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: 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 (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 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 body monitor (12) for monitoring a condition of a living being (10) includes (i) a monitor housing (28) that is positioned adjacent to the living being (10); (ii) a first laser source (240) that directs a first output beam (240A) at the living being (10) to generate first photoacoustic waves; (iii) a second laser source (242) that directs a second output beam (242A) at the living being (10) to generate second photoacoustic waves; and (iv) a photoacoustic detector (16) secured to the monitor housing (28). The photoacoustic detector (16) detects the first photoacoustic waves and the second photoacoustic waves to monitor the condition of the living being (10). The output beams (240A) (240B) have a different center wavelength and can be in the mid-infrared range.

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.

Abstract: A light source assembly includes a housing assembly, a plurality of disparate light sources that are coupled to the housing assembly, a power source, a control system and a selector assembly. Each of the light sources generates an output beam that is directed away from the housing assembly, wherein each of the output beams has a center wavelength that is in a different wavelength range than each of the other output beams. The power source provides electrical power to each of the light sources. The control system selectively controls the electrical power that is provided by the power source to the light sources. The selector assembly is electrically connected to the control system, and is selectively controllable to selectively direct current to each of the light sources to generate the desired output beams.

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 for generating an output beam includes a first module assembly, a second module assembly, and a module fastener assembly. The second module assembly is selectively movable relative to the first module assembly to selectively adjust a cavity length, and a pivot axis of a grating in the laser. Further, an arm assembly that retains the grating can be adjusted to adjust the cavity length, and to adjust the plane of the grating face. Moreover, the grating is movable relative to the arm assembly to align the grating.

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 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 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: A highly portable, high-powered infrared laser source is produced by intermittent operation of a quantum cascade laser power regulated to a predetermined operating range that permits passive cooling. The regulation process may boost battery voltage allowing the use of a more compact, low-voltage batteries.

Abstract: An optical fiber switch (16) for alternatively redirecting an input beam (14) comprises a redirector (18) and a redirector mover (20). The redirector (18) is positioned in the path of the input beam (14) along a directed axis (344A). The redirector (18) redirects the input beam (14) so that a redirected beam (46) alternatively launches from the redirector (18) (i) along a first redirected axis (354) that is spaced apart from the directed axis (344A) when the redirector (18) is positioned at a first position (348), and (ii) along a second redirected axis (356) that is spaced apart from the directed axis (344A) when the redirector (18) is positioned at a second position (350) that is different from the first position (348). The redirector mover (20) moves the redirector (18) about a movement axis (366) between the first position (348) and the second position (350). The redirector mover (20) includes a stator component (320A) and a rotor component (320B) that moves relative to the stator component (320A).

Abstract: A laser source assembly for providing an assembly output beam includes a first MIR laser source, a second MIR laser source, and a beam combiner. The first MIR laser source emits a first MIR beam that is in the MIR range and the second MIR laser source emits a second MIR beam that is in the MIR range. Further, the beam combiner spatially combines the first MIR beam and the second MIR beam to provide the assembly output beam. With this design, a plurality MIR laser sources can be packaged in a portable, common module, each of the MIR laser sources generates a narrow linewidth, accurately settable MIR beam, and the MIR beams are combined to create a multiple watt assembly output beam having the desired power.

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 source assembly for providing an assembly output beam includes a first emitter, a second emitter, and a third emitter. The first emitter emits a first beam along a first beam axis that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from an assembly axis. The second emitter emits a second beam along a second beam axis that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the assembly axis. The third emitter emits a third beam along a third beam axis that is substantially parallel to and spaced apart from the assembly axis. The first beam axis, the second beam axis and the third beam axis are positioned spaced apart about and substantially equidistant from the assembly axis.

Abstract: A laser source (10) for emitting an output beam (12) includes a first gain medium (16B) that generates a first beam (16A), a second gain medium (18B) that generates a second beam (18A), a common feedback assembly (28) positioned in the path of the first beam (16A) and the second beam (18), and a control system (32). The common feedback assembly (28) redirects at least a portion of the first beam (16A) back to the first gain medium (16B), and at least a portion of the second beam (18A) back to the second gain medium (18B). The control system (32) selectively and individually directs power to the first gain medium (16B) and the second gain medium (18). Additionally, the common feedback assembly (28) can include a feedback mover (46) that continuously adjusts the angle of incidence of the first beam (16A) and the second beam (18A) on the feedback assembly (28).

Abstract: A laser source assembly (210) for generating an assembly output beam (212) includes a first laser source (218A), a second laser source (218B), and a dispersive beam combiner (222). The first laser source (218A) emits a first beam (220A) having a first center wavelength, and the second laser source (218B) emits a second beam (220B) having a second center wavelength that is different than the first center wavelength. The dispersive beam combiner (222) includes a common area 224 that combines the first beam (220A) and the second beam (220B) to provide the assembly output beam (212). The first beam (220A) impinges on the common area (224) at a first beam angle (226A), and the second beam (220B) impinges on the common area (224) at a second beam angle (226B) that is different than the first beam angle (226A). Further, the beams (220A) (220B) that exit from the dispersive beam combiner (222) are substantially coaxial, are fully overlapping, and are co-propagating.