Abstract: Apparatus for providing simultaneous jamming of a number of missiles is disclosed comprising a plurality of reticles each having a pattern therein which provides necessary spin frequency and carrier frequency (if required) for the missile to be jammed. The reticles are arranged in series and modulate a source of radiation and generate the spin and carrier frequencies by blocking or rejecting radiation within the spectral passband of the missile to be jammed.

Abstract: A method of countermeasuring heat seeking missiles is disclosed in which an infrared source is spatially modulated by providing a beam from the source which is swept past a point in space to produce pulsed infrared energy at this point. In one embodiment the beam is swept around a 360° azimuth for omnidirectional protection.

Abstract: A modulated infrared source is disclosed in which spatial modulation is accomplished by the sweeping of an infrared beam past a point in space. In one embodiment close to 100% of the energy from the infrared source is focused by rotating optics including parabolically shaped reflectors about the source such that energy losses due to the modulation technique are minimized due to a single reflection of the energy from the IR source. The speed of the rotation of the reflective optics is minimized while maintaining sufficiently high modulation frequencies by the provision of four beams from a single source. In another embodiment a squirrel cage reflecting system is provided in which the energy from the IR source is reflected twice.

Abstract: A modulated infrared source is disclosed in which spatial modulation is accomplished by the rotation of beam forming optics about an infrared source in which a portion of the energy in the beam produced includes energy coming directly from the IR source without being reflected. Close to 100% of the energy from the infrared source is focused by rotating parabolically shaped elements, such that energy losses due to the modulation technique are minimized. The speed of the rotation of the reflective optics is minimized while maintaining sufficiently high modulation frequencies by the provision of four beams from a single source.

Abstract: A disc serving as a spatial radiation modulator has dispersed radiation filters thereon. Each filter has a transmittance or reflectance modulation function of the form sin2(m&thgr;+p&pgr;/4), where m is a positive integer and p has one of the four values 0, 1, 2, 3. A radiation beam including selected wavelength components is diffracted into an elongated image dispersed according to wavelength. Different wavelength components are focused onto different filters on the modulator and are encoded by correspond filters. Since the modulation functions of the filters are orthogonal to one another, it is possible to extract the amplitude of each wavelength component after it has been encoded or modulated by corresponding filter from the total detected signal during one measurement.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator is described. A special profile blocker is rotated across a large angel (e.g., 180° to 360°) to provide a variable amount of attenuation. In one embodiment, the special profile blocker is an eccentrically driven wheel. The special profile blocker is driven by a stepper motor via a gear assembly. In one embodiment, the variable optical attenuator includes a beam splitter for the input and/or the output signal for monitoring of signal strength and/or feedback control of the attenuator.

Abstract: An optical apparatus according to the present invention has an eyepiece side body internally equipped with a diopter adjusting ring for diopter adjustment of an eyepiece, a barrier, an eyecup ring including a driving pin for opening and closing the barrier and a cam groove for advancing and retreating an eyecup fitted in an eyecup ring. When the eyecup ring is rotated counterclockwise, the barrier is rotated up to an opening position, and when further rotated, the eyecup is twisted up. When operated in the reverse direction, the eyecup is drawn in and the barrier is rotated to a closing position. It is possible to easily accomplish the moving and opening/closing operations for protecting a hood member (eyecup) and an optical system (eyepiece), and the structures thereof are simple.

Abstract: An optical shutter comprising a frame with an aperture and shutter blade for modulating a light beam or a particle stream passing through the aperture. The top end of the shutter blade comprises a first sector and a second sector, each sector having different optical characteristics. The bottom end of the shutter blade is coupled to a motor means for pivotally rotating the shutter blade over a limited angular range in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction such that the first sector is aligned with the aperture when the shutter blade is rotated in one direction and the second sector is aligned with the aperture when the shutter blade is rotated in the other direction.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes an image source that scans about two axes. To offset motion about a first of the axes during sweeps about the second axis, the apparatus includes a structure to produce offsetting motion about the first axis at a scanning rate equal to the twice-scanning rate about the second axis. The offsetting scan can be a ramp or other motion. In one embodiment, the offsetting motion is a resonant sinusoid. The offsetting motion may be produced by an auxiliary scanner such as a mechanical scanner, a piezoelectric scanner, a MEMs scanner or other scanner. Because the offsetting motion is very small, the auxiliary scanner can function with a very small scan angle.

Abstract: An optical shutter comprising a frame with an aperture and shutter blade for modulating a light beam or a particle stream passing through the aperture. The top end of the shutter blade comprises a first sector and a second sector, each sector having different optical characteristics. The bottom end of the shutter blade is coupled to a motor for pivotally rotating the shutter blade over a limited angular range in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction such that the first sector is aligned with the aperture when the shutter blade is rotated in one direction and the second sector is aligned with the aperture when the shutter blade is rotated in the other direction.

Abstract: A machine vision apparatus (24) and method are provided which allows imaging by or with the aid of artificial observation devices, such as video cameras, binoculars, telescopes, and other optical observation devices (10) which have an objective lens (12) passing light from an object or scene being viewed to a focal plane (18) at which is located a surface (22) which is at least partially reflective. Conventionally, such optical observation devices provide a retro-reflective light return into the scene being observed. Such a light return from an observation device can be detrimental, for example, to certain experimental results, or to the accuracy of machine vision (i.e., imaging) employed in robotic manufacturing tools.

Abstract: A system for correcting optical aberration created by a conformal window has a conformal window (12) with an outer surface (26) and an inner surface (28). The inner surface (28) is an aspheric surface for compensating for higher order aberrations. An aberration generator (16) is aligned to receive input from the conformal window (12) and dynamically corrects lower order aberrations, notably focus and astigmatism, over the field of regard.

Abstract: A high intensity light projector for stage, architectural and similar applications includes a controllable image quality projection gate providing advanced visual effects. The projection gate, capable of selectively scattering or transmitting incident light, may be constructed of an array of scattering liquid crystal material in combination with infrared and ultraviolet reduction means which provide in the high intensity beam, a stable thermal environment by minimizing the absorption of light by the projection gate. Additional thermal efficiency is provided by supplemental cooling means. Color control is also provided in the form of dichroic filter wheels forming cooperating adjustable low, high and band width filters including saturation control. A color measuring feedback sensor is also provided. An intensity measuring feedback sensor controls a spatially-modulated, variable-density, reflectively-coated dimming wheel. A programmable gobo system has provisions for gobo selection, orientation, and rotation.

Abstract: A collapsible shield for shielding the imaging beam of an internal drum imaging system. The collapsible shield is configured to be positioned in an extended position to enclose the imaging beam during scanning of an imaging material, and positioned in a retracted position during loading of the imaging material into the imaging system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing sequential temporal and spatial integration of a collimated non-symmetrical excimer laser beam to optimize the temporal and spatial characteristics of the beam. The temporal integrator comprises a pair of cylindrical lenses spaced along the beam axis by a distance substantially equal to the sum of the focal length of both lenses, and a motor mechanism for rotating the two spaced cylindrical lenses about the beam axis. The spatial beam integrator includes a plurality of prisms distributed about a hollow center, the outlet face of each prism being angled with respect to the body axis of the spatial beam integrator so that portions of the laser beam passing through a given prism are refracted towards the center upon emergence from the outlet face.

Abstract: A method of making a microceramic optical shutter includes forming a sacrificial stator member and inserting the sacrificial stator member into the bottom ceramic portion in the green state, a top ceramic portion is sintered into the bottom portion to form a unitary ceramic body structure. The sacrificial stator member is formed with a sacrificial fiber wound in a helical fashion which is removed by etching. After etching ferromagnetic material is filled into the cavity to provide a helical coil.

Abstract: A mechanical beam isolator uses rod-shaped elements having a Gaussian configuration to interrupt the path of a beam of photons or particles when the time-scale of the needed interruption is of the order of a microsecond or less. One or more of these rods is mounted transversely to, and penetrates through, a rotating shaft supported by bearings. Owing to the Gaussian geometry of the rods, they are able to withstand much higher rotation speeds, without tensile failure, than rods having any other geometrical shape.

Abstract: A projection type display apparatus incorporating a light receiver or a light transmitter, in which the light signal is received or transmitted through a screen or condensing lens disposed in its vicinity, and hence the luminous flux utility efficiency is high.A projection type display apparatus capable of preventing deterioration of picture quality due to difference in color in the projection units, and the best picture quality is realized even when the projection lenses for different colors are composed of nearly same components.

Abstract: A microceramic optical shutter includes a unitary ceramic body which has been formed with first and second internal cavities, a coil structure formed in the first internal cavity and a ferromagnetic stator formed in the second internal cavity and disposed in operative relationship with the coil structure.

Abstract: A confocal scanning microscope comprises rotational disk having numerous pinholes arranged at positions that are conjugate with respect to an object to be observed, illumination optical system for implementing the pinhole-illumination for the object to be observed through the rotational disk, and observation optical system for conducting a reflected light beam from the illuminated object to be observed through the rotational disk and focuses the light beam to form an image for observation at a position that is conjugate with respect to the rotational disk, wherein the pinholes of the rotational disk are in equiangular arrangement on a parabolic spiral. The number of loops M of the parabolic spiral and the number of equiangular divisions in one round of the parabolic spiral at which the pinholes are located have any of relations: M:N=1:2, 3:2, 5:2, . . . , (2i-1):2, where i is an integer.

Abstract: A tomographic imaging system works with a conventional real image formed by, e.g., a lens. Scanning is over an image formation area of the image plane. A plurality of differently-oriented scanning apertures are disposed over the surface of a spinning element (disk or rotor drum). A detector is located behind the image plane for creating a signal proportional to light passing through the scanning apertures, which sweep over the image. The apertures are swept through the image plane in a first direction by the spinning of the disk or drum; they are simultaneously swept in a second direction, also lying in the image plane, that is perpendicular to the first direction, by appropriate mechanical mechanism. The simultaneous sweeps allow signal processing means to reconstruct from the detector signal a scanned image by using conventional tomographic algorithms. The device may include a variable-diameter aperture and means for moving the aperture over the image formation area; this acts as a "zoom".

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing sequential temporal and spatial integration of a collimated non-symmetrical excimer laser beam to optimize the temporal and spatial characteristics of the beam. The temporal integrator comprises a pair of cylindrical lenses spaced along the beam axis by a distance substantially equal to the sum of the focal length of both lenses, and a motor mechanism for rotating the two spaced cylindrical lenses about the beam axis. The spatial beam integrator includes a plurality of prisms distributed about a hollow center, the outlet face of each prism being angled with respect to the body axis of the spatial beam integrator so that portions of the laser beam passing through a given prism are refracted towards the center upon emergence from the outlet face.

Abstract: The present invention provides a variable attenuator for an optical transmission system having a disc-like masking plate with apertures (or image zones) formed in an arcuate control area at the periphery of the plate. Within each aperture, at least one opaque masking member is provided extending outward from the origin to the perimeter of the aperture and having a masking surface with an incremental masking area which continuously increases in magnitude with increasing radial length of the aperture. The perpendicular cross-section of each masking member with respect to the optical axis preferably forms a geometric shape having straight-line edges extending radially outward from the origin of the aperture. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of masking members are utilized (as a pair or sets of pairs).

Abstract: A broad-bandwidth interferometric device is adapted for longitudinal insertion into a cylinder cavity to produce irradiance signals at multiple vertical-scanning positions as a function of optical path differences between a reference mirror incorporated in the probe and the cylinder-wall surface. The light-source beam is passed through an objective lens placed longitudinally in the cylinder and then divided by a beam splitter disposed in fixed relation to the cylinder wall to produce a test beam directed radially to the wall and a reference beam directed axially to a reference mirror disposed in fixed relation to the lens. During scanning, the objective lens and reference mirror are translated together, while the beam splitter remains stationary with respect to the cylinder wall, thereby varying the position of the focal point of the test beam and providing the vertical-scanning effect required to produce interference fringes and a corresponding map of the tested cylinder surface.

Abstract: A micro-mechanical shutter array using micro-mechanical technology and silicon-on-transparent-substrate technology. The micro-mechanical shutter array is operated by using electro-static forces. Two basic types of shutter movements are described, viz. an electric force/electric counter-force and an electric force/mechanical (spring) counter-force.

Abstract: In a sight scope device, a sleeve-like body is provided with a translucent mirror and a light source. Light emitted from the light source is reflected by the translucent mirror and proceeded toward an eyepiece side so as to served as an aiming point. A shield member interposed between the translucent mirror and the light source and having a plurality of through-holes is provided on the body. These through-holes have different areas, respectively, with each other. A movement of the shield member on a plane which is generally perpendicular to an axis of the body causes one of the through-holes to be selectively arranged or appeared on a line connecting the light source and the translucent mirror. The one of the through-holes is selected depending on a distance to a target.

Abstract: Aperture stops are positioned in the optical train of a partially overlapped binocular display in a such a manner that overlapping portions the binocular boundaries of the left and right fields of view are substantially out of focus, and therefore do not appear as well defined, distracting contours in the visual field. The present invention is particularly well suited for use in virtual reality systems employing head mounted displays.

Abstract: A light valve for attenuating a collimated light beam contains a focusing lens, a light vane and motor control. The focusing lens contains a focal length and lens diameter. The focusing lens focuses a collimated light beam to generate a light cone such that the dimensions of the light cone are based on the diameter and focal length of the focusing lens. The light vane deflects light within the light cone. The motor is controlled to position the light vane to attenuate the light within the light cone by placing the light vane in at least one position ranging from a zero stop attenuation position to a full stop attenuation position. For a single degree of light vane rotation into the light cone, the light beams is attenuated by three percent. In the zero stop position, the light vane is parallel to an edge of the light cone so that no light is attenuation. In the full stop position, the light vane is located thirty degrees, relative to the zero stop position, into the light cone.

Abstract: An articulated device for space vehicles, for example, for temporarily sealing the aperture of a space optical instrument. The device includes a fixed support element for mounting on the vehicle and an auxiliary element such as a temporary sealing flap mounted to pivot with respect to the fixed support element around a hinge axis between a first configuration (e.g. wherein the aperture is sealed) and a second configuration. The auxiliary element is attached, by a frangible controlled-break component for making temporary connections, to a hinge shaft whose rotation between the first and second configuration is controlled by an actuator. A torsional resilient return device is secured to the auxiliary element and to the shaft while resiliently biasing the auxiliary element to rotate it around the shaft in a predetermined direction. The shaft is substantially loosely engaged in journal bearings which are rigidly fastened to the auxiliary element.

Abstract: In a raster input scanner adapted to perform multiple scans of a document through a series of color filters, a mechanism exploits the reciprocating motion of the scanner relative to the document platen to effect the changing of filters between scans without the addition of a separate motor.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for easily and accurately aligning confocal tandem scanning reflected light microscopes having scanning disc hole diameters as small as 20 microns are described. The method involves the observation and analysis of Moire and other patterns of light occurring within the microscope, and using the apparatus to make very sensitive adjustments that result in a fully aligned, rugged, and stable confocal tandem scanning reflected light microscope offering improved resolution, contrast, and optical slicing capability.

Abstract: The switch is formed on a support (8) and has light guides (24, 26, 28), a rotary part (10) carrying the intermediate light guides (30, 32) and which is able to occupy, by rotations, positions in each of which an intermediate guide connects two guides to one another, and rotary means (12 to 22) for the rotary part. The switch is formed from two semiconductor substrates, in which are defined two parts which, after superimposing and fixing the substrates to one another, form the rotary part which is then released from the remainder of the substrates.

Abstract: A light source control device for an endoscope having a light source for emitting light to be incident on a light guide, a stop mechanism for varying the quantity of light to be incident on the light guide by interrupting an optical path of light, and a control device for controlling an opening of the stop mechanism. The stop mechanism includes a sensing device for sensing the opening of the stop mechanism and outputting a sensing signal to the control device. Further, the stop mechanism includes a shaft and a stop blade rotatably supported on the shaft and being disposed in the optical path such that the quantity of light passing thereby is varied by rotating the blade. The sensing device includes an arc-shaped plate fixed to the shaft and having a radius which varies in proportion to the change in arc angle, and a sensor having an opening for receiving the circumferential edge of the arc-shaped plate to sense the amount of light which passes through the opening.

Abstract: A color synthesizing device for generating a plurality of hues of color from visible light employing a beam splitter system to split the light into the three primary colors, mechanical attenuators to independently attenuate the primary color and light beams, and a recombination system to recombine the light beams to obtain the desired color hue of light.

Abstract: In order to protect the eyes or other sensor, from light produced, e.g., by odern laser weapons which have extremely fast onset times and high power per pulse, a protective shutter device is provided which is based on the integrative property of such sensors. The sensor is shielded for a large proportion of the time and only exposed after a light detector associated with the protective device has assured a safe environment. The normal exposure provided is a series of rapid image-views that integrate over time within the sensor. In an eye goggles embodiment, clear vision is maintained and a fast-response variable-density "sunglass" is perceived by the wearer. Only one eye is exposed and thus at risk at any one time, and that eye only about 10% of the total time. A high-speed mechanical shutter controls the exposure experienced by the sensor.

Abstract: A method of controlling a size of a light beam, which comprises rotating a disk having a groove whose size changes continuously or a polygonal-shaped rotor having grooves of different sizes, on the circumferential surface, and irradiating the groove or grooves with a light beam, whereby the groove or grooves provide a transmitted light beam having a size that change continuously or stepwise, respectively, while retaining an analogous form of the light beam.

Abstract: A magnetically operated shutter mechanism is provided that will function in cryogenic or cryogenic zero gravity environments to selectively block radiation such as light from passing through a window to a target object such as a mirror or detector located inside a cryogenic container such as a dewar. The mechanism includes a shutter paddle blade that is moved by an electromagnetically actuated torquing device between an open position where the target object is exposed to ambient radiation or light and a closed position where the shutter paddle blade shields the ambient radiation or light from the target object. The purpose of the shuttering device is to prevent the mirror or other target object from being directly exposed to radiation passing through the window located on the side wall of the dewar, thereby decreasing or eliminating any temperature gradient that would occur within the target object due to exposure to the radiation.

Abstract: An attenuator for varying the power of a laser scanning light beam includes a bracket having a reduced portion intermediate its ends enabling one end to be rotated around its other end. A glass element is secured to the movable end and is moved to a position which intercepts the laser light beam at an angle of incidence which varies in accordance with the amount of rotation of the movable end around the other end.

Abstract: An optical system for transmitting light from an object in a dual field of view, the system comprising optical elements providing alternate optical paths associated with each of a wide and a narrow field of view, at least a portion of the optical paths being in alignment, there being disposed within the aligned portion of the optical paths a blocking element selectably operable to enable passage of the light from the object which is associated with one of the alternate optical paths while simultaneously blocking passage of the light associated with the other alternate optical path.

Abstract: An improved variable rate attenuator (VOA) is disclosed, which is used in an optical signal transmission system for testing (and other) purposes. In an optical fiber data transmission system, the VOA can be used to determine how much attenuation of the light beam can be tolerated without causing excessive bit error rate (BER) in data transmission. The improved VOA is a blocker having a vane-like structure which is gradually rotated into a collimated beam to cause attenuation. Because the movement vector of the edge of the blocker perpendicular to the collimated beam gradually becomes less for a given increment of blocker rotation, resolution of the attenuation is improved.