A non-spherical projection display structure and system that can be optimized for the ergonomics of preferably one viewer inside the display structure or system. The structure or system is preferably for use with widescreen projectors. The non-spherical projection display structure and system creates a visual projection display and method of operating the display that has a wide horizontal and vertical field of view and uses a rear projected display structure having a projection screen surface with a thickness. The display structure has at least one section with a monotonically increasing or decreasing radius of curvature.

A device includes an image sensor, first optics, second optics, and a processor. The first optics are configured to form a first optical pattern (OP) on the image sensor. The first OP is associated with a first wavelength. The second optics are configured to form a second OP on the image sensor. The second OP is associated with a second wavelength that is longer than the first wavelength. The processor is configured to generate a first turbulence estimate based on relative motion of the first OP, to generate a second turbulence estimate based on relative motion of the second OP, and to generate error correction data. The processor is also configured to adjust the first turbulence estimate based on the error correction data and the second turbulence estimate to determine an estimated turbulence value. The processor may also be configured to estimate a wind profile, a turbulence profile, or both.

A remote imaging apparatus, and corresponding method, includes a hyperbolic primary mirror that receives light from a remote object to be imaged. The primary mirror has a continuous surface that reflects, at least twice, the light from the remote object. The apparatus also includes a hyperbolic secondary mirror having a continuous surface that reflects, at least twice, the light from the remote object. The secondary mirror delivers the light to a field corrector via a port of the hyperbolic primary mirror, and the field corrector is configured to correct for an optical aberration of one or both of the hyperbolic primary and secondary mirrors. Embodiments can provide low distortion, small aspect ratios, and small form factors and moments of inertia for fleets satellite-based and other imaging systems.

An optics system includes a convex catching mirror located within respect to the concave primary mirror to form an optical path for a field of view. A conical volume is formed with respect to the concave primary mirror and the convex catching mirror, the optical path not obstructed by the conical volume. A component within the conical volume.

Baffle and shutter assembly (BSA) includes a baffle defined by a tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therethrough. A baffle cover disposed at the distal end extends across a major aperture defined by the lumen and includes a cover aperture. A shutter system disposed within the lumen includes a shutter panel having a shutter aperture, and a shutter door. A door distal surface faces the baffle cover when the door is closed and has a reflective coating. The baffle cover has a cover proximal surface which faces toward the shutter system and is highly absorptive of electromagnetic energy in the optical spectrum.

A Short-Wave Radiation (SWR) system comprising: (i) a light assembly, comprising at least one light source and being configured to: (a) illuminate a front side of an ionization target with first illumination; and (b) illuminate a back side of the ionization target with second illumination; (ii) a controller, configured to control the light assembly for illuminating the ionization target from the front side of the ionization target using the first illumination and at least partly concurrently illuminating the ionization target from the back side of the ionization target using the second illumination; and (iii) an optical assembly configured to collect SWR emitted from the front side of the ionization target and to direct the collected SWR toward a designated beam direction of the SWR system, wherein the SWR emitted from the front side results from a target illumination scheme that comprises at least the first illumination and the second illumination.

A photo-acoustic polarimetric remote sensing apparatus includes a telescope that directs visible light photons from an object. A polarizing beam splitter is in optical alignment with the telescope. The polarizing beam splitter has first and second pathways corresponding to first and second polarization states, respectively. The first and second pathways are substantially perpendicular. A first photodetector is in optical alignment with the first pathway, and a second photodetector is in optical alignment with the second pathway. At least one processor is in communication with the first and second photodetectors. The at least one processor generates a signal corresponding to a degree of linear polarization of the photons over time, and the signal is indicative of an acoustic signature of the object.

A variety of femtoprojector optical systems are described. Each of them can be made small enough to fit in a contact lens using plastic injection molding, diamond turning, photolithography and etching, or other techniques. Most, but not all, of the systems include a solid cylindrical transparent substrate with a curved primary mirror formed on one end and a secondary mirror formed on the other end. Any of the designs may use light blocking, light-redirecting, absorbing coatings or other types of baffle structures as needed to reduce stray light.

An imaging spectrometer receives a beam of light from a slit and outputs the beam of light to a focal plane. The output beam of light at the focal plane is dispersed in accordance with a spectral composition of the beam of light received from the slit. The imaging spectrometer comprises first to fourth curved reflective portions. The first to fourth curved reflective portions are arranged so that the beam of light, in its passage from the slit to the focal plane, sequentially strikes the first to fourth curved reflective portions and is reflected by the first to fourth curved reflective portions. Further, the first to fourth curved reflective portions are alternatingly concave or convex, respectively, along the passage of the beam of light. At least one of the first to fourth curved reflective portions has a reflective grating structure. Further disclosed is a method of manufacturing such imaging spectrometer.

A remote imaging apparatus, and corresponding method, includes a hyperbolic primary mirror that receives light from a remote object to be imaged. The primary mirror has a continuous surface that reflects, at least twice, the light from the remote object. The apparatus also includes a hyperbolic secondary mirror having a continuous surface that reflects, at least twice, the light from the remote object. The secondary mirror delivers the light to a field corrector via a port of the hyperbolic primary mirror, and the field corrector is configured to correct for an optical aberration of one or both of the hyperbolic primary and secondary mirrors. Embodiments can provide low distortion, small aspect ratios, and small form factors and moments of inertia for fleets satellite-based and other imaging systems.