Abstract: A control system includes one or more laser diodes generating a spectral output at a specific center wavelength when the one or more laser diodes are at a target temperature range, one or more oscillating heat pipes, one or more sensors configured to monitor a current temperature of the one or more laser diodes, and a heater configured to generate heat. The one or more laser diodes are thermally coupled to the one or more oscillating heat pipes. The control system also includes one or more processors in electronic communication with the one or more laser diodes and the heater and a memory coupled to the one or more processors. The memory stores data into one or more databases and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the control system to instruct the heater to generate heat for pre-heating the one or more laser diodes to the target temperature range.

Abstract: A control system includes one or more laser diodes generating a spectral output at a specific center wavelength when the one or more laser diodes are at a target temperature range, one or more oscillating heat pipes, one or more sensors configured to monitor a current temperature of the one or more laser diodes, and a heater configured to generate heat. The one or more laser diodes are thermally coupled to the one or more oscillating heat pipes. The control system also includes one or more processors in electronic communication with the one or more laser diodes and the heater and a memory coupled to the one or more processors. The memory stores data into one or more databases and program code that, when executed by the one or more processors, causes the control system to instruct the heater to generate heat for pre-heating the one or more laser diodes to the target temperature range.

Abstract: An example laser cooling system may include a first laser to induce a transition of a plurality of electrons in a medium to an excited energy state via absorption of photons. The laser cooling system may also include a second laser to stimulate emission from the medium of emitted photons having a higher energy than an energy of the absorbed photons.

Abstract: A diagnostic unit is used to align and focus individual laser sources in a spectral beam combining (SBC) laser. The diagnostic unit modifies a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor to dedicate one or more microlenses to a particular wavelength of the SBC laser using wavelength-specific filters in combination with corresponding microlenses. The diagnostic unit allows all of the laser sources to be evaluated at the same time because each wavelength has a dedicated portion of the sensor, typically a charge-coupled display. When an individual beam is centered in its dedicated portion of the sensor and has an acceptable spot size or intensity, the source for that particular beam is correctly aligned and focused. Off-center or incorrect spot-sized beams indicate incorrect alignment and focus for the laser source for that wavelength. When correctly calibrated, the sensor output can also be used to measure and correct power output levels of the individual laser sources.

Abstract: Provided are air cooled laser systems, such as portable air cooled laser systems, and methods of operating thereof. An air cooled laser system includes an oscillating heat pipe having one end thermally coupled to one or more laser diodes and the other end being air cooled. The oscillating heat pipe has an extremely high thermal conductivity (e.g., much higher than that of copper) which allows using ambient air for cooling. This air cooling aspect reduces the size, weight, and complexity of the system. Furthermore, the air cooling aspect reduces power consumption since no power is used for liquid circulation. To enhance air-cooling characteristics, the end of the oscillating heat pipe away from the diodes may be thermally coupled to one or more heat dissipating fins. Furthermore, the system may be equipped with a blower for controlling the flow of air around that end.

Abstract: An example laser cooling system may include a first laser to induce a transition of a plurality of electrons in a medium to an excited energy state via absorption of photons. The laser cooling system may also include a second laser to stimulate emission from the medium of emitted photons having a higher energy than an energy of the absorbed photons.

Abstract: A diagnostic unit is used to align and focus individual laser sources in a spectral beam combining (SBC) laser. The diagnostic unit modifies a Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor to dedicate one or more microlenses to a particular wavelength of the SBC laser using wavelength-specific filters in combination with corresponding microlenses. The diagnostic unit allows all of the laser sources to be evaluated at the same time because each wavelength has a dedicated portion of the sensor, typically a charge-coupled display. When an individual beam is centered in its dedicated portion of the sensor and has an acceptable spot size or intensity, the source for that particular beam is correctly aligned and focused. Off-center or incorrect spot-sized beams indicate incorrect alignment and focus for the laser source for that wavelength. When correctly calibrated, the sensor output can also be used to measure and correct power output levels of the individual laser sources.

Abstract: A harvester grain bin monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that monitors the perimeter of the bin proximate to the top rim to provide a warning to an operator when the grain level reaches approaches the bin rim. The sensor may be optical or mechanical.

Abstract: A harvester grain bin monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes a sensor that monitors the perimeter of the bin proximate to the top rim to provide a warning to an operator when the grain level reaches approaches the bin rim. The sensor may be optical or mechanical.