Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.

Lighthouse Capital Partners, Inc.

Gerard A Esposito

Dennis P Bowler

Glenn L Sindledecker

Barry Lavoie

Raymond J Silva

Sixing She

Techniques and architecture are disclosed for implementing an optical dome bezel to interface an optical dome/window and a housing of differing coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs), In some embodiments, the bezel may comprise a material (e.g., Ti-6Al-4V) that is CTE-matched to the optical dome material (e.g., silicon, germanium, sapphire, ALON), thereby mitigating temperature effects on system performance. In some embodiments, the bezel may include a radially compliant flexure feature (e.g., flexure blades, spring-form S-channels), which mitigates physical stress effects (e.g., vibration, thermal expansion/contraction, etc.) on system performance. In some embodiments, the bezel may include an integral environmental sealing feature (e.g., O-ring gaskets), which protects internal optics/electronics from external environmental hazards (e.g., moisture, corrosive substances, particulates, debris). In some embodiments, the bezel may be efficiently and repeatedly removed/replaced while preserving optical system performance. Numerous configurations and variations will be apparent in light of this disclosure.

Optical dome bezel

A fluid cooled thermal management technique for a high-density composite focal plane array (CPFA) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a high density CFPA assembly includes a plurality of imaging dies mounted on a front surface of a printed wiring board (PWB) and a base plate. The base plate has a substantially matched coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) to that of the high density CFPA. Further, the high density CFPA is disposed on a front side of the base plate. Furthermore, the base plate has a plurality of integral serpentine fluid flow channels configured to receive and circulate fluid and further configured such that the heat generated by the CFPA is transferred via conduction into the base plate and to the integral serpentine fluid flow channels and to the circulating fluid to dissipate the generated heat.

Fluid cooled thermal management technique for a high-density composite focal plane array

A cross axis cable management system comprising a bird cage mechanism, a clock spring mechanism and a rolling loop mechanism positioned about a first axis, second axis and third axis of a gimbal mechanism respectively. Each mechanism provides defined channels and protective elements to prevent cable damage. The mechanisms also have one fixed end, one rotational end, and an optimized amount of slack for repeatable cable motion. The system effectively manages a large number of conventional and fiber optic cables while minimizing the friction or drag associated with the motion about the multiple axes and preventing cable damage and the resultant loss of performance.

System for cross-axis management of conventional and fiber optic cables

A vacuum compatible high-density electrical interconnect system for use in a vacuum environment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the vacuum compatible high-density electrical interconnect system includes a vacuum compatible base plate, a vacuum compatible printed wiring board (PWB) disposed on the vacuum compatible base plate and a vacuum compatible interposer module disposed in the vacuum compatible base plate. Further, the vacuum compatible PWB includes a plurality of components on a front side of the vacuum compatible PWB and a plurality of associated pads on a back side of the vacuum compatible PWB. In one exemplary embodiment, the vacuum compatible interposer module is disposed in the vacuum compatible base plate such that it operatively connects to the plurality of associated pads on the back side of the vacuum compatible PWB and further operatively connects to a plurality of pads of an external device that is disposed outside the vacuum environment.

Vacuum compatible high-density electrical interconnect system

A deformable focal plane array (DFPA) for imaging systems is disclosed. In one embodiment, the DFPA includes a detection circuitry on one side. For example, the thickness of the DFPA is in a range of about 5 to 40 microns. In one exemplary embodiment, the DFPA when warped to a desired shape provides a substantially wider field of view (FOV) than a flat focal plane array (FPA).

Deformable focal plane array

Methods and apparatus for hermetically sealing an optical fiber in a feedthrough connection. In brief overview, the optical fiber is mounted in a housing whose physical properties differ from that of the fiber by utilizing a structure in accordance with the present invention. The structure, typically in transition bushing form, is formed from at least two materials, such that the physical properties of a first material are selected to match the physical properties of the optical fiber, and the physical properties of a second material are selected to match physical properties of the housing. When the matched physical properties are the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) of the fiber and the housing, the result is a fiber optic mounting that remains hermetically sealed despite changes in ambient temperature that would typically induce stresses in the seal, potentially causing its failure.

Growing community of inventors

Chelmsford, MA, United States of America

Gerard A Esposito