Abstract: Techniques are provided for laser illumination employing closely spaced laser beams. A system implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a semi-cylindrical optical block comprising a curved surface and a planar surface. A first laser source to generate a first laser beam directed to the planar surface, wherein the first laser beam enters the optical block at a first angle that exceeds a critical angle, relative to the planar surface, the critical angle causing total internal reflection, such that the first laser beam is refracted through and exits the optical block.

Abstract: An athermal and achromatic lens with a high resolution while further being near orthoscopic and providing a large field of view. Further, the provided VNIR lens may utilize only three types of optical glass allowing the lens to be reduced in size, cost, and weight while further reducing or minimizing the complexity thereof.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for laser illumination employing closely spaced laser beams. A system implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a semi-cylindrical optical block comprising a curved surface and a planar surface. A first laser source to generate a first laser beam directed to the planar surface, wherein the first laser beam enters the optical block at a first angle that exceeds a critical angle, relative to the planar surface, the critical angle causing total internal reflection, such that the first laser beam is refracted through and exits the optical block.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for laser illumination employing closely spaced laser beams. A system implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a semi-cylindrical optical block comprising a curved surface and a planar surface. The system further includes two laser sources configured to direct first and second laser beams to the curved surface, such that the first laser beam enters and exits the block parallel to and offset from the planar surface by a selected translation distance, and the second laser beam enters the block at a critical angle relative to the planar surface. The critical angle is associated with total internal reflection of the second laser beam along the planar surface, such that the second laser beam exits the block parallel to, and separated from, the first laser beam exiting the optical block. The separation of the exiting first and second laser beams is controlled by the selected translation distance.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for laser illumination employing closely spaced laser beams. A system implementing the techniques according to an embodiment includes a semi-cylindrical optical block comprising a curved surface and a planar surface. The system further includes two laser sources configured to direct first and second laser beams to the curved surface, such that the first laser beam enters and exits the block parallel to and offset from the planar surface by a selected translation distance, and the second laser beam enters the block at a critical angle relative to the planar surface. The critical angle is associated with total internal reflection of the second laser beam along the planar surface, such that the second laser beam exits the block parallel to, and separated from, the first laser beam exiting the optical block. The separation of the exiting first and second laser beams is controlled by the selected translation distance.

Abstract: A motion compensation system for a shearography apparatus includes: an adjustable first fold mirror to reflect laser radiation to a receiving aperture of the shearography apparatus during separate pulse periods at corresponding angles of reflection; and corresponding second fold mirrors to reflect the laser radiation from a target surface to the first fold mirror during the respective pulse periods. The shearography apparatus moves with respect to the target surface between the separate pulse periods. The angles of reflection make the laser radiation reflected from the target surface via the respective second fold mirrors appear to the receiving aperture as if the shearography apparatus is stationary with respect to the target surface. In another system, the second fold mirrors are replaced by an adjustable second fold mirror to reflect the laser radiation from the target surface to the first fold mirror during the pulse periods at corresponding second angles of reflection.

Abstract: A high-transmittance sampler of dissolved gases and volatile organic compounds (VOC) is described that is based upon a thin polymer membrane with tubular geometry. Very high hydrostatic pressures are maintained by surrounding the polymer tube or coating with sintered material. The sintered material can be surrounded by additional metal support, with holes for passage of molecules into the vacuum chamber of a sensor system such as a mass spectrometer. A method is described that uses the plastic behavior of the polymer to seal the ends of the sampler against leakage. Other features of the sampler are compact size, varied vacuum housing geometry, and provision for heat with regulation to the vacuum assembly of the sampler. The hydrodynamic design of fluid flow through the sampler and the compact and variable vacuum geometry allow greater response and sensitivity than previous samplers, and allow its operation to very high hydrostatic pressures.

Abstract: An environmental sampler for a mass spectrometer is disclosed that provides for controlled introduction of small amounts of fluids or gases into the vacuum system of the mass spectrometer under severe environmental conditions. Accurate calibration checks of the environmental sampler and mass spectrometer during remote autonomous operation is possible by means of an internal standard reservoir integral with the environmental sampler.

Abstract: An environmental sampler is configured to deliver a pre-determined volume of external environmental sample and internal standard sample to the mass spectrometer on each cycle of advancing and retracting movement of a sampler rod under control of a stepper motor. This allows the external environmental sample to be accurately analyzed for its trace contents against a known, standard sample in the same sample period, thereby providing a real-time calibration of the analysis results in each sample period. The samples arc taken in precise, pre-determined volumes through two sets of machined grooves formed on the surface of the sampler rod. The sets of machined grooves deliver the samples to the mass spectrometer through alignment with a vacuum channel to an outlet port which is scaled off from the external environment and an internal standard sample reservoir.