Abstract: A method of lidar processing pulses a scene with laser pulse sequences from a laser light source. Reflected light from the target scene passes through receiver optics and is defocused to cover a light sensing surface of a photo detector array. The photo detector array contains multiple photon detector elements connected in parallel where each photon detector element is configured to generate corresponding photon pulse output signals based on sensing photons in the received reflected light, and each photon detector element is characterized by a non-responsive dead time period immediately after sensing a photon. The photon pulse output signals are combined to form a common real time output signal, which is converted to a digital time resolved histogram. Multiple digital time resolved histograms produced in response to multiple light pulses directed at a scanning location are combined to form a composite time resolved histogram for the scanning location.

Abstract: A dynamic optic includes at least one optic having a reservoir that is at least partially filled with a liquid and at least one light source disposed adjacent to the at least one optic. The upper surface of the liquid creates a total internal reflection surface that totally internally reflects light emitted by the at least one light source.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed generally to a method and apparatus for monitoring mask process impact on lithography performance. A method including receiving a physical wafer pattern according to a mask, extracting a mask contour from the mask, and extracting a deconvolution pattern based on the mask contour. A lithography process is simulated to create a virtual wafer pattern based on the deconvolution pattern. The virtual wafer pattern is then compared to the physical wafer pattern.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a phase change memory device that prevents or minimizes adverse performance characteristics associated with inadequate overlap between top electrode contacts and top electrodes. The method prevents or minimizes unwanted chemical changes and etch losses of the phase change material when building the top electrode. The method includes forming spacers on sidewalls of remaining portions of the insulation layer and the hard masks so that subsequent etching of the conductive layer and the phase change material layer uses the spacers and the hard masks as an etch mask to form top electrodes and a phase change layer. Accordingly, the method promises to provide a way of achieving a high level of integration for the resultant phase change memory devices.

Abstract: A lower electrode layer 2, an upper electrode layer 4 formed above the lower electrode layer 2, and a metal oxide thin film layer 3 formed between the lower electrode layer 2 and the upper electrode layer 4 are provided. The metal oxide thin film layer 3 includes a first region 3a whose value of resistance increases or decreases by an electric pulse that is applied between the lower electrode layer 2 and the upper electrode layer 4 and a second region 3b arranged around the first region 3a and having a larger content of oxygen than the first region 3a, wherein the lower and upper electrode layers 2 and 4 and at least a part of the first region 3a are arranged so as to overlap as viewed from the direction of the thickness of the first region 3a.

Abstract: A visual aid is used by a pilot in an aircraft to position himself in the cockpit by an axial movement, called movement along the X axis, in an aircraft reference coordinate system, and by a vertical movement, called movement along the Z axis, in the aircraft reference system. The visual aid comprises two geometric shapes (3, 4), separated in space and designed to be visually aligned by the pilot; these shapes have the characteristic that each has a visual reference (31, 41) on its surface, approximately in the same horizontal plane perpendicular to the vertical XZ plane.

Abstract: A lower electrode layer 2, an upper electrode layer 4 formed above the lower electrode layer 2, and a metal oxide thin film layer 3 formed between the lower electrode layer 2 and the upper electrode layer 4 are provided. The metal oxide thin film layer 3 includes a first region 3a whose value of resistance increases or decreases by an electric pulse that is applied between the lower electrode layer 2 and the upper electrode layer 4 and a second region 3b arranged around the first region 3a and having a larger content of oxygen than the first region 3a, wherein the lower and upper electrode layers 2 and 4 and at least a part of the first region 3a are arranged so as to overlap as viewed from the direction of the thickness of the first region 3a.

Abstract: A laser reference device includes at least one planar or flat surface and an internal laser light source for generating a laser light beam. A lens inside the device may convert the laser light into a fan-shaped beam, and project the beam adjacent the planar or flat surface of the housing. The fan-shaped beam thus projects along that surface of the housing. If the laser leveling device is placed with the flat surface on a table or floor, for example, the fan-shaped beam will be in a level plane. This allows a user to place the laser leveling device on a surface and generate a laser light to align surfaces or objects, such as objects on a wall.

Abstract: An arrangement for the vertical orientation of a geodetic instrument over a ground point, comprises an optical observation device for visual sighting of the ground point with a target beam, a laser device for generating a laser beam, and an optical in-coupling element by which the laser beam and the target beam can be coupled into a target axis impinging vertically on the target point. In this way, an exact orientation of the geodetic instrument can be achieved under all light conditions. The geodetic instrument retains its compact dimensions. In addition, a laser in a lower hazard class can be used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for leveling at least one output light beam in a construction tool. One embodiment of the apparatus includes a laser optical assembly for producing output light beams that define plumb, level, and right angle beams for use in construction applications. The optical assembly is mounted on an optical platform which permits tilting about “slip-stick” joints that define two perpendicular axes of rotation. Such joints allow the optical platform to change its angle of tilt in response to an applied torque and to maintain the changed angle of tilt until further torque is applied. Also, the “slip-stick” mechanism prevents substantial movement or oscillation of the optical platform in the absence of the applied torque. The embodiment further includes a sensor element for determining whether the output beams are level.

Abstract: An arrangement for the vertical orientation of a geodetic instrument over a ground point, comprises an optical observation device for visual sighting of the ground point with a target beam, a laser device for generating a laser beam, and an optical in-coupling element by which the laser beam and the target beam can be coupled into a target axis impinging vertically on the target point. In this way, an exact orientation of the geodetic instrument can be achieved under all light conditions. The geodetic instrument retains its compact dimensions. In addition, a laser in a lower hazard class can be used.

Abstract: A laser receiver is provided that is capable of providing an accurate indication of laser receiver tilt and correcting a generated elevation signal based upon the indicated laser receiver tilt. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a laser receiver is provided comprising a laser beam detection unit, an inclination detection unit, and suitable laser receiver control circuitry. The laser beam detection unit is arranged to enable production of an elevation signal indicative of an elevation of a laser beam relative to the laser receiver. The inclination detection unit comprises a reference light source, an optical fiber, and an optical detector. The optical fiber defines a light input end and a light output end and is coupled to the reference light source such that light from the reference light source enters at the light input end and exits from the light output end as an output beam of light. The optical detector is arranged to receive the output beam of light.

Abstract: A laser level includes a transparent container, a buoy with a built-in laser component, and a support frame. The center of gravity of the buoy is always at the center of the buoy. One end of the buoy emits horizontal laser beams, the other end thereof emitting vertical laser beams. Two spindles respectively extend from both sides of the center of the buoy such that the spindles are perpendicular to the body of the buoy. The distance between the distal ends of the spindles is equivalent to the internal width of the container. Brackets are disposed on the inner wall of the container at a suitable height. The buoy is mounted on the brackets by means of the spindles to achieve balance and stability. The container is supported on the support frame so that it can be placed on surfaces of any uncertain plane.

Abstract: An optical unit for projecting an image including first and second locating lines for substantially eliminating the introduction of visual parallax error. In one preferred form, the optical unit is incorporated into a machine for performing a forming operation on a workpiece and is operative to project an image of a portion of a scale to a position easily read by the user during machine operation. The optical unit includes a prism portion having a first side disposed adjacent the scale, a second side at an angle to the first side for reflecting the image and a third side through which the projected image may be viewed. The first locating line is disposed on the first side and the second locating line is disposed on the third side such that visual alignment eliminates the introduction of visual parallax error associated with reading a scale.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser surveying apparatus capable of forming a measuring reference line and a reference plane by laser light. In the laser surveying apparatus, a mount unit is rotated about a vertical axis, a laser projection unit is rotated about a horizontal axis, a light source applies laser light in a direction parallel to the horizontal axis, a rotating irradiator turnably applies the laser light onto the reference plane, first deflecting means provided in the laser projection unit deflects the laser light in an intersecting direction, and second deflecting means provided in the rotating irradiator deflects the laser light sent from the first deflecting means in an intersecting direction. The first deflecting means comprises a mirror and an image rotator is placed between the mirror and the light source.

Abstract: An angle measuring device comprising two legs, a hinge supporting the legs turnably relative to one another about a common axis, at least one rotor, drive unit driving the rotor rotatably about a rotary axis coincided with the turning axis, reference points associated with the legs, at least one reference mark rotating together with the rotor and passing the reference points over a rotary path, the hinge having a central bearing part which is fixedly connected with one of the legs, and a bearing receptacle provided for the other of the legs and arranged concentrically to the turning axis.

Abstract: An instrument for use in alignment, plumb and leveling functions includes a laser diode projecting a beam through a liquid contained in a vessel. Floating in the liquid is a compensator float which includes telescope optics so as to diminish the angle of rays leaving the telescope as compared to rays entering the telescope. The laser beam passes through the liquid and through the telescope, exiting from a window at the top or side of the instrument. By selecting the proper relationship between the telescope's magnification and the index of refraction of the liquid, the instrument is made to correct for small tilt angles of its housing. Various embodiments are disclosed for projecting upward or downward plumb beams, level beams or both.

Abstract: An automatic inclination corrector and an inclination sensor using the automatic inclination corrector free from the temperature, for optical instruments. A transparent container 3 seals silicon oil C having a free liquid surface C1. A collimation lens 2 guides the laser beam from the diode 1 to the free liquid surface C1. The inclination corrector corrects the tilt of the instrument to glide the laser beam L4 from the container 3 to advance the beam upward with a normal angle. A reflecting mirror 5 reflects beam L2 after total reflection at the free liquid surface C1. The beam is inverted by a roof prism 6 and passes through silicon oil C and the free liquid surface C1 once. This removes the refractive index n influence to the laser beam L4, and gives an angular change to the laser beam 4 to head the laser beam L4 to a fixed direction.

Abstract: A laser apparatus is provided for sensing rotational orientation or the degree of levelness. The apparatus includes a photosensitive cell and a diode laser directing a laser beam toward the photosensitive cell. Both the diode laser and the photosensitive cell may be mounted in a rigid housing. A ball lens is rotatably mounted between the diode laser and the photosensitive cell such that the laser beam must pass through the ball lens to impinge upon the position sensitive cell. The ball lens is subject to limited movement within the housing. The control for limiting movement of the ball lens may be a circular raceway or a negative lens. Movement of the ball lens within the circular raceway or on the negative lens causes the laser beam to shift on the target. The position of the laser beam on the target is a function of the position of the ball lens and can be correlated to either the rotational orientation of the housing or the degree of levelness of the housing.

Abstract: The automatic tilt angle compensator of the present invention includes a liquid sealing container with a transparent liquid sealed therein to form a free liquid surface, a light projecting system for projecting light beam to the free liquid surface at a given angle so that it is reflected by the free liquid surface, an optical axis dividing means for dividing an optical axis of the light projecting system, a first light entry means for allowing the light beam from the light projecting system to pass into the sealing container, a second light entry means for allowing the light beams divided by the dividing means into the sealing container, a first light irradiating means for irradiating the light beam reflected by the free liquid surface from the sealing container, and a second light irradiating means arranged face-to-face to the first light irradiating means, whereby a light beam entering the liquid sealing container from the first light entry means is irradiated by the first light irradiating means, and when

Abstract: A laser scanner 50 includes a laser 76 affixed to a pendulum 66 with a damper 80 for damping the movement of the pendulum 66. The laser scanner 50 is controllable through a remote control 62 for positioning the laser beam as desired. Both horizontal and vertical laser beams can be projected in order to orient the laser scanner 50 with respect to gravity and simultaneously elevation.

Abstract: A tilt angle automatic compensator used for a device requiring verticality or horizontality is disclosed. The automatic compensator comprises a container 4 where a transparent liquid to form free liquid surface 1 is sealed, a light projection system for projecting light beam toward the free liquid surface at a predetermined angle so that it is totally reflected on the free liquid surface, and an optical system arranged at a predetermined position along optical path of the totally reflected light beam after passing through the container with sealed liquid and for equalizing change of reflection angle of optical axis corresponding to change of incident angle of optical axis in all directions. When the liquid container is tilted and incident angle of the light beam is relatively changed with respect to the free liquid surface, sensitivity varying according to the direction of change of reflection angle is optically compensated.

Abstract: An inclination angle metering apparatus is arranged such that a beam from a light source is split into two beams by a half-mirror provided in a light path between the light source and the surface of a liquid. One beam is reflected by the liquid surface falls on a line sensor, and the other beam falls on the line sensor without reflected by the liquid surface. When a housing and the liquid are relatively inclined, an incident position of one beam changes on the line sensor, whereas an incident position of the other beam does not change. An inclination angle to the liquid surface is determined based on the incident position of one beam with respect to the incident position of the other beam.

Abstract: In an angle displacement detector for an optical image stabilization device including a tubular casing which has a chamber containing a sealed-in liquid, a floating body which is disposed within the sealed-in liquid and which is carried in such a way as to be freely rotatable around a given axis of rotation and a detector for detecting a rotation of a floating body around the rotation axis relative to the tubular casing, magnetic elements arranged to have the floating body in a position to permit a measuring action to be adequately carried out at the time of measuring an angle displacement and to adequately keep the floating body in its initial position by a magnetic action when no angle displacement measuring action is required.

Abstract: A non-magnetic apparatus is disclosed for finding the deflection of the vertical. That apparatus has a device for finding an instrument spatial angle between a reference direction and an instrument characterization direction, and a device for finding a deflection spatial angle between the instrument characterization direction and a direction along a plumb line. Preferably, the device for finding the instrument spatial angle uses a system of gyroscopes. Preferably, the device for finding the deflection spatial angle uses a pendulum.

Abstract: Apparatus operable in accordance with the method of the present invention for measuring the angle of incidence of a light beam or plane relative to level comprises a photodetector array for sensing the light and a level mirror preferably comprising a pool of mercury. Optics are provided for transmitting the light to the photodetector array in alignment with the angle of incidence of the light (aligned light) and also after the light has been reflected from the mercury pool (reflected light). A shutter is provided for separating aligned light from reflected light such that distinct signals representative of the two are generated by the photodetector array. The distinct signals are processed by up-counting and down-counting a counter circuit to determine the average centers of light spots representative of the aligned light and the reflected light and the distance between those average centers which is representative of the deviation of the light beam or plane from level.

Abstract: The invention relates to a geodetic instrument with a telescope, an objective with a reticle in the focal plane, a clinometer and optoelectronic elements with the objective of avoiding faulty measurements due to a vibrating or oscillating target image, as well as of avoiding hanging or sticking of the pendulum and of achieving a higher measuring accuracy and of facilitating the reading of the pole. The invention is applicable particularly for compensator levels. Its task is to provide the fundamentals for an automated compensator level through the use of optoelectronic components and microprocessors and to carry out measurements on an oscillating substratum.

Abstract: A polychromatic mutual alignment device for an aiming apparatus includes an optical mixer having at least two holes each receiving light emitted in one of different spectral ranges for which boresighting is to be achieved and a plate which is transparent in a wave length range and reflective in another wave range for combining the two light beams into a common block output beam. A parabola mirror receives the output beam at an angle with respect to its axis. The mixer and the mirror being so located that all source-forming holes are at the focus of the mirror.

Abstract: An optical plummet mechanism for compensating an error due to an inclination of a surveying instrument comprises a first pendulum suspended in the instrument body interior, a second pendulum suspended in a perpendicular relation to the first pendulum, a first reflector provided on the first pendulum for reflecting light incident in the direction of a collimation axis of a collimation lens in the direction of a substantially horizontal collimation axis lying in the plane of swinging of the first pendulum, and a second reflector provided on the second pendulum and being a double reflecting surface reflector for reflecting light incident in the direction of a collimation axis lying the the plane of swinging of the first pendulum in the direction of a vertical collimation axis. Collimation errors due to inclination of the instrument body in two directions, i.e.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a laser beam projection device for controlling the orientation of a support frame upon which a laser beam source is mounted includes a base frame, a support frame, and a pivot for mounting the support frame on the base frame. A level arm is pivotally supported at one point by the support frame and carries a level vial which provides an electrical indication of the orientation of the level arm. A positioning arrangement engages the support frame and the level arm and adjusts their relative position. The positioning arrangement includes a threaded shaft having a first threaded portion engaging the support frame and a nut engaging a second threaded portion of the shaft. The nut contacts the level arm. By rotating the nut, the relative position of the level arm and the support frame are adjusted.

Abstract: A rotating target contains an appropriately shaped section of photoelectric material which detects the position of a beam of light which is incident on the target. The position of the beam is determined in terms of its distance from the center of rotation of the target and by its angular position relative to the vertical. The vertical direction is simultaneously determined relative to the rotating target using a gravity operated reference.

Abstract: An eyepiece for use on a microscope when lengths and angles are to be measured. Two glass plates extending perpendicular to the optical axis of the eyepiece are spaced axially from each other to form between them a chamber containing a steel ball which is free to move, by gravity, to the lowest part of this chamber and which thus forms an artificial horizon. One of the glass plates, preferably the one farthest from the eye of the observer, is formed as a reticle, graduated with a diametrically extending linear scale and also with a circumferential series of radially extending angular graduations, read in conjunction with the steel ball to make the desired angular measurements.

Abstract: A device for measuring distances to a target includes electronic circuits for generating a light which is amplitude modulated by three selectable frequencies. Also included are optics for focusing the amplitude modulated light onto the target, and for receiving reflection of the light therefrom. Additional circuits convert the received light to electrical signals representative thereof, and compute the phase angles between these signals and the amplitude modulating signals. The distance to the target is then calculated based on these phase angles and the wavelength of frequencies equal to the differences between the three selectable frequencies. Another circuit uses an accelerometer to measure vertical angle to the target, and further distance measurements are made based thereon. Still other circuits compensate for a variety of potential error causing conditions, such as signal waveform asymmetry and component tolerance.

Abstract: An apparatus for orienting and maintaining the orientation of laser and similar construction equipment in a predetermined orientation with respect to a horizontal plane comprises superimposed first, second and third support plates, each of which is preferably annularly shaped for positioning a laser beam generator therethrough. The third support plate is mounted to and between the first and second support plates for pivotable movement about mutually perpendicular first and second axes, respectively. The first or top plate has level vials mounted perpendicular to the first and second axes for detecting the position of the first plate with respect to a horizontal plane. A pair of threaded screws are threaded into the central third plate to adjust the position of the first plate with respect to the bottom or second plate about the two mutually perpendicular axes.

Abstract: An optical assembly is provided which comprises a light source, preferably a laser, and a particularly compensated prism unit, the laser and the prism unit being mounted on a common holder or base. The beam emitted from the laser is reflected 90.degree. by the prism unit, and although this unit is only approximately aligned with the laser the reflected beam will always form a right angle to the incident beam with an extreme accuracy, the deviation from 90.degree. being less than half an angular minute. The accuracy in reflexion independently of prism unit setting is attributed to the compensated prism unit, which comprises a quadrangular prism composed of two semi-quadrangular prisms, a reflecting surface being mounted, preferably in an adjustable position, adjacent one side of the prism.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved system for projecting and utilizing a light beam as a reference line for construction purposes. The system includes a light beam projection device mounted in a housing. A light path compensator is positioned within the housing and intercepts the beam of light emitted by the light beam projecting device and automatically corrects slight deviations of the light beam from true horizontal. A vertically adjustable leg is attached to the front end of the housing and a horizontally pivotable leg is attached to each side of the housing near the rear end of the housing to enable leveling and centering of the housing in a conduit or positioning and leveling on any surface. Structure is controllable from the rear of the housing to deflect the light beam in a vertical plane to vary the grade of the beam projected by the device. An indicator, readable from the rear of the housing, is provided for indicating the grade at which the light beam is projected.

Abstract: The specification discloses an improved system for projecting and utilizing a light beam as a reference line for construction purposes. The system includes a light beam projection device mounted in a housing. A light path compensator is positioned within the housing and intercepts the beam of light emitted by the light beam projecting device and automatically corrects slight deviations of the light beam from true horizontal. A vertically adjustable leg is attached to the front end of the housing and a horizontally pivotable leg is attached to each side of the housing near the rear end of the housing to enable leveling and centering of the housing in a conduit or positioning and leveling on any surface. Structure is controllable from the rear of the housing to deflect the light beam in a vertical plane to vary the grade of the beam projected by the device. An indicator, readable from the rear of the housing, is provided for indicating the grade at which the light beam is projected.

Abstract: Laser unit for directing a laser beam in a strictly vertical direction, comprising a laser proper having a substantially vertical axis, an afocal system, an optical device for automatically correcting the verticality of the laser beam, and a base structure provided with means for supporting the assembly of said laser, afocal system and optical device in such position that the laser axis be substantially vertical. This invention is applicable to all fields and techniques in which it is desired to determine with the maximum precision the vertical at a given locus where the laser is installed.

Abstract: The laser target simulator of the invention comprises two point sources of light energy (LEDs) aimed at a section of concave spherical mirror which collimates the light energy and projects it across the full aperture of a laser seeker. One of the point sources of light energy is positioned on the laser seeker boresight at the mirror focal point. The other is positioned in spaced adjacent relationship to it and is rotatable about the laser seeker boresight. A CW light source is positioned coaxially to the boresight point source of light. The simulator also includes light source control circuits that make it possible to test the various operational modes of the laser seeker including tracking rates and accuracies, acquisition logic, laser pulse coding, and false target rejection.