Custom imaging and laser systems manufacturer Clear Align received a patent for laser technology that is suitable for various intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance applications. The US Patent and Trademark Office granted the company Patent No. 8,064,491 for its apparatus and method for generating short optical pulses. Developed by Dr. Ralph Jameson, the company’s principal laser engineer, the technology could advance systems and devices for lidar, remote sensing, laser altimeters, laser range finding and medical procedures. The patent describes a laser architecture with shorter pulses and higher optical power that provides improved resistance to shock and vibration. It is suitable for battlefield and other high-reliability applications, the company said. Clear Align designs, prototypes and manufactures custom electro-optic products used to gather intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance information for defense, homeland security and aerospace applications. For more information, visit: www.clearalign.com