Abstract: New systems for characterizing laser beams, using measurements performed on light which has been Rayleigh scattered from the beam. Different implementations are used for beam profiling, using images of the Rayleigh scattered light, and for laser beam power measurement, using the integrated Rayleigh scattered light. Both of these implementations can be applied to laser beams having high powers, since the measurements do not require insertion of any element into the beam itself, but rather depend on light scattered laterally from the passing beam. The measurements can thus be termed “non contact” measurements, in contrast to prior art methods which require an element inserted into the beam. The systems use Rayleigh scattering from the laser beam passing through ambient air, such that no special scattering chambers or liquids are required for the measurements. Special cancellation algorithms or filters are used to discriminate from light arising from scattering from dust particles.

Abstract: New systems for characterizing laser beams, using measurements performed on light which has been Rayleigh scattered from the beam. Different implementations are used for beam profiling, using images of the Rayleigh scattered light, and for laser beam power measurement, using the integrated Rayleigh scattered light. Both of these implementations can be applied to laser beams having high powers, since the measurements do not require insertion of any element into the beam itself, but rather depend on light scattered laterally from the passing beam. The measurements can thus be termed “non contact” measurements, in contrast to prior art methods which require an element inserted into the beam. The systems use Rayleigh scattering from the laser beam passing through ambient air, such that no special scattering chambers or liquids are required for the measurements. Special cancellation algorithms or filters are used to discriminate from light arising from scattering from dust particles.

Abstract: An optical beam diagnostic device includes one or more sets of coherent optical fiber bundles, wherein one end of the coherent optical fiber bundles is arranged to receive optical information from a dynamic moving or static optical beam or beams, and the other end of the coherent optical fiber bundles is arranged to transmit the optical information to a sensor array. Data from the sensor array can then be simultaneously acquired by an analysis system and analyzed to determine one or more characteristics of the optical beam.

Abstract: A gonioradiometric scanning apparatus and method for measuring the near and/or far field radiation pattern of radiating optical sources such as laser diodes (LD), light emitting diodes (LED), optical fibers, flat panel displays, and luminaires is described. The scanning apparatus incorporates a deflector for selecting an azimuth angle through the optical source to be measured, a rotating apparatus which collects light while scanning about the source, an optical commutator, and a detector. The rotating apparatus comprises a cylindrical hub and an optical collector using either an optical fiber or a train of reflectors, such as mirrors or retro-reflectors. The optical collector provides a means for both collecting light and for directing the beam emanating from the deflector to a place opposite the detector at which optical commutation occurs.

Abstract: An optical system for the attenuation of laser light for measurement purposes which includes four logical subassemblies including a first attenuator subassembly for the attenuation of high power laser light, a second attenuator subassembly for lower power attenuation of the laser light, a third lens subassembly for collecting beam size data simultaneously at multiple locations in space, and a fourth logical subassembly including a beam measuring assembly for recording the beam size data received from the lens subassembly for analysis of the beam characteristics. The first attenuator subassembly is provided with a pair of reflecting, opposed facing, fixed wedges. The reflecting wedges are selectively tilted to eliminate interference effects between their inward facing reflecting surfaces. The second attenuator subassembly further includes a pair of opposed facing and movable wedges arranged in series with a fixed filter.