Abstract:
A sensing system. In some embodiments, the sensing system includes an imaging radio frequency receiver, an imaging radio frequency to optical converter, an imaging optical receiver, an optical beam combiner, and an imaging optical detector. The optical beam combiner is configured to combine an optical signal of the imaging radio frequency to optical converter, and an optical signal of the imaging optical receiver. In operation, the imaging radio frequency receiver, the imaging radio frequency to optical converter, and the optical beam combiner together form, on the imaging optical detector, an optical image of a radio frequency scene within a field of view of the imaging radio frequency receiver, and the imaging optical receiver and the optical beam combiner together form, on the imaging optical detector, an optical image of an optical scene within a field of view of the imaging optical receiver.
Abstract:
A multiple target tracker and beam steerer utilizes liquid crystal waveguide (LCWG) beam steering to illuminate multiple tracked targets per frame one target at a time for designation, range finding or active imaging. The steering rate and range afforded by the LCWG supports various tracker configurations (out-of-band, in-band or dual-band video cameras), LADAR detectors (single pixel or pixelated) and prioritization of tracked targets to vary the revisit rate or dwell time for an illuminated target. A user interface accepts commands from an operator to select the targeting mode, control cue-box size and position within the FOV and target selection.
Abstract:
A multiple target tracker and beam steerer utilizes liquid crystal waveguide (LCWG) beam steering to illuminate multiple tracked targets per frame one target at a time for designation, range finding or active imaging. The steering rate and range afforded by the LCWG supports various tracker configurations (out-of-band, in-band or dual-band video cameras), LADAR detectors (single pixel or pixelated) and prioritization of tracked targets to vary the revisit rate or dwell time for an illuminated target. A user interface accepts commands from an operator to select the targeting mode, control cue-box size and position within the FOV and target selection.
Abstract:
An obstacle detector configured to identify negative obstacles in a vehicle's path responsive to steering a laser beam to scan high priority areas in the vehicle's path is provided. The high priority areas can be identified dynamically in response to the terrain, speed, and/or acceleration of the vehicle. In some examples, the high priority areas are identified based on a projected position of the vehicles tires. A scan path for the laser, scan rate, and/or a scan location can be dynamically generated to cover the high priority areas.
Abstract:
Embodiments of a computing device and optical data switching circuitry are generally described herein. A processing element of the optical data switching circuitry may generate a plurality of optical data signals, and may send the optical data signals to an optical switch of the optical data switching circuitry. The optical switch may transmit the optical signals to a fiber optic router for relay to different destinations. The optical switch may switch between transmission directions for transmission of the optical signals to different receiving ports of the fiber optic router. The receiving ports of the fiber optic router may be mapped to the different destinations, in some cases.
Abstract:
A steerable laser transmitter and situational awareness sensor uses a liquid crystal waveguide (LCWG) to steer a spot-beam onto a conical mirror, which in turn redirects the spot-beam to scan a FOV. The spot-beam passes through one or more annular sections of non-linearly material (NLM) formed along the axis and around the conical mirror. Each NLM section converts the wavelength of the spot-beam to a different wavelength while preserving the steering of the spot-beam. The LCWG may shape or move the spot-beam along the axis of the conic mirror to sequentially, time or time and spatially multiplex the spot-beam between the original and different wavelengths. This provides multispectral capability from a single laser source. The transmitter also supports steering the spot-beam at a wavelength at which the LCWG cannot steer directly.
Abstract:
Imaging systems and method of optical imaging. One example of an imaging system includes an optical scanning subsystem including an optical source and a waveguide, the waveguide being configured to direct optical radiation generated by the optical source over an area of a scene, a detection subsystem including an optical sensor configured to collect reflected optical radiation from the area of the scene, and a fused fiber focusing assembly including a fused fiber bundle, a plurality of lenses coupled together and positioned to receive and focus the reflected optical radiation from the area of the scene directly onto the fused fiber bundle, a microlens array interposed between the fused fiber bundle and the optical sensor and positioned to receive the reflected optical radiation from the fused fiber bundle, and a focusing lens positioned to direct the reflected optical radiation from the microlens array onto the optical sensor.
Abstract:
An obstacle detector configured to identify negative obstacles in a vehicle's path responsive to steering a laser beam to scan high priority areas in the vehicle's path is provided. The high priority areas can be identified dynamically in response to the terrain, speed, and/or acceleration of the vehicle. In some examples, the high priority areas are identified based on a projected position of the vehicles tires. A scan path for the laser, scan rate, and/or a scan location can be dynamically generated to cover the high priority areas.
Abstract:
Optical non-uniformity correction (NUC) of an active mode image sensor scans a spot over a portion of the sensor's FOV within a frame time so that the net response of the sensor is approximately uniform. Scanning the laser spot simultaneously performs the NUC and provides the illumination of the FOV for imaging the scene. The laser spot is suitably scanned in an overlapping geometrical pattern relative to a line-of-sight of the sensor's imager while modulating a spacing between overlapping laser spots, the size of the spot, a dwell time of the laser spot or the energy of the laser spot or combinations thereof as a function of the scan position of the laser spot so that the laser illumination is inversely proportional to the imager response at the scan position of the laser spot. A liquid crystal waveguide may be used to form and scan the small laser spot over the FOV within the frame time.
Abstract:
A steerable laser transmitter and active situational awareness sensor that achieves SWaP-C, steering rate and spectral diversity improvements by scanning a beam with a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) Micro-Minor Array (MMA). One or more sections of non-linear material (NLM) positioned in the optical path (e.g. as annular sections around a conic mirror or as reflective optical coatings on the MMA) are used to convert the wavelength of the beam to a different wavelength while preserving the steering of the beam. The MEMS MMA may include piston actuation of the mirrors to shape the spot-beam.