subsystem having a camera and a camera positioner. A communications link may be configured to communicate a signal from the target position finder to the camera positioner. The signal may be representative of a position of a target being imaged/viewed with the portable imaging/viewing subsystem. The camera positioner may aim the camera toward the target in response to the signal. The target may, for example, be a man overboard. Thus, the system may be useful in search and rescue operations.

Abstract: The visible and near-infrared radiation detector includes a near-infrared photosensitive element, a readout circuit for reading the near-infrared photosensitive element, four visible photosensitive elements, one of which being placed facing the near-infrared photosensitive element, and three interference filters to define a pixel quadruplet. A first pixel, including the near-infrared photosensitive element and one of the visible photosensitive elements, has no filter. The three other pixels, respectively including the three other visible photosensitive elements, are respectively provided with filters associated with the three primary colors. Each interference filter includes an alternation of metal layers and of dielectric layers.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays disposed in the focal plane of two corresponding focusing lenses. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.

Abstract: A method for thermographic imaging is described. The method captures a plurality of thermal images of a surface of an object, at non-linear intervals over a period of time, each of the thermal images being associated with temporal data. The method then processes the plurality of thermal images and the temporal data, and identifies features within the object based on the processing.

Abstract: A protective enclosure for a thermal imager having a window and protective grid. The protective grid is designed in relation to the lens of the thermal imaging device such that the grid pattern geometry and size accommodate the thermal imaging device's pupil size.

Abstract: A target marking system includes a light source configured to emit a beam of thermal radiation and to impinge the beam onto a target. The system also includes a detector configured to collect radiation passing from the target to the detector along a path. The radiation passing from the target in response to impingement of the beam onto the target. The system further includes an optics assembly disposed optically upstream of the detector along the path. The optics assembly includes at least one of an afocal power changer, a camera objective, a catadioptric lens, and a zoom system configured to condition the radiation passing from the target to the detector.

Abstract: A camera, computer program, and method for determining and displaying temperature rates of change for objects within the camera's field of view. More specifically, the embodiments provide for the continuous, real-time temperature measurement and display of a plurality of objects within the camera's field of view, and further for the real-time processing and display of the temperature rates of change for said objects.

Abstract: A night vision goggle (NVG) attachment device retrofit to an existing monocular or binocular type NVG system to provide additional environmental information to the user of the NVG device. The attachable device includes a ring connector having one or more external display projectors positioned on the objective side of the NVG optical system. A sensor electronics module is attached to the ring connector and houses a number of environmental sensors, including IR transmitters and receivers for range finding information, radiation detectors, and motion/heat detectors. The sensors within the electronics module provide signal information through a connector to the existing NVG electronics. The device projects informational images into the display field of view for the user. The informational displays may take the form of one or more LED indicators or LED digital numerical displays. The user may preferably activate or de-activate one or more of the environmental sensors.

Abstract: An infrared conversion device includes: a substrate (122); and a metal fine particle layer (123) formed on the substrate (122), wherein the metal fine particle layer (123) is formed with metal fine particles (124) and a dielectric material (125) that fills gaps between the metal fine particles (124) and absorbs incident infrared rays. Alternatively, an infrared conversion device detects infrared rays converted into visible light by detecting a change caused in the permittivity of a light receiving material (125) by infrared absorption as a change in the intensity of scattering light based on local plasmon resonance.

Abstract: A terahertz electromagnetic wave generator according to the present disclosure includes: a thermoelectric material layer; a metal layer which partially covers the surface of the thermoelectric material layer; and a light source system which is configured to irradiate both a surface region of the thermoelectric material layer that is not covered with the metal layer and an edge of the metal layer with pulsed light, thereby generating a terahertz wave from the thermoelectric material layer.

Abstract: A method of reading suit and rank of playing cards is enabled on a system for controlled provision of image content of faces of a playing card that has: e) a support surface for playing cards; f) a source of infrared radiation; g) an infrared sensitive camera; and h) a processor. The infrared sensitive camera positioned to capture infrared radiation transmitted through the playing cards and transmit information based on the captured radiation to the processor; and the processor configured to provide suit and rank information of a playing card through which the infrared radiation was transmitted.

Abstract: A photoconductive antenna includes a semiconductor layer, and first and second electrodes. The semiconductor layer includes a first conductive region and a second conductive region constituting portions of a surface of the semiconductor layer disposed on a side to which the pulsed light is irradiated, and a third conductive region disposed between the first and second conductive regions. The first conductive region contains a first conductive type impurity and the second conductive region contains a second conductive type impurity. The third conductive region has a carrier density lower than a carrier density of the first conductive region or a carrier density of the second conductive region. The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed on the side to which the pulsed light is irradiated. The third conductive region is configured and arranged to be irradiated by the pulsed light.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to obtain a physical property of an object by time-domain spectroscopy includes: a detection unit; a delay unit configured to adjust a time difference between generation and detection; a shaping unit configured to collect the electromagnetic wave pulses; a waveform obtaining unit configured to construct a time waveform of the electromagnetic wave pulses; and a collecting position adjusting unit configured to adjust a collecting position. When the collecting position is moved, an amount of adjustment when the collecting position matches first and second reflection portions, respectively, of the object, and a difference by the delay unit required for detecting first and second pulses of the time waveform are obtained, and from an amount of change of the amount of adjustment and the difference, a thickness and a refractive index of a region between the first and second reflection portions of the object are calculated.

Abstract: A target marking system includes a light source configured to emit a beam of thermal radiation and to impinge the beam onto a target. The system also includes a detector configured to collect radiation passing from the target to the detector along a path. The radiation passing from the target in response to impingement of the beam onto the target. The system further includes an optics assembly disposed optically upstream of the detector along the path. The optics assembly includes at least one of an afocal power changer, a camera objective, a catadioptric lens, and a zoom system configured to condition the radiation passing from the target to the detector.

Abstract: A small sensor surface designed to control a smart phone or Mobile Internet Device (MID). The sensor surface may be mounted on the side of the proposed device in a position where a user's thumb or finger naturally falls when holding the device in his/her hand. The sensor surface is simultaneously convex and concave, providing both visual and physical cues for the use of the sensor surface. The sensor may include capacitive sensing, optical sensing and pressure sensing capabilities to interpret thumb gestures into device control.

Abstract: A thermal imaging camera that intermittently captures thermal images of a scene for long term monitoring of the scene. The thermal images may be captured after each interval of a time delay interval and/or upon detection of a threshold change in thermal energy in the scene.

Abstract: A night vision attachment for a SmartPhone by which the camera of the SmartPhone is enabled to view or take digital photos of objects under very low light ambient light levels. The night vision attachment comprises a housing for receiving and locating components of the attachment and has portions adapted to mate with a wall of the camera through which the phone camera lens images object space. Located in the attachment housing are an image detector sensitive to infrared (IR), an objective lens for forming images on the image detector whereby the image detector operates to generate image output signals representative of detected images, a display arranged to receive the image output signals from the image detector and to generate a visible image; and an eyepiece for viewing images formed on the display and permitting the camera of the phone to focus on the display images when the attachment is mated to a phone. IR LEDs are used to illuminate scenes.

Abstract: A display system configured for multi-touch input is provided. The display system comprises a display surface, a local light source to illuminate the display surface with infrared light, and an image-producing display panel. The image-producing display panel comprises a plurality of image sensor pixels positioned within a sensor layer of the image-producing display panel. The image-producing display panel further comprises an angularly-selective layer positioned between the display surface and the sensor layer, wherein the angularly-selective layer is configured to transmit light having a first range of incidence angles with the surface normal of the angularly-selective layer to a first sensor pixel of sensor layer, and to reflect light having a second range of incidence angles from a second sensor pixel of the sensor layer, where the second range is greater than the first range of incidence angles with respect to a surface normal of the sensor layer.

Abstract: A method of assembling and hermetically sealing a package including a side wall mounted on a substrate, with the space thus defined accommodating a component that operates in a controlled atmosphere, the space being closed off by a hermetic sealing cover mounted on said side wall. This method involves depositing a metallic connector element, also referred to as a brazing preform, on the upper face of the side wall; depositing the upper cover on, and in contact with, the brazing preform; subjecting the assembly thus obtained to the desired environment in terms of the kind of gas and operating pressure of the component; increasing the temperature to a value that is at least in excess of the melting temperature of the material that constitutes the brazing preform; then lowering said temperature in order to cause solidification of said brazing material and, consequently, sealing of the cover on the side wall.

Abstract: A photoconductive antenna is adapted to generate terahertz waves when irradiated by pulsed light. The photoconductive antenna includes first and second conductive layers, a semiconductor layer, and first and second electrodes. The semiconductor layer is made of a semiconductor material having a carrier density that is lower than a carrier density of the semiconductor material of the first conductive layer or the second conductive layer. The first and second electrodes are electrically connected to the first and second conductive layers, respectively. The semiconductor layer includes an incidence surface through which the pulsed light enters the semiconductor layer, and an emission surface from which the terahertz waves are emitted. The incidence surface is positioned in a side surface of the semiconductor layer having a normal direction extending orthogonal to a lamination direction, and the emission surface is positioned in the side surface at a position different from the incidence surface.

Abstract: Method for collecting video files of one or more Leak Detection and Repair (LDAR) components, including receiving information pertaining to the one or more LDAR components within a specified area, recording a video of the LDAR components for a predetermined amount of time using a camera, associating the video with the information, and storing the video along with the information to a memory located in a computer.

Abstract: A solution for evaluating an object using infrared data is provided. In particular, infrared data corresponding to the object is processed to enhance a set of signal features. The infrared data is analyzed to determine whether one or more anomalies are present.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an infrared (IR) sensor and a sensing method using the same, in which disturbance by an external luminous object is removed using the IR sensor that irradiates IR light into a sensing area to sense an object, so that the position or distance of the object can be precisely and accurately sensed. An IR sensor includes an illumination unit that irradiates IR light into a sensing area; an image pickup device that obtains an IR image in the sensing area by sensing the IR light incident from the sensing area; and a control unit that controls the emission time at which the illumination unit irradiates the IR light and the pickup time of the image pickup device.

Abstract: A camera has an infrared (IR) imaging subsystem that includes an IR detector. The camera also has a visual imaging subsystem for generating a visual image of an observed scene. The camera also has one or more distance measuring devices for obtaining distance related information regarding a distance from the camera to the scene and a processor arranged to receive distance related information from one or more distance measuring devices and process the received distance related information, wherein said processing comprises determining a distance to the scene based on the received distance related information. The IR imaging subsystem may also include an IR optical element for focusing IR radiation on the IR detector. The IR optical element may be operable to focus the IR radiation on the IR detector based on the determined distance.

Abstract: A sight attachable to a weapon and comprising an objective lens, an image display, and a digital reticle. The objective lens focuses infrared light received from a scene onto a thermal imager, which is comprised of a focal plane array that detects infrared radiation in the scene focused by the lens. The image display is in signal communication with the thermal imager and provides an image of the received infrared light from the scene. The image rendered by the display is visible to the user. The digital reticle is rendered on the display and provides an aim point of the weapon upon a target in the scene. The image of the scene and superimposed reticle are directly viewable by a user with the aim point of the weapon upon the target being maintained constant over a range of viewing angles that depart from a viewing angle perpendicular to the display.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for determining an unknown degree of amorphicity in a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. A specimen can be prepared from the alloy, irradiated with passive radiation, imaged to provide a thermal image, and the image analyzed to assess the differences in emissivities in the image. The degree of amorphicity can be determined based on the differences in thermal emissivities.

Abstract: An IR camera includes a thermal radiation capturing arrangement for capturing thermal radiation of an imaged view in response to input control unit(s) receiving user inputs from a user of the IR camera; a processing unit arranged to process the thermal radiation data in order for the thermal radiation data to be displayed by an IR camera display as thermal images; and an IR camera display arranged to display thermal images to a user of the IR camera. The processing unit is further arranged to determine at least one temperature reference value representing the temperature of the surrounding environment of the imaged view; and calculate at least one output power value indicative of an amount of energy dissipated in a part of the imaged view by using the temperature value of the thermal radiation data corresponding to said part of the imaged view and the at least one determined temperature reference value.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one embodiment of the present invention, a portable inspection system is disclosed to wirelessly capture inspection data, such as for example an infrared image, sound information, and/or electrical measurement information. The inspection data may be securely recorded (e.g., with an encryption algorithm) along with associated information, which may include for example date, time, system settings, operator identification, and location.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for imaging tissue and other samples or samples using infrared (IR) transmissions from coherent transmission sources, such as a wide range, tunable, quantum cascade laser (QCL) designed for the rapid collection of infrared microscopic data for medical diagnostics across a wide range of discrete spectral increments. The infrared transmissions are transmitted through, reflected from, and/or transreflected through a sample, and then magnified and/or focused prior to being detected by a detector. After detection, the sample related image data is used to assess the sample. Such methods, devices, and systems may be used to detect abnormalities in tissue, for example, before such abnormalities can be diagnosed using art cytopathological methods. The methods, devices and systems may also optionally include a visible light detection subsystem and/or a motion control subsystem to assist in control and processing of imaging.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein provide an image capture component adapted to capture an infrared image, a control component adapted to provide a plurality of selectable processing modes to a user, receive a user input corresponding to a user selected processing mode, generate a control signal indicative of the user selected processing mode and transmit the generated control signal. The user selected processing modes, for example, may be directed to maritime applications, such as night docking, man overboard, night cruising, day cruising, hazy conditions, and/or shoreline modes. The systems and methods further provide a processing component adapted to receive the generated control signal from the control component, process the captured infrared image according to the user selected processing mode, and generate a processed infrared image, and a display component adapted to display the processed infrared image.

Abstract: The present invention involves the interaction of radiation with functionalized carbon nanotubes that have been incorporated into various host materials, particularly polymeric ones. The present invention is directed to chemistries, methods, and apparatuses which exploit this type of radiation interaction, and to the materials which result from such interactions. The present invention is also directed toward the time dependent behavior of functionalized carbon nanotubes in such composite systems.

Abstract: A system to detect occupants is provided. The system may rotate the field of views of multiple sensors in order to scan an area. The system may scan the area multiple times. The system may determine the number of occupants in the area based on a comparison of a scan of the area with a scan of the area when the area is determined to be unoccupied. The system may determine the number of occupants in the area based on a maximum number of occupants detected by any of the sensors. The system may also determine a location of an object or an occupant from scans of the area obtained from multiple sensors.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing an article which is transparent to visible and infrared radiation. The method includes the steps of forming a green body from a population of nanoparticles; depositing a layer of ZnS powder over the green body, thereby producing a covered green body; and sintering the covered green body, thereby producing a sintered product.

Abstract: Photodetectors, methods of fabricating the same, and methods using the same to detect radiation are described. A photodetector can include a first electrode, a light sensitizing layer, an electron blocking/tunneling layer, and a second electrode. Infrared-to-visible upconversion devices, methods of fabricating the same, and methods using the same to detect radiation are also described. An Infrared-to-visible upconversion device can include a photodetector and an OLED coupled to the photodetector.

Abstract: This invention relates to a thermal imaging camera comprising a thermal imaging sensor and a cover plate that can be displaced between an open and a closed position by means of an electric drive. The invention is characterized in that the open and the closed position of the cover plate (1) form respectively self-locking end positions and that an electric drive is provided to switch between the end positions, said drive being supplied with no current in the self-locking end positions.

Abstract: A system for and a method of synchronous acquisition of pulsed source light performs monitoring of aircraft flight operation. Diode sources of illumination (18, 108, 208) are pulsed (16, 106, 206) at one-half the video frame rate of an imaging camera (36, 136, 236). Alternate frames view the world-scene with lights of interest pulsed on, and then off, respectively. Video differencing (34, 134, 234) eliminates the background scene, as well as all lights not of interest. Suitable threshholding over a resulting array of camera pixel-differences acquires the desired lights and represents them as point symbology on a display (40, 140, 240). In an enhanced vision landing system embodiment, the desired lights (symbols) overlay or are fused on a thermal image of the scene; alternatively, the symbols overlay a visible scene (TV) image.