Abstract: An assembly (10) for generating a laser beam (12) includes a beam steering assembly (18); a laser assembly (16) that is tunable over a tunable range; and a controller (20). The laser assembly (16) generates a laser beam (12) that is directed at the beam steering assembly (18). The controller (20) dynamically controls the beam steering assembly (18) to dynamically steer the laser beam (12) as the laser assembly (16) is tuned over at least a portion of the tunable range. As a result thereof, the laser beam (12) is actively steered along a desired beam path (12A) while the wavelength of the laser beam (12) is varied.

Abstract: A fluid analyzer (214) that analyzes a sample (12) includes (i) an analyzer frame (236); (ii) a module (216) that includes a test cell assembly (242) that receives the sample (12) and a module frame (244) that retains the test cell assembly (242); (iii) a laser assembly (238) that generates a laser beam (239A) that is directed through the test cell assembly (242), the laser assembly (238) being coupled to the analyzer frame (236); (iv) a signal detector assembly (232) that collects a test signal light (239B) transmitted through the test cell assembly (242), the signal detector assembly (232) being coupled to the analyzer frame (236); and (v) a coupler assembly (245) that selectively couples the module frame (244) to the analyzer frame (236).

Abstract: A fluid analyzer (214) that analyzes a sample (12) includes an analyzer frame (236); a test cell assembly (242) that receives the sample (12); a laser assembly (238) that generates a laser beam (239A) a signal detector assembly (232) and a self-check assembly (230). The self-check assembly (230) includes (i) a check frame (230A); (ii) a check substance (230E) with known spectral characteristics; and (iii) a check frame mover (230B) that selectively moves the check frame (230A) between a self-check position (231 B) and a test position (231 A) relative to the analyzer frame (236). In the self-check position (231 B), the laser beam (239A) is directed through the check substance (230E) to evaluate the performance of the fluid analyzer (214). In the test position (231 A), the laser beam (239A) is directed through the sample (12) in the test cell assembly (242) to evaluate the sample (12).

Abstract: A method of spectral beam-combining an array of fiber optics is disclosed. Each fiber may be coupled to a high-power, wavelength-stabilized, fiber-coupled, diode-laser module and has a fiber-by-fiber pre-selected wavelength. The wavelengths may be chosen such that the array can be spectrally combined on, for example a transmission grating and re-focused into an output fiber. This approach is scalable to, for example, 10 kW power and have a beam quality sufficient for metal cutting applications.

Abstract: An imaging microscope (12) for generating an image of a sample (10) comprises a beam source (14) that emits a temporally coherent illumination beam (20), the illumination beam (20) including a plurality of rays that are directed at the sample (10); an image sensor (18) that converts an optical image into an array of electronic signals; and an imaging lens assembly (16) that receives rays from the beam source (14) that are transmitted through the sample (10) and forms an image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) can further receive rays from the beam source (14) that are reflected off of the sample (10) and form a second image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) receives the rays from the sample (10) and forms the image on the image sensor (18) without splitting and recombining the rays.

Abstract: A spectral imaging device (1312) for capturing one or more, two-dimensional, spectral images (1313A) of a sample (1310) including (i) an image sensor (1328), (ii) an illumination source (1314), (iii) a beam path adjuster (1362), and (iv) a control system (1330). The illumination source (1314) that generates an illumination beam (1316) that is directed along an incident sample beam path (1360) at the sample (1310). The beam path adjuster (1362) selectively adjusts the incident sample beam path (1360).

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 flow cell assembly (16) for a fluid analyzer (14) that analyzes a sample (12) includes (i) a base (350) that includes a base window (350B); (ii) a cap (352) having a cap window (352B) that is spaced apart from the base window (350B); and (iii) a gasket (360) that is secured to and positioned between the base (350) and the cap (352), the gasket (360) having a gasket body (360A) that includes a gasket opening (360B). The gasket body (360A), the base (350) and the cap (352) cooperate to define a flow cell chamber (362). Moreover, an inlet passageway (366) extends into the flow cell chamber (362) to direct the sample (12) into the flow cell chamber (362); and an outlet passageway (368) extends into the flow cell chamber (362) to allow the sample (12) to exit the flow cell chamber (362).

Abstract: An imaging microscope (12) for generating an image of a sample (10) comprises a beam source (14) that emits a temporally coherent illumination beam (20), the illumination beam (20) including a plurality of rays that are directed at the sample (10); an image sensor (18) that converts an optical image into an array of electronic signals; and an imaging lens assembly (16) that receives rays from the beam source (14) that are transmitted through the sample (10) and forms an image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) can further receive rays from the beam source (14) that are reflected off of the sample (10) and form a second image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) receives the rays from the sample (10) and forms the image on the image sensor (18) without splitting and recombining the rays.

Abstract: A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), a tunable light source (14), an optical assembly (17), and a control system (30). The optical assembly (17) includes a first refractive element (24A) and a second refractive element (24B) that are spaced apart from one another by a first separation distance. The refractive elements (24A) (24B) have an element optical thickness and a Fourier space component of the optical frequency dependent transmittance function. Further, the element optical thickness of each refractive element (24A) (24B) and the first separation distance are set such that the Fourier space components of the optical frequency dependent transmittance function of each refractive element (24A) (24B) fall outside a Fourier space measurement passband.

Abstract: A laser assembly (10) for generating a pulsed output beam (16) includes a quantum cascade device (12); and a laser driver (14A) that controls the voltage to the quantum cascade device (12) in a pulsed drive profile (950) to generate the pulsed output beam (16). The pulsed drive profile (950) includes a plurality of spaced on-time segments (952) in which the laser driver (14A) directs voltage to the quantum cascade device (12), and at least one off-time segment (954) in which the laser driver (14A) pulls down the voltage from the quantum cascade device (12). The off-time segment (954) occurs between two on-time segments (952).

Abstract: A method for identifying one or more analytes (12A)(12B)(12C) includes (i) directing a solvent (18) into a test cell (22); (ii) directing a first laser probe beam (26) at the solvent (18) in the test cell (22); (iii) acquiring a solvent intensity spectrum of the solvent (18); (iv) directing a sample (12) that includes one or more analytes (12A)(12B)(12C) and the solvent (18) into the flow cell (22); (v) directing a second laser probe beam (26) at the sample (12) in the test cell (22); (vi) acquiring a sample intensity spectrum of the sample (12); (vii) calculating a solvent referenced transmittance spectrum that details a solvent reference transmittance as a function of wavelength using the solvent intensity spectrum and the sample intensity spectrum; and (viii) identifying one or more analytes (12A)(12B)(12C) in the sample (12) using the solvent referenced transmittance spectrum.

Abstract: A chromatography analyzer system (10) for analyzing a sample (12) includes a MIR analyzer (34) for spectrally analyzing a sample fraction (12A) while the sample fraction (12A) is flowing in the MIR analyzer (34). The MIR analyzer (34) includes (i) a MIR flow cell (35C) that receives the flowing sample fraction (12A), (ii) a MIR laser source (35A) that directs a MIR beam (35B) in a MIR wavelength range at the sample fraction (12A) in the MIR flow cell (35C), and (iii) a MIR detector (35D) that receives light from the sample fraction (12A) in the MIR flow cell (35C) and generates MIR data of the sample fraction (12A) for a portion of the MIR wavelength range.

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 spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), a tunable light source (14), an optical assembly (17), and a control system (30). The optical assembly (17) includes a first refractive element (24A) and a second refractive element (24B) that are spaced apart from one another by a first separation distance. The refractive elements (24A) (24B) have an element optical thickness and a Fourier space component of the optical frequency dependent transmittance function. Further, the element optical thickness of each refractive element (24A) (24B) and the first separation distance are set such that the Fourier space components of the optical frequency dependent transmittance function of each refractive element (24A) (24B) fall outside a Fourier space measurement passband.

Abstract: A flow cell assembly (16) for a fluid analyzer (14) that analyzes a sample (12) includes (i) a base (350) that includes a base window (350B); (ii) a cap (352) having a cap window (352B) that is spaced apart from the base window (350B); and (iii) a gasket (360) that is secured to and positioned between the base (350) and the cap (352), the gasket (360) having a gasket body (360A) that includes a gasket opening (360B). The gasket body (360A), the base (350) and the cap (352) cooperate to define a flow cell chamber (362). Moreover, an inlet passageway (366) extends into the flow cell chamber (362) to direct the sample (12) into the flow cell chamber (362); and an outlet passageway (368) extends into the flow cell chamber (362) to allow the sample (12) to exit the flow cell chamber (362).

Abstract: An imaging microscope (12) for generating an image of a sample (10) comprises a beam source (14) that emits a temporally coherent illumination beam (20), the illumination beam (20) including a plurality of rays that are directed at the sample (10); an image sensor (18) that converts an optical image into an array of electronic signals; and an imaging lens assembly (16) that receives rays from the beam source (14) that are transmitted through the sample (10) and forms an image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) can further receive rays from the beam source (14) that are reflected off of the sample (10) and form a second image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) receives the rays from the sample (10) and forms the image on the image sensor (18) without splitting and recombining the rays.

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 mid-infrared objective lens assembly (10) includes a plurality of spaced apart, refractive lens elements (20) that operate in the mid-infrared spectral range, the plurality of lens elements (20) including an aplanatic first lens element (26) that is closest to an object (14) to be observed. The first lens element (26) has a forward surface (36) that faces the object (14) and a rearward surface (38) that faces away from the object (14). The forward surface (36) can have a radius of curvature that is negative.