Alan L Huston

Title: Alan L Huston: Innovator in Defense Technology

Introduction

Alan L Huston is a notable inventor based in Springfield, VA (US). He has made significant contributions to the field of defense technology, particularly in the development of systems designed to protect ships from missile attacks. With a total of 2 patents, Huston's work showcases his innovative approach to solving complex problems.

Latest Patents

One of Huston's latest patents is the "Laser-modulated aerosol infrared decoy." This system is designed to protect ships from infrared-seeking missiles by deploying an aerosol that scatters a modulated light beam. In one embodiment, the aerosol contains particles that can undergo an exothermic photochemical reaction when initiated by an ultraviolet laser. The laser projects an image of the ship onto the aerosol while generating heat to attract the missile away from the ship. This invention provides a decoy target with an infrared image that misleads missiles with imaging capabilities. The decoy's image resembles that of a blackbody at temperatures 20 to 50 degrees Celsius above ambient, ensuring it has the brightness and spatial extent of large ships.

Another significant patent is the "Phase sensitive ultrasonic modulation method for the detection of strain-sensitive spectral features." This method utilizes an ultrasonic field with well-defined wavefronts and a light beam of a spot size smaller than the ultrasonic wavelength. When the light wavelength coincides with the spectral feature's wavelength, the ultrasonic wave alters the absorption lineshapes, changing the amplitude or phase of the light beam in synchrony with the ultrasonic field.

Career Highlights

Huston has worked with prominent organizations, including the Government of the United States and International Business Machines Corporation (IBM). His experience in these institutions has allowed him to develop and refine his innovative ideas in defense technology.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Huston has collaborated with notable individuals such as Brian L Justus and Anthony J Campillo. These collaborations have contributed to the advancement of his inventions and the successful implementation of his ideas.

Conclusion

Alan L Huston is a distinguished inventor whose work in defense technology has led to innovative solutions for protecting ships from missile threats. His patents reflect a deep understanding of both technology and practical applications, making him a valuable contributor to the field.