Abstract: A laser system 1 comprises six solid state diode laser modules 37.1 to 37.6 whose output beams are directly coupled into beam steering devices 38.1 to 38.6 and thereby routed to laser combining dichroic mirrors 39.1 to 39.6, which combine the individual laser beams into a single, co-aligned beam. The combined laser beam is directed into an optical fibre 41.1 for delivery to a target optical instrument such as a microscope. The output beam from delivery optical fibre 41.1 is coupled to the target instrument via fibre output collimating optics 42.1. The output of each of the diode lasers 37.1 to 37.6 is controlled by direct modulation of the lasers' control (drive) currents.

Abstract: A manipulator system 10 comprises a manipulator 14 which includes two pairs of adjustment screws 18a, 18b and 19a, 19b, which can be used to displace a lens group assembly 11 relative to the longitudinal axis of the manipulator when the lens group assembly 11 is inserted within the manipulator 14. The lens group assembly 11 comprises a holder 22 in the form of a hollow, cylindrical tube that has mounted in two lenses 12, 13. The holder 22 has a throughbore through which a laser beam may be passed in use. The manipulator system 10 can be used to adjust the tilt and displacement of the holder 22 (and hence of the pair of lenses 12, 13). Such adjustment will cause a laser beam passing through the manipulator system 10 and holder 22 to have, e.g., a particular pointing direction and shape when exiting the lens group assembly 11.

Abstract: The end face of an optical fibre 11 is polished at an angle to alter the cross-sectional dimensions of a light beam exiting the fibre through that end face to alter the cross-sectional circularity of the light beam after it has exited the fibre as compared to its cross-sectional circularity when it is in the fibre. For example, to increase the circularity of an exiting light beam, the angled fibre end face can be aligned such that the major axis of the sloping fibre end face is aligned with the major cross-sectional axis of the light beam in the fibre (i.e. perpendicular to the minor cross-sectional axis of the light beam in the fibre). This has the effect of reducing the length of the major cross-sectional axis of the light beam once it has exited the fibre.

Abstract: An accessory for carrying out ATR measurements in a spectrometer such as an FT-IR spectrometer. The accessory has input optical elements for directing a beam of infra-red radiation. to an HATR crystal 75 and output optical elements for directing radiation leaving the crystal towards an IR detector. The optical elements include a pivotable element which is adjustable automatically to a position in which it causes the radiation to be incident on the crystal at an angle of incidence appropriate for that crystal.

Abstract: A probe for use in spectroscopic analysis comprises an optical fiber with a rod-like end piece. One form of the probe has a local detector which can be deposited on the end piece or located close to it. This improves collection efficiency of radiation diffusely scattered from a sample being investigated. An alternative arrangement uses a local source of radiation.