Abstract: A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), an illumination source (14), a refractive, optical element (24A), a mover assembly (24C) (29), and a control system (30). The image sensor (28) acquires data to construct a two-dimensional spectral image (13A) during a data acquisition time (346). The illumination source (14) generates an illumination beam (16) that illuminates the sample (10) to create a modified beam (16I) that follows a beam path (16B) from the sample (10) to the image sensor (28). During the data acquisition time (346), the control system (30) controls the illumination source (14) to generate the illumination beam (16), and controls the image sensor (28) to capture the data. Further, during the data acquisition time (346), an effective optical path segment (45) of the beam path (16B) is modulated.

Abstract: A laser source (340) that generates an output beam (354) that is directed along a beam axis (354A) that is coaxial with a first axis and orthogonal to a second axis comprises a first frame (356), a laser (358), and a first mounting assembly (360). The laser (358) generates the output beam (354) that is directed along the beam axis (354A). The first mounting assembly (360) couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356). The first mounting assembly (360) allows the laser (358) to expand and contract relative to the first frame (356) along the first axis and along the second axis, while maintaining alignment of the output beam (354) so the beam axis (354A) is substantially coaxial with the first axis. The first mounting assembly (360) can include a first fastener assembly (366) that couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356), and a first alignment assembly (368) that maintains alignment of the laser (358) along a first alignment axis (370) that is substantially parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), an illumination source (14), a refractive, optical element (24A), a mover assembly (24C) (29), and a control system (30). The image sensor (28) acquires data to construct a two-dimensional spectral image (13A) during a data acquisition time (346). The illumination source (14) generates an illumination beam (16) that illuminates the sample (10) to create a modified beam (16I) that follows a beam path (16B) from the sample (10) to the image sensor (28). During the data acquisition time (346), the control system (30) controls the illumination source (14) to generate the illumination beam (16), and controls the image sensor (28) to capture the data. Further, during the data acquisition time (346), an effective optical path segment (45) of the beam path (16B) is modulated.

Abstract: A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), an illumination source (14), a refractive, optical element (24A), a mover assembly (24C) (29), and a control system (30). The image sensor (28) acquires data to construct a two-dimensional spectral image (13A) during a data acquisition time (346). The illumination source (14) generates an illumination beam (16) that illuminates the sample (10) to create a modified beam (16I) that follow a beam path (16B) from the sample (10) to the image sensor (28). The refractive, optical element (24A) is spaced apart a separation distance (42) from the sample (10) along the beam path (16B). During the data acquisition time (346), the control system (30) controls the illumination source (14) to generate the illumination beam (16), controls the mover assembly (29) (24C) to modulate the separation distance (42), and controls the image sensor (28) to capture the data.

Abstract: A laser source (340) that generates an output beam (354) that is directed along a beam axis (354A) that is coaxial with a first axis and orthogonal to a second axis comprises a first frame (356), a laser (358), and a first mounting assembly (360). The laser (358) generates the output beam (354) that is directed along the beam axis (354A). The first mounting assembly (360) couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356). The first mounting assembly (360) allows the laser (358) to expand and contract relative to the first frame (356) along the first axis and along the second axis, while maintaining alignment of the output beam (354) so the beam axis (354A) is substantially coaxial with the first axis. The first mounting assembly (360) can include a first fastener assembly (366) that couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356), and a first alignment assembly (368) that maintains alignment of the laser (358) along a first alignment axis (370) that is substantially parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A laser assembly for generating an output beam includes a first module assembly, a second module assembly, and a module fastener assembly. The second module assembly is selectively movable relative to the first module assembly to selectively adjust a cavity length, and a pivot axis of a grating in the laser. Further, an arm assembly that retains the grating can be adjusted to adjust the cavity length, and to adjust the plane of the grating face. Moreover, the grating is movable relative to the arm assembly to align the grating.

Abstract: A laser assembly for generating an output beam includes a first module assembly, a second module assembly, and a module fastener assembly. The second module assembly is selectively movable relative to the first module assembly to selectively adjust a cavity length, and a pivot axis of a grating in the laser. Further, an arm assembly that retains the grating can be adjusted to adjust the cavity length, and to adjust the plane of the grating face. Moreover, the grating is movable relative to the arm assembly to align the grating.

Abstract: A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), an illumination source (14), a refractive, optical element (24A), a mover assembly (24C) (29), and a control system (30). The image sensor (28) acquires data to construct a two-dimensional spectral image (13A) during a data acquisition time (346). The illumination source (14) generates an illumination beam (16) that illuminates the sample (10) to create a modified beam (16I) that follow a beam path (16B) from the sample (10) to the image sensor (28). The refractive, optical element (24A) is spaced apart a separation distance (42) from the sample (10) along the beam path (16B). During the data acquisition time (346), the control system (30) controls the illumination source (14) to generate the illumination beam (16), controls the mover assembly (29) (24C) to modulate the separation distance (42), and controls the image sensor (28) to capture the data.

Abstract: A laser source (340) that generates an output beam (354) that is directed along a beam axis (354A) that is coaxial with a first axis and orthogonal to a second axis comprises a first frame (356), a laser (358), and a first mounting assembly (360). The laser (358) generates the output beam (354) that is directed along the beam axis (354A). The first mounting assembly (360) couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356). The first mounting assembly (360) allows the laser (358) to expand and contract relative to the first frame (356) along the first axis and along the second axis, while maintaining alignment of the output beam (354) so the beam axis (354A) is substantially coaxial with the first axis. The first mounting assembly (360) can include a first fastener assembly (366) that couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356), and a first alignment assembly (368) that maintains alignment of the laser (358) along a first alignment axis (370) that is substantially parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A laser source (340) comprises a first frame (356), a laser (358), and a first mounting assembly (360). The laser (358) generates an output beam (354) that is directed along a beam axis (354A). The first mounting assembly (360) allows the laser (358) to expand and contract relative to the first frame (356) along a first axis and along a second axis that is orthogonal to the beam axis, while maintaining alignment of the output beam (354) so the beam axis (354A) is substantially coaxial with the first axis. The first mounting assembly (360) can include a first fastener assembly (366) that couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356), and a first alignment assembly (368) that maintains alignment of the laser (358) along a first alignment axis (370) that is substantially parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: A sensor system for sensing the presence of methane and sulfur hexafluoride in an area includes (i) a laser assembly including a quantum cascade gain medium that generates a MIR output beam that is directed at the area; and (ii) an imager that captures a thermal image of the area when the MIR output beam is generated. To sense the presence of methane, the MIR output beam has a center wavelength that is in the range of between approximately 7.654 and 7.668 microns. Alternatively, to sense the presence of sulfur hexafluoride, the MIR output beam has a center wavelength that is in the range of between approximately 10.56 and 10.58 microns.

Abstract: A laser source (340) comprises a first frame (356), a laser (358), and a first mounting assembly (360). The laser (358) generates an output beam (354) that is directed along a beam axis (354A). The first mounting assembly (360) allows the laser (358) to expand and contract relative to the first frame (356) along a first axis and along a second axis that is orthogonal to the beam axis, while maintaining alignment of the output beam (354) so the beam axis (354A) is substantially coaxial with the first axis. The first mounting assembly (360) can include a first fastener assembly (366) that couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356), and a first alignment assembly (368) that maintains alignment of the laser (358) along a first alignment axis (370) that is substantially parallel to the first axis.