Briefs: Semiconductors & ICs
Single-Chip T/R Module for 1.2 GHz
A single-chip CMOS-based (complementary-metal-oxide-semi-conductor-based) transmit/receive (T/R) module is being developed for L-band radar systems. Previous T/R module implementations required multiple...
Features: Photonics/Optics
DPSS Micromachining Puts Shine on Industrial Molds
Lasers are now used to micromachine virtually every type of material, including metals, plastics, glass, and ceramics. Micromachining is a highly diverse market that uses flash-pumped,...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Silicon Modulator Brings Optical Computing A Step Closer
University of Texas at Austin and Omega Optics, Austin, Texas
For decades, silicon has not been considered a favorable material for manipulating light. Electrical Engineering...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Simulation Keeps Optical Transceiver Signals in Place
Flomerics, Inc., Marlborough, Massachusetts
Problems emerge when electromagnetically “hot” optical transceivers are placed into systems that are bound by emissions limits....
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Quantum-Dot Laser for Wavelengths of 1.8 to 2.3 μm
The figure depicts a proposed semiconductor laser, based on In(As)Sb quantum dots on a (001) InP substrate, that would operate in the wavelength range between 1.8 and 2.3 μm. InSb and InAsSb are the smallest-bandgap conventional III-V semiconductor materials, and the present proposal is an...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Tunable Filter Made From Three Coupled WGM Resonators
A tunable third-order band-pass optical filter has been constructed as an assembly of three coupled, tunable, whispering-gallery-mode resonators similar to the one described in...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Dynamic Pupil Masking for Phasing Telescope Mirror Segments
A method that would notably include dynamic pupil masking has been proposed as an enhanced version of a prior method of phasing the segments of a primary telescope mirror. The...
Briefs: Photonics/Optics
Pattern-Recognition Algorithm for Locking Laser Frequency
A computer program serves as part of a feedback control system that locks the frequency of a laser to one of the spectral peaks of cesium atoms in an optical-absorption cell. The system analyzes a saturation absorption spectrum to find a target peak and commands a laser-frequency-control...
Products: Photonics/Optics
Product of the Month: Transient Absorption Spectrometer
Designed for the study of ultrafast phenomena such as electronic deactivation, intersystem crossing, vibrational relaxation, internal conversion, and intra-molecular electron transfer,...
Products: Photonics/Optics
Fiber Laser
Aculight (Bothell, WA) built the polarized Picasso Model PF1550PM-30 fiber laser for military and commercial applications. The fiber laser produces 4- to 6-ns pulses at repetition rates from 50 kHz to 200 kHz with 1-W average...
Products: Photonics/Optics
Mini Spectrometer
Hamamatsu Corp.’s (Bridgewater, NJ) C10082MD is a compact spectrometer unit that is designed for spectral evaluation of light sources, industrial color measurement, and other applications. Its CMOS linear image sensor...
Products: Photonics/Optics
Short-Pulse Excimer Laser
Photon Machines (San Diego, CA) has introduced the ATLEX Series of excimer lasers, featuring a pre-ionization technique that delivers short pulse widths, high peak-power densities, and flat beams for laser...
Products: Photonics/Optics
Multi-Channel Framing Camera
The SIM Multi-Channel Framing Camera from Specialised Imaging Ltd. (Tring, Herts, UK) provides the choice of 4, 6, 8, or 16 separate optical channels. Effects such as parallax and shading are eliminated and the...
Products: Photonics/Optics
LEDs
OSRAM Opto Semiconductors’ (San Jose, CA) Golden DRAGON LEDs offer bright daytime running light and low energy consumption. While thin-film technology ensures that almost all the light produced in the semiconductor chip is at the...
Products: Photonics/Optics
Violet Laser Diode
Photonic Products (Hertsfordshire, UK) offers a lead-free, blue-violet wavelength (405 nm) laser diode from Sanyo, the DL-5146-152 405 nm. The device is a 35-mW CW, (50-mW pulsed) laser diode that incorporates an internal...
Products: Photonics/Optics
High-Speed CMOS Camera
The Cooke Corp.’s (Romulus, MI) pco.1200hs camera is a high-speed, 10-bit CMOS camera with integrated 1 GB, 2 GB, or 4 GB of RAM memory that enables image recording at rates up 1 GB/s. Designed for high-speed camera...
Briefs: Medical
Production of Tuber-Inducing Factor
A process for making a substance that regulates the growth of potatoes and some other economically important plants has been developed. The process also yields an economically important by-product: potatoes.
Briefs: Medical
Vacuum-Assisted, Constant-Force Exercise Device
The vacuum-assisted, constant-force exercise device (VACFED) has been proposed to fill a need for a safe, reliable exercise machine that would provide constant loads that could range from 20 to...
Products: Photonics/Optics
Galvanometer Scan Head
Nutfield Technology (Windham, NH) has introduced the XLR8-15 2-axis packaged scan head, the fastest 15-mm head in its class, according to the manufacturer. The scan head is designed to ease integration and...
Products: Photonics/Optics
Tunable Laser
Designed for optics testing, dBm Optics’ (Boulder, CO) Model 4200 Tunable Laser Source offers 2,000 nm/s tuning across 150 nm. A low-noise version is available for measurements requiring high dynamic range, such as the...
Products: Photonics/Optics
Laser Diode Drivers
Analog Modules (Longwood, FL) Model 772 pulsed laser diode driver is a highly efficient (>70 percent), compact (4.3 × 2.7 × 1.5"), lightweight (
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Modification of a Limbed Robot to Favor Climbing
The figure shows the LEMUR IIb, which is a modified version of the LEMUR II — the second generation of the Limbed Excursion Mechanical Utility Robot (LEMUR). Except as described below,...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Controlling Herds of Cooperative Robots
A document poses, and suggests a program of research for answering, questions of how to achieve autonomous operation of herds of cooperative robots to be used in exploration and/or colonization of remote planets. In a typical scenario, a flock of mobile sensory robots would be deployed in a previously...
Briefs: Physical Sciences
Catalytic-Metal/ PdOₓ/SiC Schottky-Diode Gas Sensors
Miniaturized hydrogen- and hydrocarbon- gas sensors, heretofore often consisting of Schottky diodes based on catalytic metal in contact with SiC, can be improved by incorporating palladium oxide (PdOx, where 0≤x≤1) between the catalytic metal and the SiC.
, has introduced the RFC series of non-contact rotary sensors based on magnetic field technology that have no moving or mechanical parts attached to wear...
Application Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Custom-Built Machining Centers Create Telescope Mirrors
Mitsui Seiki USA
Franklin Lakes, NJ
201-337-1300
www.mitsuiseiki.com
Application Briefs: Software
PLM Software Enables NASA to Manage Collaborative Environment
software
SofTech
Tewksbury, MA
978-640-6222
www.softech.com
Who's Who: Photonics/Optics
Kim Ballard, Computer Engineer, Electrical Design Branch
Engineers at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) developed the Laser Scaling and Measurement Device for Photographic Images – a camera attachment that uses laser technology – to assist scientists in determining the exact scale of any damages to the Space Shuttle's external tank when...
Briefs: Materials
Designing Cure Cycles for Matrix/Fiber Composite Parts
A methodology has been devised for designing cure cycles to be used in the fabrication of matrix/fiber composite parts (including laminated parts). As used here, “cure cycles”...
Briefs: Software
Quantum Entanglement Molecular Absorption Spectrum Simulator
Quantum Entanglement Molecular Absorption Spectrum Simulator (QE-MASS) is a computer program for simulating twophoton molecular-absorption spectroscopy using quantum-entangled photons. More specifically, QE-MASS simulates the molecular absorption of two quantum-entangled photons...
Briefs: Software
FuzzObserver
Fuzzy Feature Observation Planner for Small Body Proximity Observations (FuzzObserver) is a developmental computer program, to be used along with other software, for autonomous planning of maneuvers of a spacecraft near an asteroid, comet, or other small astronomical body. Selection of terrain features and estimation of the position...
Briefs: Software
Internet Distribution of Spacecraft Telemetry Data
Remote Access Multi-mission Processing and Analysis Ground Environment (RAMPAGE) is a Java-language server computer program that enables near-real-time display of spacecraft telemetry data on any authorized client computer that has access to the Internet and is equipped with Web-browser...
Briefs: Software
Semi-Automated Identification of Rocks in Images
Rock Identification Toolkit Suite is a computer program that assists users in identifying and characterizing rocks shown in images returned by the Mars Explorer Rover mission. Included in the program are components for automated finding of rocks, interactive adjustments of outlines of rocks,...
Articles: Motion Control
The Air Bearing Advantage in High-Precision Positioning
All moving objects possess six degrees of freedom — three linear and three rotary. The task of a linear motion guideway is to eliminate, as closely as possible, five of these degrees...
Application Briefs: Robotics, Automation & Control
Motion Control Research Center Develops Speed Control System for SRM Drives
The Center for Rapid Transit Systems at Virginia Tech (Blacksburg, VA) is an internationally recognized drive systems and motion control research group with...
Application Briefs: Motion Control
“Pinball Wizards” Bank on Motion/Stress Analysis Software to Redesign Game
Stern Pinball of Melrose Park, IL, is the only manufacturer of coin-operated pinball machines in the world. Today, Stern’s pinball games are designed using...
Products: Motion Control
DC/DC Converter
Texas Instruments (Dallas, TX) has announced the DCP010507DB, a 1-W isolated, unregulated DC/DC converter, supporting an operating temperature range of -40 °C to 100 °C. The module provides thermal shutdown and...
Products: Motion Control
Non-Contact Transducer
Balluff (Florence, KY) offers the Micropulse™ BIW transducer that uses a patented, pulsed-inductive technology. It features a wear-free, non-contact design that can be used where linear pots are used, such as plastic...
Products: Motion Control
Accelerometers
Wilcoxon Research (Gaithersburg, MD) has introduced the 788A accelerometers that feature a sensitivity of 100 mV/g. The accelerometer is a single-axis sensor with an acceleration range of +50 g. High-frequency response measurements up to 10 kHz identify faults and improper machine operation. Typical noise is 4 mg at 100 Hz. The...
Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Brushless DC Drive
Performance Motion Devices (Lincoln, MA) has announced the ION™ brushless DC drive, a network-connected motion control drive. The fully enclosed compact module provides network connectivity, power amplification, and...
Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Accelerometers
The LCM 100 accelerometer from Jewel Instruments (Manchester, NH) is designed for industrial, commercial, and aerospace applications. It is engineered with micro-machined components. The 0.5G to 4.0G device meets the needs of...
Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Piezo Motor
New Scale Technologies (Victor, NY) offers the SQL Series SQUIGGLE piezo motor that measures 2.4 × 2.4mm and features a metal/ceramic composite construction. The motor holds position when power is turned off, conserving battery...
Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Linear Actuators
Festo Corp. (Hauppauge, NY) has introduced the DMES electromechanical linear actuators that provide a feed force of up to 3000 N. The lead screw of the actuators is non-backdriveable, eliminating the need for an additional...
Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Rotary Torque Sensor
The Torkdisc® rotary torque sensor system from the Force/Torque Division of PCB Piezotronics (Depew, NY) is a compact, in-line rotary torque sensor for spindle qualification testing of machining center and other torque...
Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
DC Gearmotors
PennEngineering® Motion Technologies (Harleysville, PA) offers PITTMAN® brush-commutated DC gearmotors with output torque to 175 oz-in with standard sintered steel spur gearing, and output torque to 500 oz-in by incorporating...
Products: Motion Control
Peristaltic Pump
The Vector Series 3005 peristaltic pump from Wanner Engineering (Minneapolis, MN) features a lubricant-filled cavity for constant lubrication, and is capable of continuous duty pumping of harsh liquids at up to 200 PSI. A...
Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Rotary Encoder
Gurley Precision Instruments (Troy, NY) offers the R158 rotary incremental encoder that generates quadrature square waves at up to 1 million counts per revolution. It has an optional temperature range from -40 to 100 °C, and...
Products: Motion Control
Slide Latch
The A3 push-to-close slide latch from Southco (Concordville, PA) features a molded thermoplastic body and flexible locking options for secure latching of sheet metal and thin thermoplastic panels. It features an integrated...
Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Gearbox
The PV Series gearbox from Parker Bayside, Electromechanical Automation (Port Washington, NY), offers a variety of output face options and high radial load and output torque. The gearbox uses precision-needle bearings to achieve high...
Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Micro Brushless Motors
Sanyo DC Motor Division (Bensenville, IL) offers the PM Series brushless micro motor that incorporates a ceramic air bearing design, using air as a lubricant to solve problems encountered with typical motors lubricated...
Products: Motion Control
Hypoid Gearheads
Alpha Gear Drives (Bartlett, IL) has introduced a range of hollow-shaft right-angle hypoid gearheads for worm, bevel, or hypoid applications. The HG+ device is a low-backlash hypoid gearhead in a right-angel design that...
Products: Motion Control
Roller Bearings
SKF USA (Kulpsville, PA) offers cylindrical roller bearings with logarithmically crowned rollers that provide improved contact geometry between the roller and raceway, reducing stresses under high loads. The bearings feature...
Products: Motion Control
Rotary Union
Duff-Norton (Charlotte, NC) offers the 1900 Series Rotary Union® that provides a rotating seal between fluids and a revolving roll or drum. Commonly conducted media are water, hot oils, chemicals, hydraulics, and air. The union is designed for very high pressure applications to 10,150 psi, and with maximum temperature ratings to...
Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Nanopositioning Controller
PI, L.P. (Auburn, MA) has introduced the E-621.CR modular controller for piezo-driven nanopositioning systems that features high-bandwidth analog and networkable digital interfaces. The controller integrates a...
Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Brushless Motor
Maxon Precision Motors (Burlingame, CA) has introduced the EC-16 sterilizable brushless motor that has been assembled so that the coils are outside the rotor, providing good heat dissipation. Steam sterilization is specified...
Products: Robotics, Automation & Control
Rotary Transducer
SpaceAge Control (Palmdale, CA) has released the Series R rotary transducer that provides rotational measurements from 1 to 150 turns. The rugged device uses ThreadSensor™ technology for accurate and repeatable...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Unitary Shaft-Angle and Shaft-Speed Sensor Assemblies
The figure depicts a unit that contains a rotary-position or a rotary-speed sensor, plus electronic circuitry necessary for its operation, all enclosed in a single housing with a shaft...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Arrays of Nano Tunnel Junctions as Infrared Image Sensors
Infrared image sensors based on high density rectangular planar arrays of nano tunnel junctions have been proposed. These sensors would differ fundamentally from prior infrared...
Briefs: Mechanical & Fluid Systems
Compact, Precise Inertial Rotation Sensors for Spacecraft
A document describes a concept for an inertial sensor for measuring the rotation of an inertially stable spacecraft around its center of gravity to within 100 microarc- seconds or possibly even higher precision. Whereas a current proposal for a spacecraft-rotation sensor of this accuracy...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Programmable Pulse-Position- Modulation Encoder
A sensor system was proposed that would monitor spaceflight bioreactor parameters. Not only will this technology be invaluable in the space program for which it was developed, it will find applications in medical science and industrial laboratories as well.
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Universal Controller for Spacecraft Mechanisms
An electronic control unit has been fabricated and tested that can be replicated as a universal interface between the electronic infrastructure of a spacecraft and a brushless-motor (or other electromechanical actuator) driven mechanism that performs a specific mechanical function within the overall...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
The Flostation — an Immersive Cyberspace System
A flostation is a computer-controlled apparatus that, along with one or more computer(s) and other computer-controlled equipment, is part of an immersive cyberspace system. The system is said to be “immersive” in two senses of the word: (1) It supports the body in a modified form neutral...
Briefs: Electronics & Computers
Algorithm for Aligning an Array of Receiving Radio Antennas
A digital-signal- processing algorithm (somewhat arbitrarily) called “SUMPLE” has been devised as a means of aligning the outputs of multiple receiving radio antennas in a large...
Briefs: Manufacturing & Prototyping
Submarine Design Certified on FEA and Sensor Testing
Submarine design typically follows American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) code, which establishes properties such as hull thickness, frame stiffness, and porthole and hatch design. During...
Briefs: Sensors/Data Acquisition
Semiautonomous Avionics-and-Sensors System for a UAV
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) — autonomous or remotely controlled pilotless aircraft — have been recently thrust into the spotlight for military applications, for homeland security,...
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