Abstract: A new technique which uses a pump-probe methodology to place a molecule into one or more excited rotational and/or vibrational states. By evaluating spectral changes due to at least one discrete frequency of pump photons a multi-dimensional characterization of the molecule's excited state energy level results. This multi-dimensional characterization typically involves evaluating the changes between excited and unexcited state measurements. The differential nature of the evaluation makes the technique self-referencing and solves problems common to many spectroscopic techniques. The multi-dimensionality of the technique provides high specificity and immunity to interferents. The preferred embodiments involve excitation by using photons suited to pumping the rotational states and evaluating the effects by probing the energy levels of one of more vibrational states.

Abstract: A new technique which uses a pump-probe methodology to place a molecule into one or more excited rotational and/or vibrational states. By evaluating spectral changes due to at least one discrete frequency of pump photons a multi-dimensional characterization of the molecule's excited state energy level results. This multi-dimensional characterization typically involves evaluating the changes between excited and unexcited state measurements. The differential nature of the evaluation makes the technique self-referencing and solves problems common to many spectroscopic techniques. The multi-dimensionality of the technique provides high specificity and immunity to interferents. The preferred embodiments involve excitation by using photons suited to pumping the rotational states and evaluating the effects by probing the energy levels of one of more vibrational states.

Abstract: A new technique which uses a pump-probe methodology to place a molecule into one or more excited rotational and/or vibrational states. By evaluating spectral changes due to at least one discrete frequency of pump photons a multi-dimensional characterization of the molecule's excited state energy level results. This multi-dimensional characterization typically involves evaluating the changes between excited and unexcited state measurements. The differential nature of the evaluation makes the technique self-referencing and solves problems common to many spectroscopic techniques. The multi-dimensionality of the technique provides high specificity and immunity to interferents. The preferred embodiments involve excitation by using photons suited to pumping the rotational states and evaluating the effects by probing the energy levels of one of more vibrational states.

Abstract: A system, for determining characteristics of a beam wavefront and reshaping such wavefront, including: apparatus for sampling the wavefront curvature and generating outputs; apparatus for reshaping the wavefront; and apparatus for receiving the outputs, proportioning the outputs to match the inputs need to drive controls for the reshaping apparatus, and sending the proportioned outputs to the reshaping apparatus. The reshaping apparatus is, preferably, a deformable mirror. The sampling apparatus includes a distorted grating. The method includes: positioning the sampling apparatus in the bean path; positioning a reshaping apparatus in the beam path; sampling the curvature of the wavefront and generating outputs representative of the curvature thereof; sending the generated outputs to the proportioning apparatus; proportioning the outputs to match the inputs needed to drive the controls of the reshaping apparatus; and sending the proportioned outputs to the reshaping apparatus to change the shape thereof.

Abstract: Determining relationships between one laser beam and an object onto which such beam is directed including: directing such beam onto the object; collecting radiation from the beam that is reflected back; spectrally discriminating the collected, reflected radiation from other collected radiation; generating an image of the collected beam radiation; and analyzing this image to determine the value of at least one parameter selected from: the diameter of the beam on the object; the position of the beam on the object; and beam quality on the object. The determined value(s) may be used to adjust parameter(s) of the beam. Additional steps include directing a second beam onto the object and collecting, spectrally discriminating, generating an image and analyzing it to determine the value of at least one parameter related to the second beam. The forgoing may also include utilizing the determined second value to adjust parameter(s) of the second beam.