Abstract: A laser assembly (1710) for generating an assembly output beam (1712) includes a laser subassembly (1716) including a first laser module (1716A) and a second laser module (1716B), a transform assembly (1744), and a beam combiner (1746). The first laser module (1716A) emits a plurality of spaced apart first laser beams (1720A). The second laser module (1716B) emits a plurality of spaced apart second laser beams (1720B). The transform assembly (1744) is positioned in a path of the laser beams (1720A) (1720B). The transform assembly (1744) directs the laser beams (1720A) (1720B) to spatially overlap at a focal plane of the transform assembly (1744). The beam combiner (1746) is positioned at the focal plane that combines the lasers beams (1720A) (1720B) to provide a combination beam. The laser beams (1720A) (1720B) directed by the transform assembly (1744) impinge on the beam combiner (1746) at different angles.

Abstract: A laser (14) includes an optical amplifier array system (17) that generates a plurality of laser beams (24); and a beam combiner (18) that coherently combines the plurality of laser beams (24) to form a combination beam (26) having a hollow center in a near field. The combination beam (26) with the hollow center allows for the use of a beam director (19) having an on-axis, reflective beam expander (21) without (i) loss in power, (ii) degradation of beam quality, or (iii) excessive heating of the beam expander (21).

Abstract: A laser assembly (1710) for generating an assembly output beam (1712) includes a laser subassembly (1716) including a first laser module (1716A) and a second laser module (1716B), a transform assembly (1744), and a beam combiner (1746). The first laser module (1716A) emits a plurality of spaced apart first laser beams (1720A). The second laser module (1716B) emits a plurality of spaced apart second laser beams (1720B). The transform assembly (1744) is positioned in a path of the laser beams (1720A) (1720B). The transform assembly (1744) directs the laser beams (1720A) (1720B) to spatially overlap at a focal plane of the transform assembly (1744). The beam combiner (1746) is positioned at the focal plane that combines the lasers beams (1720A) (1720B) to provide a combination beam. The laser beams (1720A) (1720B) directed by the transform assembly (1744) impinge on the beam combiner (1746) at different angles.

Abstract: A laser assembly (1210) for generating an assembly output beam (1212) includes a laser subassembly (1216) that emits a plurality of spaced apart first laser beams (1220A), a plurality of spaced apart second laser beams (1220B), a transform lens assembly (1244), a wavelength selective beam combiner (1246), and a path length adjuster (1299). The transform lens assembly (1244) collimates and directs the laser beams (1220A) (1220B) to spatially overlap at a focal plane of the transform lens assembly (1244). The path length adjuster (1299) is positioned in a path of the first laser beams (1220A), the path length adjuster (1299) being adjustable to adjust of a path length the first laser beams (1220A) relative to the second laser beams (1220B).

Abstract: A light source assembly for use by a user includes a housing assembly and a moving beam light source. The moving beam light source is positioned substantially within the housing assembly. The moving beam light source generates a source output beam that is directed away from the housing assembly at an angle relative to a rotation axis as a moving output beam while being rotated about the rotation axis. The moving beam light source is a non-visible light source that generates the source output beam having a center wavelength that is outside a visible light spectrum.

Abstract: A laser assembly (1210) for generating an assembly output beam (1212) includes a laser subassembly (1216) that emits a plurality of spaced apart first laser beams (1220A), a plurality of spaced apart second laser beams (1220B), a transform lens assembly (1244), a wavelength selective beam combiner (1246), and a path length adjuster (1299). The transform lens assembly (1244) collimates and directs the laser beams (1220A) (1220B) to spatially overlap at a focal plane of the transform lens assembly (1244). The path length adjuster (1299) is positioned in a path of the first laser beams (1220A), the path length adjuster (1299) being adjustable to adjust of a path length the first laser beams (1220A) relative to the second laser beams (1220B).

Abstract: A laser assembly (10) for generating an assembly output beam (12) includes a laser subassembly (16) that emits a plurality of spaced apart laser beams (20), a beam adjuster (42), a transform lens (44A), a beam combiner (46), and an output coupler (48). The beam adjuster (42) adjusts the spacing between the plurality of laser beams (20). The transform lens (44A) focuses the laser beams (20) at a focal plane (54) and the beam combiner (46) is positioned at the focal plane (54). The beam combiner (46) combines the lasers beams (20) to provide a combination beam (58). Further, the output coupler (48) redirects at least a portion of the combination beam (58) back to the beam combiner (46) as a redirected beam (60), and transmits a portion of the combination beam (58) as the assembly output beam (12).

Abstract: A light source assembly for use by a user includes a housing assembly and a moving beam light source. The moving beam light source is positioned substantially within the housing assembly. The moving beam light source generates a source output beam that is directed away from the housing assembly at an angle relative to a rotation axis as a moving output beam while being rotated about the rotation axis. The moving beam light source is a non-visible light source that generates the source output beam having a center wavelength that is outside a visible light spectrum.

Abstract: A laser assembly (10) for generating an assembly output beam (12) includes a laser subassembly (16) that emits a plurality of spaced apart laser beams (20), a beam adjuster (42), a transform lens (44A), a beam combiner (46), and an output coupler (48). The beam adjuster (42) adjusts the spacing between the plurality of laser beams (20). The transform lens (44A) focuses the laser beams (20) at a focal plane (54) and the beam combiner (46) is positioned at the focal plane (54). The beam combiner (46) combines the lasers beams (20) to provide a combination beam (58). Further, the output coupler (48) redirects at least a portion of the combination beam (58) back to the beam combiner (46) as a redirected beam (60), and transmits a portion of the combination beam (58) as the assembly output beam (12).

Abstract: A light source assembly includes a housing assembly and at least two sets of disparate light sources that are coupled to the housing assembly. The sets of disparate light sources include a first plurality of disparate light sources; and a second plurality of disparate light sources. Each plurality of disparate light sources includes a first light source that generates a first light beam having a first center wavelength and a second light source that generates a second light beam having a second center wavelength that is different than the first center wavelength. The first plurality of disparate light sources generates a first output beam that is directed along a first central beam axis. The second plurality of disparate light sources generates a second output beam that is directed along a second central beam axis that is spaced apart from the first central beam axis by at least approximately sixty degrees.

Abstract: A laser source (340) that generates an output beam (354) that is directed along a beam axis (354A) that is coaxial with a first axis and orthogonal to a second axis comprises a first frame (356), a laser (358), and a first mounting assembly (360). The laser (358) generates the output beam (354) that is directed along the beam axis (354A). The first mounting assembly (360) couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356). The first mounting assembly (360) allows the laser (358) to expand and contract relative to the first frame (356) along the first axis and along the second axis, while maintaining alignment of the output beam (354) so the beam axis (354A) is substantially coaxial with the first axis. The first mounting assembly (360) can include a first fastener assembly (366) that couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356), and a first alignment assembly (368) that maintains alignment of the laser (358) along a first alignment axis (370) that is substantially parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A light source assembly includes a housing assembly and at least two sets of disparate light sources that are coupled to the housing assembly. The sets of disparate light sources include a first plurality of disparate light sources; and a second plurality of disparate light sources. Each plurality of disparate light sources includes a first light source that generates a first light beam having a first center wavelength and a second light source that generates a second light beam having a second center wavelength that is different than the first center wavelength. The first plurality of disparate light sources generates a first output beam that is directed along a first central beam axis. The second plurality of disparate light sources generates a second output beam that is directed along a second central beam axis that is spaced apart from the first central beam axis by at least approximately sixty degrees.

Abstract: A laser source (340) that generates an output beam (354) that is directed along a beam axis (354A) that is coaxial with a first axis and orthogonal to a second axis comprises a first frame (356), a laser (358), and a first mounting assembly (360). The laser (358) generates the output beam (354) that is directed along the beam axis (354A). The first mounting assembly (360) couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356). The first mounting assembly (360) allows the laser (358) to expand and contract relative to the first frame (356) along the first axis and along the second axis, while maintaining alignment of the output beam (354) so the beam axis (354A) is substantially coaxial with the first axis. The first mounting assembly (360) can include a first fastener assembly (366) that couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356), and a first alignment assembly (368) that maintains alignment of the laser (358) along a first alignment axis (370) that is substantially parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A laser source (340) that generates an output beam (354) that is directed along a beam axis (354A) that is coaxial with a first axis and orthogonal to a second axis comprises a first frame (356), a laser (358), and a first mounting assembly (360). The laser (358) generates the output beam (354) that is directed along the beam axis (354A). The first mounting assembly (360) couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356). The first mounting assembly (360) allows the laser (358) to expand and contract relative to the first frame (356) along the first axis and along the second axis, while maintaining alignment of the output beam (354) so the beam axis (354A) is substantially coaxial with the first axis. The first mounting assembly (360) can include a first fastener assembly (366) that couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356), and a first alignment assembly (368) that maintains alignment of the laser (358) along a first alignment axis (370) that is substantially parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A laser source (340) comprises a first frame (356), a laser (358), and a first mounting assembly (360). The laser (358) generates an output beam (354) that is directed along a beam axis (354A). The first mounting assembly (360) allows the laser (358) to expand and contract relative to the first frame (356) along a first axis and along a second axis that is orthogonal to the beam axis, while maintaining alignment of the output beam (354) so the beam axis (354A) is substantially coaxial with the first axis. The first mounting assembly (360) can include a first fastener assembly (366) that couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356), and a first alignment assembly (368) that maintains alignment of the laser (358) along a first alignment axis (370) that is substantially parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A laser assembly (10) that generates a beam (12) includes (i) a gain medium (22) that generates the beam (12) when electrical power is directed to the gain medium (22); (ii) a grating (32) positioned in a path of the beam (12); (iii) a grating arm (34) that retains the grating (32); and (iv) a mover assembly (36) that moves the grating arm (34) about a pivot axis (38). The mover assembly (36) includes a coarse mover (344) that makes large scale movements to the grating arm (34), and a fine mover (352) that makes fine movements to the grating arm (34). With this design, the mover assembly (36) can quickly and accurately move the grating (32) over a relatively large range.

Abstract: A laser source assembly (10) comprises a laser system (228), a mounting base (226), and a temperature control system (229). The mounting base (226) supports the laser system (228). The mounting base (226) includes a side wall (232) having a side top (232T) and a side bottom (232B), and a base floor (234) that extends away from the side wall (232) between the side top (232T) and the side bottom (232B). The temperature control system (229) controls the temperature of the laser system (228) and/or the mounting base (226). The temperature control system (229) includes a heat transferor (246) positioned substantially adjacent to an outer surface (2320) of the side wall (232). Heat generated by the laser system (228) is transferred away from the base floor (234) and through the side wall (232) to the heat transferor (246).

Abstract: A laser source (10) for emitting an output beam (12) along an output axis (12A) includes (i) a first laser module (16) that generates a first beam (16A); (ii) a second laser module (18) that generates a second beam (18A); (iii) a beam selector assembly (32); (iv) a first director assembly (24) that directs the first beam (16A) at the beam selector assembly (32); (v) a second director assembly (26) that directs the second beam (18A) at the beam selector assembly (32); and (vii) a control system (34) that directs power to the modules (16), (18). The beam selector assembly (32) moves between a first position in which the first beam (16A) is directed along the output axis (12A), and a second position in which the second beam (18A) is directed along the output axis (12A).

Abstract: An optical switch (16) for alternatively redirecting a source beam (14) includes a director assembly (18) that is selectively moveable between (i) a first switch position (350), (ii) a second switch position (352), and (iii) a dual switch position (354). In the first switch position (350), the source beam (14) passes to a first port (36). In the second switch position (352), the source beam (14) is directed to a second port (38). In the dual switch position (354), the director assembly (18) splits the source beam (14) into a first beam part (314A) that is directed to the first port (36), and a second beam part (314B) that is directed to the second port (38).

Abstract: A laser source (10) for emitting an output beam (12) along an output axis (12A) includes (i) a first laser module (16) that generates a first beam (16A); (ii) a second laser module (18) that generates a second beam (18A); (iii) a beam selector assembly (32); (iv) a first director assembly (24) that directs the first beam (16A) at the beam selector assembly (32); (v) a second director assembly (26) that directs the second beam (18A) at the beam selector assembly (32); and (vii) a control system (34) that directs power to the modules (16), (18). The beam selector assembly (32) moves between a first position in which the first beam (16A) is directed along the output axis (12A), and a second position in which the second beam (18A) is directed along the output axis (12A).