Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system includes light sources configured to generate separate beams of light, a lens array configured to receive the separate beams of light from the light sources and to collimate the separate beams of light into collimated outgoing light that is directed toward an examined area of interest, a light sensitive detector configured to sense reflection of at least part of the collimated outgoing light, and one or more processors configured to determine a distance to one or more objects off which the at least part of the collimated outgoing light was reflected toward the light sensitive detector. The one or more processors are configured to determine the distance based on the reflection of the at least part of the collimated outgoing light.

Abstract: An optical system includes an aperture stop configured to direct light through the optical system, an inverting prism assembly configured to receive light from the aperture stop and direct light through the optical system, and a field stop configured to receive light from the inverting prism assembly and direct light through the optical system to an operator of the optical system. A point-of-impact is identified in object space and a point-of-aim is identified in afocal space of the optical system. The inverting prism assembly is configured to be pivoted about a center of the aperture stop to effect alignment of the point-of-impact and point-of-aim in the afocal space so that the point-of-aim is coincident with the optical axis.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system includes light sources configured to generate separate beams of light, a lens array configured to receive the separate beams of light from the light sources and to collimate the separate beams of light into collimated outgoing light that is directed toward an examined area of interest, a light sensitive detector configured to sense reflection of at least part of the collimated outgoing light, and one or more processors configured to determine a distance to one or more objects off which the at least part of the collimated outgoing light was reflected toward the light sensitive detector. The one or more processors are configured to determine the distance based on the reflection of the at least part of the collimated outgoing light.

Abstract: A powder melting device for an additive manufacturing system is provided. The powder melting device includes at least one laser device configured to generate at least one energy beam for forming at least one melt pool in a layer of powdered material. The powder melting device also includes at least two optical elements configured to dynamically induce beam distortion in the at least one energy beam to modify a beam spot incident on the layer of powdered material. The at least two optical elements are configured to induce at least one of an aspect ratio adjustment of the at least one energy beam, an optical powder redistribution between a periphery and a center of the at least one energy beam, and a rotation of the at least one energy beam.

Abstract: An optical system includes an aperture stop configured to direct light through the optical system, an inverting prism assembly configured to receive light from the aperture stop and direct light through the optical system, and a field stop configured to receive light from the inverting prism assembly and direct light through the optical system to an operator of the optical system. A point-of-impact is identified in object space and a point-of-aim is identified in afocal space of the optical system. The inverting prism assembly is configured to be pivoted about a center of the aperture stop to effect alignment of the point-of-impact and point-of-aim in the afocal space so that the point-of-aim is coincident with the optical axis.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system includes light sources configured to generate separate beams of light, a lens array configured to receive the separate beams of light from the light sources and to collimate the separate beams of light into collimated outgoing light that is directed toward an examined area of interest, a light sensitive detector configured to sense reflection of at least part of the collimated outgoing light, and one or more processors configured to determine a distance to one or more objects off which the at least part of the collimated outgoing light was reflected toward the light sensitive detector. The one or more processors are configured to determine the distance based on the reflection of the at least part of the collimated outgoing light.

Abstract: A lens array assembly includes plural lens elements each configured to receive incoming light from one or more light sources. The lens elements include biconic refractive elements on first sides of the lens elements and including diffractive elements on opposite, second sides of the lens elements. The lens elements are configured to change directions of the incoming light received from the one or more light sources such that outgoing light emanating from the lens elements is collimated in a first direction but diverges along a different, second direction.

Abstract: A light source assembly for use in a display device used in conjunction with night vision gear is provided. The light source assembly includes a light emitting diode configured to generate light comprising visible light and does not emit near IR light. A phosphor body configured to absorb the blue light and emit white light which does not contain near IR. The phosphor body prevents near IR light c from saturating the night vision gear.

Abstract: A laser navigational system for a vehicle having a lighting assembly configured for emission of light. A lens array assembly receives incoming light from the lighting assembly and changes the direction of the incoming light received from the lighting assembly such that the outgoing light emanating from the lens array assembly is collimated in a first direction but diverges along a different, second direction. A scanning unit aligns with the lighting assembly to direct the collimated beam in two orthogonal directions. The lighting assembly, the lens array assembly and the scanning unit are configured to direct the light to form a visual beacon that guides navigation of the vehicle to a location.

Abstract: A powder melting device for an additive manufacturing system is provided. The powder melting device includes at least one laser device configured to generate at least one energy beam for forming at least one melt pool in a layer of powdered material. The powder melting device also includes at least two optical elements configured to dynamically induce beam distortion in the at least one energy beam to modify a beam spot incident on the layer of powdered material. The at least two optical elements are configured to induce at least one of an aspect ratio adjustment of the at least one energy beam, an optical powder redistribution between a periphery and a center of the at least one energy beam, and a rotation of the at least one energy beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a low-cost, portable photo thermal spectroscopy (PTS) reader for use in detecting the presence of diseases in the bodily fluid of affected patients. The PTS reader is designed to be durable, easy to use and provide readings from the Lateral Flow Assay (LFA) with rapid results. Also provided are methods of use.

Abstract: A display includes a blue light emitting diode (LED) and a transparent shell disposed over the blue LED. The transparent shell includes a plurality of red quantum dots configured to absorb light from the blue LED and emit light in a red spectral region.

Abstract: A light detection and ranging (LiDAR) system includes light sources configured to generate separate beams of light, a lens array configured to receive the separate beams of light from the light sources and to collimate the separate beams of light into collimated outgoing light that is directed toward an examined area of interest, a light sensitive detector configured to sense reflection of at least part of the collimated outgoing light, and one or more processors configured to determine a distance to one or more objects off which the at least part of the collimated outgoing light was reflected toward the light sensitive detector. The one or more processors are configured to determine the distance based on the reflection of the at least part of the collimated outgoing light.

Abstract: A high-tech pickup truck bed cover is disclosed. The cover provides a protective covering for a pickup truck's cargo bed and preferably includes safety lighting and a backup camera.

Abstract: The present approach relates to the synchronization of frame acquisition by a camera with an external event or trigger despite the camera lacking external control or synchronization capabilities. For example, inexpensive and/or consumer grade camera typically lack a control interface to explicitly synchronize with an external trigger event or external device. The present approach allows synchronization of such a camera lacking external synchronization capabilities with an external event or device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a system for performing in-situ laser machining on a component within a gas turbine engine, in which the component includes a substrate defining a surface. The system includes a laser system disposed externally of the gas turbine engine, a focusing optic, and a conduit. The laser system includes a laser unit that produces an output beam. The focusing optic is disposed between the laser unit and the component. The conduit defines a first end external of the engine and a second end that ingresses into the engine through an access port. The conduit includes a plurality of mirrors within the conduit. The plurality of mirrors directs the output beam from the laser system onto the component.

Abstract: Provided here are microscope objectives that include a first plurality of lenses positioned within the passageway on a sample end of the microscope objective and a second plurality of lenses positioned within the passageway and spaced apart from the first plurality of lenses and opposite the sample end such that the first plurality of lenses and the second plurality of lenses are aligned along an imaging axis and such that each individual lens is rotationally symmetrical about the imaging axis. Also included is a motor configured to move a carrier along the imaging axis to change a distance between each lens of first plurality of lenses relative to at least one lens of the second plurality of lenses.

Abstract: A lens array assembly includes plural lens elements each configured to receive incoming light from one or more light sources. The lens elements include biconic refractive elements on first sides of the lens elements and including diffractive elements on opposite, second sides of the lens elements. The lens elements are configured to change directions of the incoming light received from the one or more light sources such that outgoing light emanating from the lens elements is collimated in a first direction but diverges along a different, second direction.

Abstract: A laser navigational system for a vehicle having a lighting assembly configured for emission of light. A lens array assembly receives incoming light from the lighting assembly and changes the direction of the incoming light received from the lighting assembly such that the outgoing light emanating from the lens array assembly is collimated in a first direction but diverges along a different, second direction. A scanning unit aligns with the lighting assembly to direct the collimated beam in two orthogonal directions. The lighting assembly, the lens array assembly and the scanning unit are configured to direct the light to form a visual beacon that guides navigation of the vehicle to a location.

Abstract: A high-tech pickup truck bed cover is disclosed. The cover provides a protective covering for a pickup truck's cargo bed and preferably includes safety lighting and a backup camera.