Abstract: The current disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method of a Laser Designator/Rangefinder (LDR) having two wavelengths of 1064 nm and 1572 nm. The 1064 nm wavelength laser is generated by a pump diode by exciting Nd:YAG medium (source). The 1572 nm wavelength laser is produced using an OPO-OPA converted which is located in a by-pass path. Because the 1572 nm wavelength uses near diffraction limited signal, it provides long range identification and tracking capability needed for advanced tactical platforms, while using the smallest transmit aperture, in a low Size, Weight and Power Consumption (SWaP) package.

Abstract: A hybrid resonator and amplifier combination for generating a high energy output signal. The combination comprises a beam splitter for splitting a pump laser beam into first and second portions. The second portion beam being conveyed to a resonator which operates in a single transverse mode to generating a signal wavelength beam. An output coupler of the resonator allows a first portion of the signal wavelength beam to pass therethrough while retaining a second portion of the signal wavelength beam within the resonator. A system dichroic mirror receives and directs both the first portion and the signal wavelength beam toward an amplifier. The amplifier receives both the first portion and the signal wavelength beam. The first portion, upon passing through the amplifier, creates gain which is used by the amplifier to amplify the signal wavelength beam generate the high energy output signal.

Abstract: A hybrid resonator and amplifier combination for generating a high energy output signal. The combination comprises a beam splitter for splitting a pump laser beam into first and second portions. The second portion beam being conveyed to a resonator which operates in a single transverse mode to generating a signal wavelength beam. An output coupler of the resonator allows a first portion of the signal wavelength beam to pass therethrough while retaining a second portion of the signal wavelength beam within the resonator. A system dichroic mirror receives and directs both the first portion and the signal wavelength beam toward an amplifier. The amplifier receives both the first portion and the signal wavelength beam. The first portion, upon passing through the amplifier, creates gain which is used by the amplifier to amplify the signal wavelength beam generate the high energy output signal.

Abstract: The current disclosure is directed to an apparatus and method of a Laser Designator/Rangefinder (LDR) having two wavelengths of 1064 nm and 1572 nm. The 1064 nm wavelength laser is generated by a pump diode by exciting Nd:YAG medium (source). The 1572 nm wavelength laser is produced using an OPO-OPA converted which is located in a by-pass path. Because the 1572 nm wavelength uses near diffraction limited signal, it provides long range identification and tracking capability needed for advanced tactical platforms, while using the smallest transmit aperture, in a low Size, Weight and Power Consumption (SWaP) package.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved laser beam quality with fewer parts than the current method demands and decreasing the transmit aperture, said apparatus comprising: two or more independently pumped gain modules, two or more pump diodes, a polarizing waveplate, non-linear optical crystals, and a passive Q-switch.

Abstract: A sizer includes a frame defining a sizing chamber and a roll assembly positioned at least partially in the sizing chamber and supported for rotation relative to the frame. The roll assembly includes a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and configured to be driven by a motor about the longitudinal axis, an adaptor coupled to the shaft for rotation with the shaft, a cutting section removably coupled to the adaptor, and at least one insert positioned between the cutting section and the adaptor. The cutting section includes at least one cutting element positioned at a radial distance from the longitudinal axis. The at least one insert is removably coupled between the cutting section and the adaptor to modify the radial distance of the cutting element.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved laser beam quality with fewer parts than the current method demands and decreasing the transmit aperture, said apparatus comprising: two or more independently pumped gain modules, two or more pump diodes, a polarizing waveplate, non-linear optical crystals, and a passive Q-switch.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for fabricating optical instrumentation. The techniques can be used, for instance, to populate an optical bench with several optics that can be simultaneously bonded and simultaneously verified to precise assembly, and without the use of adjustable mounts or active alignment. The techniques may be embodied, for instance, in a jig designed for operatively coupling to a given optical bench. The jig includes cut-outs that identify placement locations for the various optical components on the underlying optical bench. Thus, once the jig is secured to the optical bench, precise placement of the optical components is simplified. In some such embodiments, the jig further includes a clamping assembly for each cut-out, so that once an optical component is placed on the optical bench via that cutout, the clamping assembly can be engaged to hold that optical component in place while a deposited bonding agent is cured.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, laser target designator uses a TIR bounce geometry to place an end-pumped gain element functionally in the center of the resonator path, thereby allowing the resonator path to be terminated by a pair of crossed Porro prisms, so that the designator produces a high quality beam that is insensitive to alignment and temperature, and is low in manufacturing cost. Some embodiments fold the Porro legs of the resonator path back toward the gain element for compactness. Embodiments use a single gain element as both an oscillator gain element with TIR and as an output amplifier gain element without TIR. Various embodiments use block optical elements in a planar layout on a standard support medium such as aluminum to facilitate automated manufacturing.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, laser target designator uses a TIR bounce geometry to place an end-pumped gain element functionally in the center of the resonator path, thereby allowing the resonator path to be terminated by a pair of crossed Porro prisms, so that the designator produces a high quality beam that is insensitive to alignment and temperature, and is low in manufacturing cost. Some embodiments fold the Porro legs of the resonator path back toward the gain element for compactness. Embodiments use a single gain element as both an oscillator gain element with TIR and as an output amplifier gain element without TIR. Various embodiments use block optical elements in a planar layout on a standard support medium such as aluminum to facilitate automated manufacturing.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for fabricating optical instrumentation. The techniques can be used, for instance, to populate an optical bench with several optics that can be simultaneously bonded and simultaneously verified to precise assembly, and without the use of adjustable mounts or active alignment. The techniques may be embodied, for instance, in a jig designed for operatively coupling to a given optical bench. The jig includes cut-outs that identify placement locations for the various optical components on the underlying optical bench. Thus, once the jig is secured to the optical bench, precise placement of the optical components is simplified. In some such embodiments, the jig further includes a clamping assembly for each cut-out, so that once an optical component is placed on the optical bench via that cutout, the clamping assembly can be engaged to hold that optical component in place while a deposited bonding agent is cured.

Abstract: A system is provided for amplification of laser light, the system having: a plurality of non-silica optical fibers, each the non-silica optical fiber disposed within a sheath; each the non-silica optical fiber being doped with a dopant such that the non-silica fiber has a low non-linear effect; a light source, directing a light beam into a first the non-silica optical fiber; heat dissipating components disposed about the plurality of non-silica optical fibers forming a package; and the package being not greater than 100 cm3.

Abstract: A method of catalytically converting 2,2, dichlorohexafluoropropane (HFC-216aa) into 2 chloro 1,1,1,2,3,3,3 heptafluoropropane (HFC-217ba) including the step of exposing the 2,2 dichlorohexafluoropropane to a chromium-containing catalyst comprising a metal oxide, a halogenated metal oxide or a metal oxyhalide, which chromium-containing catalyst comprises 0.01% to 5.0% by weight zinc or a compound of zinc.

Abstract: A system is provided for amplification of laser light, the system having: a plurality of non-silica optical fibers, each the non-silica optical fiber disposed within a sheath; each the non-silica optical fiber being doped with a dopant such that the non-silica fiber has a low non-linear effect; a light source, directing a light beam into a first the non-silica optical fiber; heat dissipating components disposed about the plurality of non-silica optical fibers forming a package; and the package being not greater than 100 cm3.

Abstract: A monolithic pumped laser cavity design is disclosed. Elements of the laser cavity, such as gain material, Q-switch, reflector, and outcoupler, are contact bonded together with a thermally conductive epoxy. The assembly is then operatively coupled to a heat sink (e.g., by mechanical or chemical means). The assembly is potted in thermally conductive potting material. The stacked elements or a subset thereof may be bonded to heat sink mounts and/or face cooling layers. In this fashion, various elements can be easily assembled and bonded together to provide the desired combination of laser energy, pulse width, and repetition frequency. The thermally conductive potting material provides structural integrity, as well as thermal management by extracting heat from the encased assembly to the heat sink. The optional heat sink mounts and face cooling operate to further extract heat and reduce thermal loading. Outcoupling to fiber may also be provided.

Abstract: A terahertz imaging system and method of use including a compact Yb-doped fiber laser-pumped ZGP crystal as a THz source and an uncooled microbolometer array as a detector. According to the present invention, semiconductor lasers are also drive current modulated to produce desired laser pulsewidth, repetition rate and wavelengths needed for DFG THz generation in various non-linear crystals. The fiber-coupled semiconductor lasers provide at least two wavelengths that will produce THz radiation by DFG in non-linear converter. These two wavelengths are combined and amplified in a single Yb fiber amplifier chain. Yb amplifier is staged in continually increasing core diameters to provide significant signal amplification while suppressing deleterious non-linear effects.

Abstract: A method of catalytically converting 2,2, dichlorohexafluoropropane (HFC-216aa) into 2 chloro 1,1,1,2,3,3,3 heptafluoropropane (HFC-217ba) including the step of exposing the 2,2 dichlorohexafluoropropane to a chromium-containing catalyst comprising a metal oxide, a halogenated metal oxide or a metal oxyhalide, which chromium-containing catalyst comprises 0.01% to 5.0% by weight zinc or a compound of zinc.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the present exemplary embodiment, a multifunction communication system comprises a scanner and a multifunction device that processes data received from the scanner. The multifunction device comprises a user interface that allows a user to enter commands to configure at least one functional aspect of the multifunction device, wherein the user is presented with a logical progression of steps that inquire of the user information that is needed to complete an email function. An authentication component communicates with the user interface that requires a user to enter a valid username and password via the user interface to access specific functionality of the multifunction device. An email component facilitates sending one or more email messages that contain data received from the scanner. A receiving component that receives at least one email message from the multifunction device.

Abstract: A laser amplification system is disclosed that enables reliable operation over large ambient temperature operating window, as well as a significant reduction of laser temperature sensitivity typically associated with diode pumped lasers. The techniques employed by the system effectively eliminate damaging gain hot spots and lower ASE and ESA thresholds, thereby increasing laser peak and average power levels. Additionally, the techniques allow for thermal programming of active gain medium material to minimize thermally induced aberrations. In one particular example embodiment, a variable dopant concentration multi-pass laser amplifier is provided having a customized active ion concentration profile, tailoring the combination of laser absorption and gain distribution using a ceramic YAG host.

Abstract: A laser amplification system is disclosed that enables reliable operation over large ambient temperature operating window, as well as a significant reduction of laser temperature sensitivity typically associated with diode pumped lasers. The techniques employed by the system effectively eliminate damaging gain hot spots and lower ASE and ESA thresholds, thereby increasing laser peak and average power levels. Additionally, the techniques allow for thermal programming of active gain medium material to minimize thermally induced aberrations. In one particular example embodiment, a variable dopant concentration multi-pass laser amplifier is provided having a customized active ion concentration profile, tailoring the combination of laser absorption and gain distribution using a ceramic YAG host.