Abstract: A system for generating an optical beam array includes a laser light source capable of generating a primary beam of light. An array generating optical element is capable of receiving the primary beam of light and splitting the primary beam of light into a beam array. The beam array can include at least two distinct pattern beams that divergently extend from the array generating optical element at a non-zero angle relative to one another. A void region is formed between the at least two pattern beams, the void region being devoid of any portion of the primary beam.

Abstract: A projectile deployment system includes a projectile casing having a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry one of a pair of anchors of an entangling projectile having a tether connecting the pair of anchors. A pair of independently activable pressure sources are each capable of generating a pressure wave capable of expelling one of the anchors from one of the sockets to deploy the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject. At least one controller is operable to activate one or both of the pressure sources. Each pressure source is independently activatable at differing times so as to deploy the anchors from the projectile casing at differing times.

Abstract: A projectile deployment system includes a projectile casing having a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry one of a pair of anchors of an entangling projectile having a tether connecting the pair of anchors. Each of the pair of sockets is angled equally relative to a centerline defined between the sockets. One or more pressure sources is capable of generating a pressure wave capable of expelling one or more of the anchors from the sockets to deploy the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject. A controller is operable to activate one or both of the pressure sources. A sight is oriented along a target line, the target line being offset relative to the centerline defined between the sockets such that when the anchors are deployed from the projectile casing they exhibit differing flight characteristics.

Abstract: A system for generating an optical beam array includes a laser light source capable of generating a primary beam of light. An array generating optical element is capable of receiving the primary beam of light and splitting the primary beam of light into a beam array. The beam array can include at least two distinct pattern beams that divergently extend from the array generating optical element at a non-zero angle relative to one another. A void region is formed between the at least two pattern beams, the void region being devoid of any portion of the primary beam.

Abstract: A projectile deployment system includes an entangling projectile having a pair of anchors and a tether connecting the pellets. A projectile casing includes a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry one of the pair of anchors. At least one pressure source is capable of expelling one or both of the anchors from the projectile casing toward a subject. At least one of the entangling projectile or the projectile casing can be configured such that the pair of anchors travel toward the subject with differing flight characteristics after being expelled from the projectile casing.

Abstract: A projectile deployment system includes a projectile casing having a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry one of a pair of anchors of an entangling projectile having a tether connecting the pair of anchors. Each of the pair of sockets is angled equally relative to a centerline defined between the sockets. One or more pressure sources is capable of generating a pressure wave capable of expelling one or more of the anchors from the sockets to deploy the entangling projectile from the projectile casing toward a subject. A controller is operable to activate one or both of the pressure sources. A sight is oriented along a target line, the target line being offset relative to the centerline defined between the sockets such that when the anchors are deployed from the projectile casing they exhibit differing flight characteristics.

Abstract: A projectile deployment system includes an entangling projectile having a pair of anchors and a tether connecting the pellets. A projectile casing includes a pair of sockets, each socket sized to carry one of the pair of anchors. At least one pressure source is capable of expelling one or both of the anchors from the projectile casing toward a subject. At least one of the entangling projectile or the projectile casing can be configured such that the pair of anchors travel toward the subject with differing flight characteristics after being expelled from the projectile casing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser processing systems and associated methods for using and manufacturing such systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a laser processing system includes a controller, a laser source, a material support, and a beam delivery subsystem operably coupled to the controller. The beam delivery subsystem comprises an optical carriage assembly configured to receive and modify a laser beam from the laser source, and direct the laser beam toward a material to be processed carried by the material support. The optical carriage assembly is further configured to focus the laser beam within a material processing field to obtain an adjustable power density within a material processing plane and achieve an optimal selected condition for the material to be processed.

Abstract: Laser processing systems that employ multi-camera vision subsystems and associated methods of use and manufacture are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a method for processing one or more materials or compositions of materials with a laser processing system comprises generating, via a first camera carried by the laser processing system, a first preview image of one or more materials to be processed. The first preview image comprises an image of an entire material processing field. The method also comprises generating, via a second camera carried by the laser processing system, a second preview image. The second preview image comprises an image of only a selected portion of the material processing field from the first preview image. Based on the second preview image, the method further comprises modifying a design file relative to a material to be processed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser processing using a modified laser beam having a non-Gaussian energy distribution are described herein. In some embodiments, a laser processing system includes a laser source that outputs a laser beam having a Gaussian energy distribution, and a beam modifier positioned in a path of the output beam. The beam modifier controllably modifies the Gaussian energy distribution of the output laser beam along at least one axis perpendicular to the beam's axis of travel. In various embodiments, the laser processing system includes a beam delivery sub-subsystem that operates in a raster mode. In such embodiments, the subsystem can raster the modified beam across a material to form raster lines for transferring an image or pattern to the material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser processing systems and associated methods for using and manufacturing such systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a laser processing system includes a controller, a laser source, a material support, and a beam delivery subsystem operably coupled to the controller. The beam delivery subsystem comprises an optical carriage assembly configured to receive and modify a laser beam from the laser source, and direct the laser beam toward a material to be processed carried by the material support. The optical carriage assembly is further configured to focus the laser beam within a material processing field to obtain an adjustable power density within a material processing plane and achieve an optimal selected condition for the material to be processed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for laser processing using a modified laser beam having a non-Gaussian energy distribution are described herein In some embodiments, a laser processing system includes a laser source that outputs a laser beam having a Gaussian energy distribution, and a beam modifier positioned in a path of the output beam. The beam modifier controllably modifies the Gaussian energy distribution of the output laser beam along at least one axis perpendicular to the beam's axis of travel. In various embodiments, the laser processing system includes a beam delivery sub-subsystem that operates in a raster mode. In such embodiments, the subsystem can raster the modified beam across a material to form raster lines for transferring an image or pattern to the material.

Abstract: Laser material processing systems having beam positioning assemblies with fluidic bearing interfaces and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a laser material processing system includes a beam positioning assembly configured to position a laser beam. The beam positioning assembly includes a first linear guide having first guide surfaces and a second linear guide having second guide surfaces. The first linear guide is moveably coupled to the first linear guide via the first guide surfaces. The second linear guide is moveably coupled to a carriage via the second guide surfaces. At least one fluidic bearing interface is positioned to prevent direct physical contact between the second linear guide and at least one of the first guide surfaces and/or between the carriage and at least one of the second guide surfaces.

Abstract: Laser material processing systems having beam positioning assemblies with fluidic bearing interfaces and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a laser material processing system includes a beam positioning assembly configured to position a laser beam. The beam positioning assembly includes a first linear guide having first guide surfaces and a second linear guide having second guide surfaces. The first linear guide is moveably coupled to the first linear guide via the first guide surfaces. The second linear guide is moveably coupled to a carriage via the second guide surfaces. At least one fluidic bearing interface is positioned to prevent direct physical contact between the second linear guide and at least one of the first guide surfaces and/or between the carriage and at least one of the second guide surfaces.