Abstract: A method and system for interrogating a target for one or more chemical species of interest using Raman microscopy and spectroscopy. A feature includes the ability to precisely electro-mechanically move and orient a Raman microscope relative to the target with multiple degrees of freedom of movement, including targets with 3-D form factors. This promotes effective detection of minute quantities of chemical species of interest. It also allows effective detection of minute quantities whether the target is static or moving. The method and system can include enhancements. Examples include alternative imaging spectrometers, alternative Raman microscope optical set-ups, and alternative focusing techniques. Others include control of the excitation energy and user controls and options to allow highly adjustable, flexible, and effective detection for a variety of detection applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel stand-off distance chemical detector system such as can be used, for example, for standoff detection of explosives. Instead of a conventional lasing medium, a Pr:YAG or Pr:BYF based UV laser is used which can be advantageously implemented in Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel approach for determining range to a target using the inelastic scattering of light from the target and/or inelastic scattering of light from molecules between the light emitting source and the target. This is a useful approach in that the range measurement is independent of the retroreflectivity or absorptivity of the target. Using this methodology allows optical detection and rangefinding of targets which by intention or otherwise cannot be detected using conventional LIDAR rangefinding.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly flexible stand-off distance chemical detector system such as can be used, for example, for standoff detection of explosives. Instead of a combined laser interrogation source and optical content detector on the same platform, those features are carried on separate platforms, including having plural optical content detectors on individual platforms. In one embodiment, the detector platforms are mobile remote-control apparatus. This allows collection and evaluation of optical content/information from multiple collection positions/directions and high flexibility in maneuverability of the collection function relative the target.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a highly portable, highly flexible standard of distance chemical detector such as can be used, for example, for standoff detection of explosives. Aspects of the invention include techniques for portability compactness and ways to diminish influence of fluorescence on Raman spectroscopy. Additional features can include a compact imaging spectrometer, a wirelessly connected smart device for user interface, and an auto-focus/range finder.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a novel approach for optimizing detection performance of a standoff optical detection system using the inelastic scattering of light from the target and/or inelastic scattering of light from molecules between the light emitting source and the target. This is a useful approach primarily for systems which already employ a pulsed light source, a detector, and a timing mechanism but whose primary function is not the detection of range. Using this methodology removes the need to deploy a secondary device to find range or augments the ability of any included range finder to widen the overall system operating envelope, reliability, and performance.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for multiple wavelength Raman interrogation laser generation and Raman spectra acquisition. An intracavity laser tuning subsystem is integrated into the laser cavity. The tuning subsystem allows switching between at least two laser output frequencies in a manner effective for good identification and separation of Raman spectra from non-Raman spectra, including auto-fluorescence from the sample and background. The tuning subsystem can be implemented in different ways in the cavity. It does not require material alteration of the line-narrowing components. Also, processing of acquired raw signal from the multiple wavelength interrogation can further assist effective Raman spectra identification and separation.

Abstract: A system comprises a processing system, a laser system, a telescope system, a detector system and optical systems operatively arranged such that the laser system may be capable of outputting multiple wavelengths to a common telescope system, and the detector system is capable of receiving signatures from the same telescope system, under the control of a control system. The processor system processes signals received from the detector system to determine substances identified by known signatures. For example, a plurality of detectors in the detector system each receive a range of wavelengths of the signatures received by the telescope system. For example, a variable beam diverger and variable beam expander operatively control expansion and divergence of the output the laser system. For example, a beam reducer and lenslet array may operatively transmit signatures via optical fiber bundle to one or more of the detectors.

Abstract: A source of light that could cause ocular damage within a given range from the source of light, such as a first laser, is accompanied by an optical hazard avoidance device, such as a second laser, that stimulates voluntary, involuntary, or both voluntary and involuntary responses, either physiological or behavioral or both physiological and behavioral, within one or more hazard zones, such as by inducing gaze aversion within the viewer. For example, a visible laser beam induces gaze aversion, pupil contraction or a combination of gaze aversion and pupil contraction, reducing the dose rate or exposure of the ocular tissue to damaging radiation from a primary source. In one example, the primary source is a UV Raman detector and the visible laser beam is selected to induce gaze aversion.

Abstract: A system comprises a processing system, a laser system, a telescope system, a detector system and optical systems operatively arranged such that the laser system may be capable of outputting multiple wavelengths to a common telescope system, and the detector system is capable of receiving signatures from the same telescope system, under the control of a control system. The processor system processes signals received from the detector system to determine substances identified by known signatures. For example, a plurality of detectors in the detector system each receive a range of wavelengths of the signatures received by the telescope system. For example, a variable beam diverger and variable beam expander operatively control expansion and divergence of the output the laser system. For example, a beam reducer and lenslet array may operatively transmit signatures via optical fiber bundle to one or more of the detectors.

Abstract: A source of light that could cause ocular damage within a given range from the source of light, such as a first laser, is accompanied by an optical hazard avoidance device, such as a second laser, that stimulates voluntary, involuntary, or both voluntary and involuntary responses, either physiological or behavioral or both physiological and behavioral, within one or more hazard zones, such as by inducing gaze aversion within the viewer. For example, a visible laser beam induces gaze aversion, pupil contraction or a combination of gaze aversion and pupil contraction, reducing the dose rate or exposure of the ocular tissue to damaging radiation from a primary source. In one example, the primary source is a UV Raman detector and the visible laser beam is selected to induce gaze aversion.

Abstract: A spectroscopy system including first and second lasers. The first laser is triggered to induce a plasma, such as on a surface of a target at a stand-off distance from the target. The second laser stimulates amplified emissions from the plasma detected by one or more spectroscopes. The gain induced by the second laser detects traces of explosives and other substances on surfaces at stand-off distances. The spectroscopy systems use the same telescopic optics to collect emissions from the detection surface and activated at or just before the peak emission intensity useful for detecting element signatures and intensity ratios from the trace elements in the plasma.