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 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: 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 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 spectral imaging device (12) for generating an image (13A) of a sample (10) includes (i) an image sensor (30); (ii) a tunable light source (14) that generates an illumination beam (16) that is directed at the sample (10); (iii) an optical assembly (22) that collects light from the sample (10) and forms an image of the sample (10) on the image sensor (30); and (iv) a control system (32) that controls the tunable light source (14) and the image sensor (30). During a time segment, the control system (32) (i) controls the tunable light source (14) so that the illumination beam (16) has a center wavenumber that is modulated through a first target wavenumber with a first modulation rate; and (ii) controls the image sensor (30) to capture at least one first image at a first frame rate. Further, the first modulation rate is equal to or greater than the first frame rate.

Abstract: A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), an illumination source (14), a refractive, optical element (24A), a mover assembly (24C) (29), and a control system (30). The image sensor (28) acquires data to construct a two-dimensional spectral image (13A) during a data acquisition time (346). The illumination source (14) generates an illumination beam (16) that illuminates the sample (10) to create a modified beam (16I) that follows a beam path (16B) from the sample (10) to the image sensor (28). During the data acquisition time (346), the control system (30) controls the illumination source (14) to generate the illumination beam (16), and controls the image sensor (28) to capture the data. Further, during the data acquisition time (346), an effective optical path segment (45) of the beam path (16B) is modulated.

Abstract: A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), an illumination source (14), a refractive, optical element (24A), a mover assembly (24C) (29), and a control system (30). The image sensor (28) acquires data to construct a two-dimensional spectral image (13A) during a data acquisition time (346). The illumination source (14) generates an illumination beam (16) that illuminates the sample (10) to create a modified beam (16I) that follows a beam path (16B) from the sample (10) to the image sensor (28). During the data acquisition time (346), the control system (30) controls the illumination source (14) to generate the illumination beam (16), and controls the image sensor (28) to capture the data. Further, during the data acquisition time (346), an effective optical path segment (45) of the beam path (16B) is modulated.

Abstract: A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), an illumination source (14), a refractive, optical element (24A), a mover assembly (24C) (29), and a control system (30). The image sensor (28) acquires data to construct a two-dimensional spectral image (13A) during a data acquisition time (346). The illumination source (14) generates an illumination beam (16) that illuminates the sample (10) to create a modified beam (16I) that follow a beam path (16B) from the sample (10) to the image sensor (28). The refractive, optical element (24A) is spaced apart a separation distance (42) from the sample (10) along the beam path (16B). During the data acquisition time (346), the control system (30) controls the illumination source (14) to generate the illumination beam (16), controls the mover assembly (29) (24C) to modulate the separation distance (42), and controls the image sensor (28) to capture the data.

Abstract: A spectral imaging device (12) for generating an image (13A) of a sample (10) includes (i) an image sensor (30); (ii) a tunable light source (14) that generates an illumination beam (16) that is directed at the sample (10); (iii) an optical assembly (22) that collects light from the sample (10) and forms an image of the sample (10) on the image sensor (30); and (iv) a control system (32) that controls the tunable light source (14) and the image sensor (30). During a time segment, the control system (32) (i) controls the tunable light source (14) so that the illumination beam (16) has a center wavenumber that is modulated through a first target wavenumber with a first modulation rate; and (ii) controls the image sensor (30) to capture at least one first image at a first frame rate. Further, the first modulation rate is equal to or greater than the first frame rate.

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: 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: 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: 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: A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), an illumination source (14), a refractive, optical element (24A), a mover assembly (24C) (29), and a control system (30). The image sensor (28) acquires data to construct a two-dimensional spectral image (13A) during a data acquisition time (346). The illumination source (14) generates an illumination beam (16) that illuminates the sample (10) to create a modified beam (16I) that follow a beam path (16B) from the sample (10) to the image sensor (28). The refractive, optical element (24A) is spaced apart a separation distance (42) from the sample (10) along the beam path (16B). During the data acquisition time (346), the control system (30) controls the illumination source (14) to generate the illumination beam (16), controls the mover assembly (29) (24C) to modulate the separation distance (42), and controls the image sensor (28) to capture the data.

Abstract: An external cavity laser assembly (10) that generates a light beam (12) includes a gain medium (14) and a diffraction grating (24). The gain medium (14) has a growth direction (14C), a fast axis (14A), a first facet (34A), and a second facet (34B) that is spaced apart from the first facet (34A). The gain medium (14) emits from both facets (34A) (34B). Further, a beam polarization (30) of the light beam (32) emitting from the second facet (34B) is perpendicular to the growth direction (14C) and the fast axis (14A). The grating (24) includes a plurality of grating ridges (24A) that are oriented parallel to the beam polarization (30). Moreover, each of the grating ridges (24A) can have a substantially rectangular shaped cross-sectional profile.

Abstract: An external cavity laser assembly (10) that generates a light beam (12) includes a gain medium (14) and a diffraction grating (24). The gain medium (14) has a growth direction (14C), a fast axis (14A), a first facet (34A), and a second facet (34B) that is spaced apart from the first facet (34A). The gain medium (14) emits from both facets (34A) (34B). Further, a beam polarization (30) of the light beam (32) emitting from the second facet (34B) is perpendicular to the growth direction (14C) and the fast axis (14A). The grating (24) includes a plurality of grating ridges (24A) that are oriented parallel to the beam polarization (30). Moreover, each of the grating ridges (24A) can have a substantially rectangular shaped cross-sectional profile.

Abstract: Holographic systems which shape coherent light beams are disclosed. These holographic systems may beam-shaping devices positioned in the path of coherent light beams to shape a coherent light beam into an essentially diffraction noise free coherent light beam of predetermined dimensions that has a continuous light beam profile of distinct intensity zones.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to shaping coherent light beams used in a holographic system. Embodiments of the present invention are directed to beam-shaping devices positioned in the path of coherent light beams used in a holographic system to shape a coherent light beam into an essentially diffraction noise free coherent light beam of predetermined dimensions that has a continuous light beam profile of distinct intensity zones.