Abstract: Disclosed herein are lens systems that are capable of imaging in the visible spectrum to the far infrared spectrum. The lens systems are formed from optical crystals with different and substantially parallel partial dispersion characteristics.

Abstract: A coaxial illumination and collection laser scanning system designed to provide increased sensitivity by reducing auto-fluorescence while having a substantially uniform detection sensitivity across the field of view of an objective lens by reducing lateral chromatic aberrations at the expense of amplifying axial chromatic aberrations. Axial chromatic aberrations in the system are removed in the path of a retro-beam. A laser is in optical communication with the objective lens. The laser produces a collimated beam of coherent light that is directed by a scanner through the objective lens to illuminate a raster of spots on the sample's surface, thereby stimulating a series of small regions of the sample to emit light. The system may be used as a confocal or non-confocal imaging system.

Abstract: A coaxial illumination and collection laser scanning system provides substantially uniform detection sensitivity across the field of view of an objective lens by reducing lateral chromatic aberrations at the expense of amplifying axial chromatic aberrations. Axial chromatic aberrations in the system are removed in the path of a retro-beam. A laser is in optical communication with the objective lens. The laser produces a collimated beam of coherent light that is directed by a scanner through the objective lens to illuminate a raster of spots on the sample's surface, thereby stimulating a series of small regions of the sample to emit light. The system may be used as a confocal or non-confocal imaging system. Alternatively, the system may be employed for reflection imaging of the laser beam. In a second embodiment, a plurality of lasers are provided, each of which emits a wavelength different from the remaining lasers.

Abstract: An improved illumination system employing two concave reflecting mirrors and a non-imaging reflector to concentrate energy (light) more efficiently is disclosed.

Abstract: There is described within a portable, battery-powered multiple filter infrared spectrometer consisting of a highly efficient optical system employing an infrared source with a chopper, from which IR energy passes through compound parabolic concentrators (CPC's) and is directed by a beamsplitter to the external sample, where the beam intersects with the sample via reflection and is returned through the CPC and beamsplitter to a stationary filter assembly and discrete detector array where the energy is converted to an A.C. (alternating current) signal. This current energizes an LED bar graph display for spectral identification. This method and apparatus is used to determine IR spectra of solids, liquids on a mirror, and gases in a container with a mirror to reflect light.

Abstract: A spectral analyzer has a high efficiency optical collector having a first concave reflector portion and an opposed second concave reflector portion providing an exit passage therethrough, and a light emitting source of a predetermined wavelength range is positioned in the collector so that the light is collected and directed to the exit passage. A specimen holder is positioned adjacent the exit passage and has windows at its entrance and exit ends. An elongated reverse non-imaging optical member which has a peripheral wall reflecting light rays entering through the exit window of the holder reduces the angle of the rays relative to the optical axis of the optical member as they pass therethrough. The light passing through the exit end of the optical member enters a detector assembly including at least one photo detector sensitive to a predetermined wavelength of light, and at least one optical filter disposed between the optical member and the photodetector to pass light of the predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: A spectral analyzer has a high efficiency optical collector having a first concave reflector portion and an opposed second concave reflector portion providing an exit passage therethrough, and a light emitting source of a predetermined wavelength range is positioned in the collector so that the light is collected and directed to the exit passage. A specimen holder is positioned adjacent the exit passage and has windows at its entrance and exit ends. An elongated reverse non-imaging optical member which has a peripheral wall reflecting light rays entering through the exit window of the holder reduces the angle of the rays relative to the optical axis of the optical member as they pass therethrough. The light passing through the exit end of the optical member enters a detector assembly including at least one photo detector sensitive to a predetermined wavelength of light, and at least one optical filter disposed between the optical member and the photodetector to pass light of the predetermined wavelength.