Abstract: Disclosed is a process and device that enables ultra-high resolution one- and two-dimensional spatial imaging of Rayleigh, Raman and Thomson spectral features without the need for a spectrometer. The disclosed approach provides the capability for imaging of a single spectral feature such as a single rotational Raman line and the simultaneous elimination of background scattering, or for separating the rotational Raman image from the Rayleigh scattering. High collection efficiency provides the opportunity for single pulse time frozen images to be acquired.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process and device that enables ultra-high resolution one- and two-dimensional spatial imaging of Rayleigh, Raman and Thomson spectral features without the need for a spectrometer. The disclosed approach provides the capability for imaging of a single spectral feature such as a single rotational Raman line and the simultaneous elimination of background scattering, or for separating the rotational Raman image from the Rayleigh scattering. High collection efficiency provides the opportunity for single pulse time frozen images to be acquired.

Abstract: An apparatus for the imaging of gaseous fluid motion is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sub-nanosecond pulsed laser. The sub-nanosecond pulsed laser is configured to cause a particle species to fragment and for the recombining fragments subsequently to fluoresce. The apparatus also includes a gaseous fluid comprised of particle species. The apparatus also includes a time gated camera. The time gated camera configured to capture at least one image of the fluorescence from the recombining particle fragment species displaced after a specific time lapse following the laser pulse. Additionally, a fluid velocity can be calculated from a comparison of the image of the displaced particle species to an initial reference position and the time lapse. A Femtosecond Laser Electronic Excitation Tagging (FLEET) method of using the disclosed apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lasing molecular gases, and systems and methods of detecting molecular species are provided. The systems and methods can include the use of an excitation laser tuned to a wavelength associated with oxygen or nitrogen. The lasing can occur in both the forward and reverse directions relative to the excitation laser beam. Reverse lasing can provide a laser beam that propagates back toward the excitation laser source, and can provide a method for remote sampling of molecular species contained in the air. For example, systems and methods of detecting a molecular species of interest can be achieved by using the properties of the backward or forward propagating air laser to indicate a change in a pulse from the source of laser pulses caused by a modulation laser tuned to interact with the molecular species of interest.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remote and/or portable detection are provided. The system can include a source of coherent laser pulses, components for converting the coherent laser pulses into first beam pulses at a first wavelength value, second beam pulses at a second wavelength value, and third beam pulses at a third wavelength value. Systems can further include optical components configured to delay at least one of the first beam pulses, the second beam pulses, and the third beam pulses in order to create delayed beam pulses, and a focusing component configured direct a substantially collinear combination of the delayed beam pulses and two of a set of: the first beam pulses, the second beam pulses, and the third beam pulses, onto a sample.

Abstract: Systems and methods for remote and/or portable detection are provided. The system can include a source of coherent laser pulses, components for converting the coherent laser pulses into first beam pulses at a first wavelength value, second beam pulses at a second wavelength value, and third beam pulses at a third wavelength value. Systems can further include optical components configured to delay at least one of the first beam pulses, the second beam pulses, and the third beam pulses in order to create delayed beam pulses, and a focusing component configured direct a substantially collinear combination of the delayed beam pulses and two of a set of: the first beam pulses, the second beam pulses, and the third beam pulses, onto a sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for the imaging of gaseous fluid motion is disclosed. The apparatus includes a sub-nanosecond pulsed laser. The sub-nanosecond pulsed laser is configured to cause a particle species to fragment and for the recombining fragments subsequently to fluoresce. The apparatus also includes a gaseous fluid comprised of particle species. The apparatus also includes a time gated camera. The time gated camera configured to capture at least one image of the fluorescence from the recombining particle fragment species displaced after a specific time lapse following the laser pulse. Additionally, a fluid velocity can be calculated from a comparison of the image of the displaced particle species to an initial reference position and the time lapse. A Femtosecond Laser Electronic Excitation Tagging (FLEET) method of using the disclosed apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for lasing molecular gases, and systems and methods of detecting molecular species are provided. The systems and methods can include the use of an excitation laser tuned to a wavelength associated with oxygen or nitrogen. The lasing can occur in both the forward and reverse directions relative to the excitation laser beam. Reverse lasing can provide a laser beam that propagates back toward the excitation laser source, and can provide a method for remote sampling of molecular species contained in the air. For example, systems and methods of detecting a molecular species of interest can be achieved by using the properties of the backward or forward propagating air laser to indicate a change in a pulse from the source of laser pulses caused by a modulation laser tuned to interact with the molecular species of interest.

Abstract: A tunable asymmetric interleaver constructed from two symmetric interleavers in series, wherein either or both of the individual symmetric interleavers exhibit a wavelength shifting ability. Advantageously, tunable asymmetric interleavers so constructed provide continuous tunable interleaving ratios from 0:100 to 50:50 to 100:0 and provide attractive upgrade paths for existing and future DWDM networks and applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely monitoring properties of gases and plasmas, and surface and sub-surface properties of materials, is disclosed. A laser beam is focused at a desired region within a gas, plasma, or material (e.g., solid or liquid) to be analyzed, generating an ionized sample region or a localized, enhanced free carrier region. A beam of microwave radiation is directed toward the ionized sample region or the free carrier region, and the microwave radiation is scattered. The scattered microwave radiation is received by a microwave receiver, and is processed by a microwave detection system to determine properties of the gas, plasma, or material, including surface and sub-surface properties.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for remotely monitoring properties of gases and plasmas, and surface and sub-surface properties of materials, is disclosed. A laser beam is focused at a desired region within a gas, plasma, or material (e.g., solid or liquid) to be analyzed, generating an ionized sample region or a localized, enhanced free carrier region. A beam of microwave radiation is directed toward the ionized sample region or the free carrier region, and the microwave radiation is scattered. The scattered microwave radiation is received by a microwave receiver, and is processed by a microwave detection system to determine properties of the gas, plasma, or material, including surface and sub-surface properties.

Abstract: A method includes determining spectral interference in real time on an optical signal by an optical path, the spectral interference being indicative of polarization mode dispersion by the optical path, and imposing optical pulses with a phase opposite to the spectral interference on the optical signal. Preferably, the imposing step comprises altering the amplitude or phase of a signal indicative of the spectral interference with an active element. The active element is preferably an acousto-optic modulator.

Abstract: A tunable asymmetric interleaver constructed from two symmetric interleavers in series, wherein either or both of the individual symmetric interleavers exhibit a wavelength shifting ability. Advantageously, tunable asymmetric interleavers so constructed provide continuous tunable interleaving ratios from 0:100 to 50:50 to 100:0 and provide attractive upgrade paths for existing and future DWDM networks and applications.