Abstract: A microwave-enhanced infrared thermography technique for detecting buried objects exploits varying phase shifts experienced by different-frequency microwave signals reflected from objects back toward the surface, the phase shifts resulting in different interference patterns and therefore different temperature distribution patterns near the surface. Respective infrared images of an area are captured prior to microwave heating, after a first heating with a first frequency, and after heating with a second frequency different from the first. Pairs of the images are subtracted to form temperature rise images showing patterns of temperature rise in the two cycles, and the temperature rise images are subtracted to form a difference image which is analyzed to identify characteristics indicating the presence of buried objects.

Abstract: A low-cost high-resolution staring infrared imaging sensor for viewing a large Field Of Regard (FOR) while integrating over a small IFOV to detect small dim targets by subdividing the FOR into a plurality of internal optical paths without the use of mechanically-movable parts. Each of the plurality of internal optical paths may be further subdivided by a plurality of steerable micro-mirrors to reduce the IFOV and enhance long-range target acquisition capability. The sensor includes a primary lens for accepting infrared radiation from a Field Of Regard (FOR), a plurality of primary mirrors each disposed to reflect a portion of an FOR image along a different optical path, a secondary lens in each optical path to focus the FOR image portion onto a secondary mirror for reflection along a preselected direction, and a tertiary lens in each optical path to focus the FOR image portion onto an image detector array.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated apparatus for monitoring wafers and for process control in the semiconductor manufacturing process, by means of at least two different measurements that can be installed inside any part of the semiconductor production line, i.e., inside the photocluster equipment, the CVD equipment or the CMP equipment. The apparatus comprises a measuring unit for performing at least one optical measurement in predetermined sites on said wafer, illumination sources for illuminating said wafer via measuring unit, supporting means for holding, rotating and translating the wafer and a control unit. The measuring unit comprises: at least two measuring sub-units, one of them being normal-incidence optical measuring system.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus having a visible light source for emitting visible light, an invisible light source for emitting invisible light, an imaging optical system for irradiating a document by these light sources to form optical images of the document, and a CCD for photoelectrically converting the optical images Of the document turns on the visible light source to acquire a visible light image signal by the CCD. Then, the apparatus turns on the invisible light source to acquire an invisible light image signal by the CCD. After the invisible light image signal is acquired, the apparatus turns off the invisible light source, and turns on the visible light source regardless of whether to read the document.

Abstract: An infrared blurring array is formed of a substrate having thereon a surface array of blurlets whose foci vary in distance from a nominal focal surface location, and/or whose optical phases at the nominal focal surface location vary, in a pseudorandom but deterministic manner. The substrate may be made of a material transmissive to a waveband of incident infrared energy, and the blurlets are refractive lenslets in the substrate, or the blurlets may be mirrorlets in a reflective substrate. The blurlets are surfaces each defined by a curvature and an axial offset from a nominal focal surface location. At least one, and preferably both, of the curvature and the axial offset of each blurlet is a value that is randomly selected from a set of values defined by a respective distribution, preferably a truncated distribution.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus for processing visible image information and invisible image information obtained from visible light and invisible light directed onto an original and from the original onto an image pick-up element via a focusing optical system. The image processing apparatus includes an infrared light source, a visible light source, a focus correction unit that corrects the focus of the images when the images are formed on the image pick-up element and acquired, and a signal processor that corrects a partial magnification difference between the visible image and the infrared image.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated apparatus for monitoring wafers and for process control in the semiconductor manufacturing process, by means of optical measurements at more than one spectral range that can be installed inside any part of the semiconductor production line, i.e., inside the photocluster equipment, the CVD equipment or the CMP equipment. The apparatus comprises a measuring unit (110) for performing optical measurements in predetermined sites on said wafer, illumination sources for illuminating said wafer via measuring unit (10,50), supporting means (30) for holding, rotating and translating the wafer and a control unit (120). The measuring unit (110) comprises: (a) at least two separate optical units, each operating at a different distinct spectral range; (b) a separate optical window for each optical unit (31, 32); (c) at least one movable optical head (34); (d) mechanical means for translating said optical head relatively to the wafer's surface.

Abstract: An infrared blurring array is formed of a substrate having thereon a surface array of blurlets whose foci vary in distance from a nominal focal surface location, and/or whose optical phases at the nominal focal surface location vary, in a pseudorandom but deterministic manner. The substrate may be made of a material transmissive to a waveband of incident infrared energy, and the blurlets are refractive lenslets in the substrate, or the blurlets may be mirrorlets in a reflective substrate. The blurlets are surfaces each defined by a curvature and an axial offset from a nominal focal surface location. At least one, and preferably both, of the curvature and the axial offset of each blurlet is a value that is randomly selected from a set of values defined by a respective distribution, preferably a truncated distribution.

Abstract: A system for providing recognition of an approaching object located in a distant no-light environment includes an illumination source for transmitting light to the distant object and an imaging device for detecting the light radiation reflected from the distant object to generate an image of the distant object corresponding thereto. The system also includes an independent digital signal processor for calculating a desired optical magnification of a lens of the imaging device as a function of a distance between the imaging device and the distant object and generates a voltage corresponding thereto. The digital signal processor applies the voltage to the digital zoom circuitry of the imaging device to adjust the magnification of the lens so that the image of the distant object is held in a fixed dimension.

Abstract: A sample holder apparatus for a top-loading cryostat insert based on a cage assembly system which is mounted onto a vacuum flange. The vacuum flange has a group of blind bores on the vacuum side of the flange, in which are mounted hollow cage assembly rods, and a further corresponding group of four blind bores on the air side of the flange for receiving further cage assembly rods. A cage assembly system can thus be provided on the vacuum side of the flange and, if desired, extended through the vacuum flange onto the air side with optical communication between the vacuum and air sides taking place through a window at the top of the flange. Feed-throughs on the flange provide for access of optical fibers and electrical leads. The design provides a sample holder which is readily adaptable and reconfigurable to perform a variety of optical experiments in a top-loading cryostat. Examples of near-field scanning microscopy (NSOM) and confocal microscopy are described.

Abstract: A system and method adapted for use with a focal plane array of electromagnetic energy detectors to receive first and second frames of image data from electromagnetic energy received from at least a portion of a scene. The first frame is a focused frame and the second frame is a blurred frame. In a feed-forward path the system compares the first frame to the second frame and provides an error signal in response thereto. In a main path, the system multiplies at least a portion of the second frame of image data with the error signal to provide an noise error corrected output signal. In the preferred embodiment, the error signal is scaled prior to being multiplied by the second frame. A min-mean filter is provided to remove dome shading effects from the frames of image data. In the best mode, the min-mean filter is disposed in the main path and blurred and focused outputs therefrom are weighted, averaged and stored.

Abstract: An infrared motion sensing apparatus mounted within the canopy of a decorative lighting fixture where the apparatus may be vertically adjusted. The apparatus comprises a pyroelectric infrared sensor located in a stationary base. Mounted over the sensor and movable in a vertical direction is a Fresnel lens array. The array is mounted to a frame that is constrained to ride on the base in a vertical direction in response to the rotation of a screw. The canopy has an opening to allow radiation to be received by the sensor and a second opening for a stem of the screw so that manipulation of the stem may take place without disassembly of any part of the lighting fixture.

Abstract: A method for use on a satellite that automatically inhibits scanning of an Earth sensor to handle sensor intrusions by the sun, moon, or other celestial bodies. In implementing the method, a predicted state vector for the satellite, derived from an orbit propagator, is generated. An attitude profile for the satellite is generated. Then, the satellite state (predicted state vector) and attitude profile are processed to determine Earth, sun, and moon vectors in a satellite body frame of reference at any instant. The Earth, sun, and moon vectors are compared to the Earth sensor field of view and sensor field of view limit boxes to determine if scan inhibiting or Earth sensor switching should occur. The affected Earth sensor is inhibited or switched if an intrusion of the sun and/or moon into the field of view of the Earth sensor is predicted.

Abstract: A chopper and method of making same, the chopper being fabricated by initially generating a photomask in conjunction with software. The software provides the lens design to be finally stamped onto the chopper element. A silicon wafer is then etched by reactive ion etching using the photomask to provide the pattern and resulting in a silicon wafer master of the chopper pattern with regions in the shape of lenslets to be formed of desired dimension. The chopper pattern on the silicon wafer is then replicated with a hard material which can be easily stripped from the silicon wafer without damaging either the wafer or the hard material, preferably deposited nickel. The separated nickel replication is then used in conjunction with a heavy press to stamp out sheets of an infrared transmissive flexible film, preferably polyethylene, with the lens pattern in the replication. The film with the lens pattern thereon is the chopper element.

Abstract: A bimorph spiral which exhibits a shape-altering response to thermal radiation and is dimensioned to have a focussing effect on light, such as a visible light, by acting as a quasi-Fresnel element. The focussing effect varies as the shape of the bimorph spiral changes due to absorption of thermal radiation. An array of such bimorph spirals can be used for efficient, high-resolution and rapid uncooled photothermal spectroscopy.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the distribution of the energy field density of a laser beam is provided. Laser pulses of the laser beam are extracted in groups or individually from the laser beam, are locally separated from one another, and the respective distribution of the energy field density of the deflected and locally separated individual laser pulses is measured.

Abstract: A system and method adapted for use with a focal plane array of electromagnetic energy detectors to receive first and second frames of image data from electromagnetic energy received from at least a portion of a scene. The first frame is a focused frame and the second frame is an unfocused frame. In a feed-forward path the system compares the first frame to the second frame and provides an error signal in response thereto. In a main path, the system multiplies at least a portion of the second frame of image data with the error signal to provide an noise error corrected output signal. In the preferred embodiment, the error signal is scaled prior to being multiplied by the second frame. An anti-mean (high pass) filter is provided to remove dome shading effects from the frames of image data. In the best mode, the anti-mean filter is disposed in the main path and blurred and focused outputs therefrom are weighted, averaged and stored.

Abstract: A chopper and method of making same, the chopper being fabricated by initially generating a photomask in conjunction with software. The software provides the lens design to be finally stamped onto the chopper element. A silicon wafer is then etched by reactive ion etching using the photomask to provide the pattern and resulting in a silicon wafer master of the chopper pattern with regions in the shape oflenslets to be formed of desired dimension. The chopper pattern on the silicon wafer is then replicated with a hard material which can be easily stripped from the silicon wafer without damaging either the wafer or the hard material, preferably deposited nickel. The separated nickel replication is then used in conjunction with a heavy press to stamp out sheets of an infrared transmissive flexible film, preferably polyethylene, with the lens pattern in the replication The film with the lens pattern thereon is the chopper element. The system is designed to operate in the 8 to 13.5 micron range.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light scanning device for exciting and detecting an emission of secondary light, especially fluorescent light, of a sample, comprising a light generating device for generating scanning light in the form of a single light beam, a deflection unit used for effecting a deflection of the scanning light for scanning at least one subarea of the sample, said deflection being variable in at least one direction, an imaging unit for forming an image of the secondary light emanating from the sample, and a detection unit for detecting the secondary light. When a sample with a large surface to be rastered is subjected to fluorescence examination with high spatial resolution, undesirably long scanning times occur. For reducing the scanning time and for simultaneously maintaining the high resolution in the case of such a sample, the light scanning device according to the present invention comprises a division device for dividing the single light beam into at least two light beams.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a mounting frame having open front and rear ends, and right and left inner side walls opposite to each other in a longitudinal direction and extending between the front and rear ends so as to define a passage. The mounting frame is adapted to be mounted such that the body of a user of the sanitary apparatus will be sighted by the passage. A sensor body is inserted into the passage, and has a front side proximate to the front end to emit and receive a light signal, and right and left lateral walls that face respectively and spacedly the right and left inner side walls. A pair. of pivotally mounting members are respectively disposed between the right lateral and inner side walls, and between the left lateral and inner side walls such that the pivotally mounting members effect pivotal mountings which are pivotable between angular positions about an axis parallel to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: An arrangement for the optical remote control of an apparatus such as a data terminal, an online bill payment terminal, movement surveillance equipment or the like, employing the palm of a hand or a finger of an operator as a control includes a light transmitter part in which there are several sources of light. The light from each of the sources of light of the light transmitter travel through a first collector member to a presumed keyboard in which a keyboard layout is arranged. Each presumed key in the keyboard layout is connected to at least one source of light in the transmitter part. The image of the source of light is visible at the location of the relevant presumed key. Also provided is a light receiver part and a second collector member through which the image of the source of light at the key in question, travels to the receiver part. A processor controls the operation of the light transmitter part.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating uniform reference sources for use in calibrating multiple-detector imaging devices. In exemplary embodiments, a plano-plano reference lens is inserted at a non-focusing position in the optics path of a multiple-detector imaging device. The reference lens includes a highly polished side coated with a semi-reflective film and a rough polished side coated with an anti-reflective coating. The smooth polished side causes the detector array to see a reflected image of itself and a portion of the incoming scene energy simultaneously. The energy emitted by the detector array thus mixes with the scene energy to create a detected photon flux level which is dependent upon, but deviates in a controlled manner from, that of the scene energy alone. At the same time, the rough polished side and the thickness of the reference lens blur the detected image to eliminate scene structure and to provide a uniform photon flux level at each detector in the array.

Abstract: In the method and apparatus, a light receiving element 1 is prevented from being exposed to the direct light of the sun so that a signal is transmitted by means of infrared rays in a favorable and steady manner. a transmitter 4 carried by a driver emits the infrared rays 6, 7 toward a floor surface of the vehicle. The light receiving element 1 is oppositely disposed from such floor surface to receive a reflected component of the infrared rays 6, 7. The apparatus comprises: the transmitter 4, which is carried by the driver and provided with a light emitting element 5 for emitting the infrared rays 6, 7 toward the floor surface; and, a receiver 3 installed in a front panel of the vehicle, in which receiver 3 the light receiving element 1 is mounted.

Abstract: A device for producing and detecting induced heat radiation, in which movable mirror components are moved into and out of a crossed beam path by a stepping motor so as to be isogonal in the beam path. The stepping motor is controlled in such a manner that when the mirror components enter and leave the beam path, they leave at maximum speed. In another embodiment, a mirror component is pushed into and out of the beam path at a fixed angle of deviation.

Abstract: In a system for parallel alignment of the axes of a thermal image apparatus, the IR beam path and the visual beam path extend along the same optical elements. A luminous point/four-quadrant sensor unit which in itself is adjusted with precise and stable axes, is assigned to the IR radiation and visual radiation in front of the display (LCD); and an imaging arm which can be swivelled into the IR beam path or is stationary and has a ridge mirror and a plane mirror, or only a beam splitter, is arranged in front of the viewing lens system.

Abstract: Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, tasteless, and odorless gas which causes asphyxiation by combining with a strong affinity to blood hemoglobin. Unless a patient is quickly identified as having CO poisoning, the patient could face severe medical consequences including death.This patent describes a reagentless optical method for measuring carboxyhemoglobin (HbCO) in a whole undiluted blood sample that can be obtained from a fingerstick. A battery-operated triple wavelength device measures light transmission at frequencies of 548 nm, 810 nm and 950 nm through a 40 .mu.L sample of undiluted whole blood placed in standard disposable glass capillary tube. Having a portable point-of-care device, for uses by paramedics during an emergency situation, in the emergency room, or in a physician's office, can provide accurate immediate confirmation of CO poisoning.

Abstract: A microscanner (30, 32, 34, 36) is cascaded with the electromechanical scanners (12, 14) in imaging systems to enhance their performance and correct inherent deficiencies in the scanning and/or the displayed imagery.

Abstract: The Hyperspectral Imaging Method and Apparatus provides the means of locating materials of economic and military value and accurately determining their spatial location and extent. The identification of a material is made by comparing its surface spectral reflectance properties in a scene with a set of reference template spectra. If there is enough spectral difference between materials of interest such as, for example, camouflage and vegetation or healthy and blighted corn, a detection will be made. The determination of spatial location and extent is may by the rapid collection of spectral measurements (nominally tens of thousands per second) in the form of an image and the reference of this image with GPS position to very high accuracy. Target identification and geolocation is computed in near realtime or realtime.

Abstract: The present invention resides in a Fourier filter to detect defects on semiconductor wafers. The present invention relates to a Fourier filter to detect defects on semiconductor wafers which is less susceptible to having the filter output affected by vibrations and which avoids the physical contact from conventional damping.

Abstract: A light beam, preferably from a laser, is reflected from a target, which is a potential intruder. The time period required for the beam to return to a light detector, as well as the intensity of the reflected light, is recorded. The system includes a computer and software for analyzing the measurements of distance and intensity of reflected light. The algorithm for detecting the presence of an intruder is based on changes in the measured distance and/or intensity of reflected light from initial measurements made during a "learning" period. The system tracks targets using data collected in consecutive searches of the area to be protected. Preferably, an alarm is sounded and/or a video camera is slaved to the system.

Abstract: An adaptive method for removing fixed pattern noise from focal plane array (FPA) imagery. A set of correction terms is applied to the focused image from the FPA, and a filter is applied to the corrected, focused image. The set of correction terms is also applied to a blurred version of the FPA image, and the filter is applied to the corrected, blurred image. Fixed pattern noise errors are then calculated using the filtered imagery, and employed to update the correction terms. The updated correction terms are then used for processing the next image. In one embodiment, the filter is an anti-median filter. In another embodiment, the filter is an anti-mean filter.

Abstract: A thermal imager referencing system comprises two rotating cranks in the form of discs (7, 8) each pivotally attached to connecting member (9). The discs (7, 8) are rotated at a constant speed causing two mirrors laterally displaced along connecting member (9) to intercept an optical path X of a thermal imager associated with the referencing system. Each rotation through 360 degrees of the discs (7, 8) causes each mirror to pass once through the optical path, the mirror surfaces being respectively arranged to cause a linear array of detector elements (not shown) of the thermal imager to view alternately thermo-electric devices (14, 16), which are at different temperatures, during the flyback time associated with the thermal imager. The referencing system enables processing means of the thermal imager to normalize the detector array, compensating for DC offset and differences in gain between different elements of the detector array.

Abstract: A microscope for use in transmissive and reflective infrared spectral analysis of a sample positioned on a sample plane. The microscope uses a collimated beam for infinity correction. A collimated irradiating beam of infrared energy is input to the microscope and focused through a single confocal aperture whereupon the beam is re-collimated and provided to a focusing lens. The focusing lens focuses the beam on a subject sample which generates a resulting image beam. The resulting image beam is re-collimated and provided to an optical element which focuses the resulting image beam back through the single confocal aperture and to an infrared detector. In a preferred embodiment, the size of the single confocal aperture is adjustable and a dichroic element is included for providing simultaneous viewing and infrared measurement of a measured sample. Also in a preferred embodiment, a detector mounting apparatus is included for facilitating orientation of a detector at an infrared output of the microscope.

Abstract: A nondestructive workpiece testing method and apparatus are provided, wherein an electromagnetic, intensity modulated excitation beam is directed at a point of examination on a workpiece surface, and wherein thermal radiation emitted by the point of examination is detected and evaluated, the excitation beam being guided periodically in different directions in each one of which it is directed at a different point of examination on a workpiece surface. Moreover, an apparatus is provided for nondestructive workpiece testing, comprising an excitation source for the emission of an electromagnetic excitation beam, an optical means to modulate the intensity of the excitation beam and to direct the excitation beam at a point of examination on a workpiece surface, further comprising a detector means to detect the thermal radiation emitted by the point of examination.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an ion beam flux measurement device may include an exposure area, a measuring area disposed a predetermined distance from the exposure area, a moveable target having at least a portion thereof disposed within the exposure area, an actuator coupled to the target, and a radioactive emission detector disposed within the measuring area. The radioactive emission detector also may include a viewing portion and may detect beta rays or gamma rays. The actuator may include a feed roller and a take up roller. The target preferably may include a foil coupled to and extending between the rollers. The foil may be continuously moveable between the rollers or may be moveable in a stepwise manner. The ion beam flux measurement device also may include a collimator, preferably including a high density material when beta rays are to be detected, coupled to the radioactive emission detector. A secondary liner may be coupled to the collimator.

Abstract: A guidance system for guiding a missile to a target including an array of photosensitive elements arranged orthogonally to the axis of the missile, a scanning arrangement for enabling scanning of the array of photosensitive elements by means of an optical system, and a target detecting arrangement for controlling the field and the pace of scanning executed by the scanning arrangement so that the field of scanning is smaller and the pace of scanning is greater after detecting a target than before target detection.

Abstract: An earth horizon sensor on board an orbiting spacecraft is designed to produce four (4) scans across the earth at geosynchronous altitudes using only two non-visible wavelength (infrared) detectors. The four scans are essentially parallel and permit the earth center to be offset from the null axis of the earth sensor permitting the offset pointing of high gain communication. By providing four scans using only two detectors, components are minimized and reliability is improved. The four scans are generated with only two detectors by using both the front and rear surfaces of a rotating scanning mirror.

Abstract: A structure for an infrared photoelectric device including a casing covered by a face panel, a circuit board with an infrared photoelectric element, a lens disposed above the circuit board, an adjusting frame assembly mounted inside the casing to hold the circuit board and the lens, and a switch mounted in a top recess on the casing and connected to an alarm system. The adjusting frame assembly is connected to the inside of the casing by a ball and socket joint. The adjusting frame assembly is then fixedly secured at the desired angle by a locating plate. The switch is switched on to turn on the alarm system when the power supply is cut off from the circuit board or the outer cover of the junction box in which the device is installed is opened by a burglar or intruder.

Abstract: A motion detector with a lens-sensor mounting and adjustment arrangement that permits a user to adjust the effective range of the motion detector without altering the sensor's sensitivity settings. The mounting arrangement provides for relative movement of the sensor in relation to the lens matrix through an adjustment accessible to a user from outside the motion detector housing. In a disclosed embodiment a sensor is mounted on a printed circuit board that is disposed to slide on elongate rails. An expansible actuator assembly includes a threaded traveling member coupled to a threaded drive member, one end being accessible through the motion detector housing for engagement by a user and the other end being coupled to the printed circuit board so as to actuate movement of the sensor with respect to the lens.

Abstract: A laser weapon system and method are provided for detecting and engaging a large number of target munitions with a plurality of independently steered laser beams, and is particularly adapted to defend against multiple biological and chemical warfare munitions. The system includes a laser generator for generating laser energy and a segmented mirror having an array of controllable mirror segments for dividing the laser energy into a plurality of steerable laser beams. The low energy divided laser beams are directed through an amplifier to achieve high energy laser beams which are output in a fanned array within a shield zone. A detector senses the presence of munitions. An illuminator laser continually sweeps the shield zone and a receiver receives reflections from munitions which fall within the shield zone.

Abstract: A seeker device, such as a seeker head, includes a housing for both a first optical assembly and a second optical assembly. In the preferred embodiment, the first optical assembly is an infrared telescope having a fixed, relatively narrow field of view for receiving incoming energy via a first path through an optical opening through the housing. The second optical assembly may be a pivotable mirror that is pivoted to provide a wide field of regard. The incoming energy that impinges the pivotable mirror enters through a second path through the optical opening. The energy from the pivotable mirror is redirected into the infrared telescope. In the preferred embodiment, the redirection is achieved by a dichroic mirror that has a high transmissivity with respect to long wave infrared energy and a high reflectivity with respect to mid wave infrared energy.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for holding a line of sight in a scanning imaging system wherein there is continuous relative movement between the field of view of the system and an image plane. A descan mechanism temporarily holds a line of sight within a field of regard as a scanning mechanism such as a gimbal continuously moves imaging optics relative to the object space. The descan mechanism descans the image, the descan mechanism's relative movement being opposite to the direction of movement of the gimbal, so as to hold a line of sight for a time period and thereafter snap to a new field of view to thereafter descan the new line of sight for another time period. With the present invention a scanning system can be used with an imaging device requiring time integration for greater sensitivity, such as a staring electronic detector array or photographic film, without necessitating the physical scanning motion to be cyclically stopped and restarted.

Abstract: Security systems which include an adjustable structure and a motion detector which detects changes in electromagnetic energy from within a zone of protection are described. The structure has a base for mounting the motion detector and wall members which extend away from the base and to form walls around the detector. The wall members are adjusted to positions between the plane of the base and planes perpendicular to the base to alter the shape of the zone of protection and conform it to the area or object of interest. The motion detector is electrically connected to a control unit and alarm module which includes a shock sensor and a current sensor. The motion detector and the control unit and alarm module are connected to a power supply and operated by remote control.

Abstract: A mechanical optical system scans a light beam that has passed through an automobile exhaust plume onto a plurality of detectors by using fiber optic tubes in an array that is mounted close to a rotating mirror. First ends of the fiber optic tubes are in an array adjacent the mirror and second ends of the fiber optic tubes feed the scanned light beam onto respective detectors that detect various gaseous components in the vehicle exhaust. Using the fiber optic tubes eliminates the need for secondary mirrors and reduces the requirement for highly accurate optical alignment among the components of the system.

Abstract: A system and technique to incorporate threat detectors within the FLIR's ical train and use the radiation reflected off of insertable protective filters, or a coated clear window, to determine if the threat is still present. If there has been some change in laser threat status then there is allowed the removal or insertion of the protective filter.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device (10) has single integrated circuit chip (86) to perform various analog signal processing (ASP) functions. The imaging device (10) has a detector array (50) including a plurality of detectors (50') each of which generate an electrical signal (78) indicative of the infrared flux incident thereon. These electrical signals (78) are processed and provided in the form of serial analog video signals (52) to the ASP chip (86). The ASP chip (86) includes circuitry (200) for correcting for the differing responsivity of serial manufactured detector arrays (50), circuitry (202) for correcting the gain of the serial analog signal (52) globally, and circuitry (206) for sensing the gain of a processing serial analog signal (90) which the ASP chip (86) provides to an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter (92) of the thermal imaging device (10).

Abstract: A wide-angle infrared cloud imager that comprises a first and second mirrors driven by first and second stepping motors is disclosed. The first and second mirrors are rotated by the steps motors at axes orthogonal to each other. The first mirror directs reflected infrared radiation to the second mirror. Infrared radiation reflected from the second mirror is directed to an infrared radiation detector that outputs a signal directly proportional to the intensity of incident infrared radiation. The signal is provided to a computer for recording. The computer also provides the driving signal to drive the first and second motors.

Abstract: A dewar cooled piezo electric activated beam splitter permits a filtered dimensional multispectral multidetector staring imager to operate as a target acquisition and recognition device as well as a detector and classifier of unknown chemical vapors or other targets with spectral fingerprint.

Abstract: An infrared scanner and stand assembly including a tripod, a scanner holder connected to the head of the tripod by a ball and socket joint to hold an infrared scanner for permitting the infrared scanner to be adjusted horizontally as well as vertically through a 360 degree angle, the scanner holder having two levels mounted on the same plane at right angles for verifying horizontality.

Abstract: A radiation detector having an evacuated envelope, a radiation detector on a cold finger support in the evacuated space, a closed cycle gas cooling system to cool the cold finger to provide cryogenic operation of the radiation detector, and a getter in the evacuated space to maintain an evacuated condition. The evacuated envelope includes a radiation window. The radiation detector is preferably an X-ray detector employed in an energy dispersive spectrometry system. The evacuated space is preferably held at a pressure of less than about 1 mTorr to achieve molecular flow of remaining gas molecules, minimizing parasitic heat input. The closed cycle gas cooling system employs compressed refrigerant, which is precooled in a counterflow heat exchanger and allowed to expand in proximity to the cold finger, thus absorbing heat and maintaining cryogenic temperatures. A getter material, preferably activated carbon, is provided to absorb gasses and maintain the low pressure during operation.