Abstract: A compact laser system with a folded annular resonator cavity defined by spherical mirrors (17, 18), enabling the generation of a multipass beam path between the mirrors, each beam pass inclined at a small angle to the axis between the mirrors to form a zig-zag path (28, 29) therebetween. A long optical path is achieved within a short physical structure. The optical resonator cavity is confined in the gap between two cylindrical coaxial electrodes (13, 14) receiving RF power to excite the lasing gas. Apertures (23) are provided in the main cavity mirrors (17, 18), with a high reflectivity end mirror (24) behind one aperture at one end and a partially reflective output coupler (25) at the other end. A channeled ceramic cylindrical element (15, 20) within the annular shaped gap between the two cylindrical electrodes confines the lasing gas to the channels (16).

Abstract: There is provided a laser system having a cylindrically-shaped annular minor with at least one opening in its surface; a pair of planar metallic electrodes disposed proximate opposite edges of the annular mirror, normal to the axis of the annular minor, the electrodes configured to have an RF field applied between them; a pair of end minors disposed at said at least one opening; and a ceramic material in the form of a disc, disposed in the internal volume of the annular minor, the ceramic material having a series of channels formed therein such that they generate a zig-zag pathway in the ceramic material, wherein (i) the zig-zag path, when filled with a gain medium, (ii) the annular minor and (iii) the pair of end minors, together constitute a laser cavity.

Abstract: A compact laser system with a folded annular resonator cavity defined by spherical mirrors (17, 18), enabling the generation of a multipass beam path between the mirrors, each beam pass inclined at a small angle to the axis between the mirrors to form a zig-zag path (28, 29) therebetween. A long optical path is achieved within a short physical structure. The optical resonator cavity is confined in the gap between two cylindrical coaxial electrodes (13, 14) receiving RF power to excite the lasing gas. Apertures (23) are provided in the main cavity mirrors (17, 18), with a high reflectivity end mirror (24) behind one aperture at one end and a partially reflective output coupler (25) at the other end. A channeled ceramic cylindrical element (15, 20) within the annular shaped gap between the two cylindrical electrodes confines the lasing gas to the channels (16).

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for magnifying and capturing images of one or more samples, as well as an apparatus for changing objective lenses. Methods of using the apparatuses, and other embodiments, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A casing for use as a test kit that employs crushable ampoules prefilled with chemical or biological reagents, comprising a molded casing having a distinct reaction chamber, and at least one distinct cell adapted for receiving a crushable ampoule. The cell has a flexible pressing area at its outer wall for pressing and crushing the ampoule. An opening exists between the chamber and the cell that is either narrow enough, or provided with filtering means so as to allow passage of the reagent while preventing passage of glass shards from the cell to the chamber. The casing further comprises an inlet leading from the exterior of the casing into the inner space of the reaction chamber and a sampling probe, for enabling obtaining samples of material and delivery of said material through the inlet to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A system for detecting controlled substances on an object including at least one laser for illuminating at least part of an object with laser energy and either a second harmonic detector or a luminescence controlled substance detector, or both. Additionally, a system also including a Raman scattering controlled substance detector is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for detecting controlled substances on an object including at least one laser for illuminating at least part of an object with laser energy and either a second harmonic detector or a luminescence controlled substance detector, or both. Additionally, a system also including a Raman scattering controlled substance detector is disclosed.

Abstract: A personal identification and security system including a personal identification verification system, a controlled substance detection and identification system and an alarm indicator responsive to outputs of the personal identification verification system and the controlled substance detection and identification system for providing an alarm indication in response to fulfillment of alarm criteria in at least one of the outputs.

Abstract: A personal identification and security system including a personal identification verification system, a controlled substance detection and identification system and an alarm indicator responsive to outputs of the personal identification verification system and the controlled substance detection and identification system for providing an alarm indication in response to fulfillment of alarm criteria in at least one of the outputs.

Abstract: A personal identification and security system including a personal identification verification system, a controlled substance detection and identification system and an alarm indicator responsive to outputs of the personal identification verification system and the controlled substance detection and identification system for providing an alarm indication in response to fulfillment of alarm criteria in at least one of the outputs.

Abstract: A casing for use as a test kit that employs crushable ampoules prefilled with chemical or biological reagents, comprising a molded casing having a distinct reaction chamber, and at least one distinct cell adapted for receiving a crushable ampoule. The cell has a flexible pressing area at its outer wall for pressing and crushing the ampoule. An opening exists between the chamber and the cell that is either narrow enough, or provided with filtering means so as to allow passage of the reagent while preventing passage of glass shards from the cell to the chamber. The casing further comprises an inlet leading from the exterior of the casing into the inner space of the reaction chamber and a sampling probe, for enabling obtaining samples of material and delivery of said material through the inlet to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A system for detecting controlled substances on an object including at least one laser for illuminating at least part of an object with laser energy and either a second harmonic detector or a luminescence controlled substance detector, or both. Additionally, a system also including a Raman scattering controlled substance detector is disclosed.

Abstract: A casing for use as a test kit that employs crushable ampoules prefilled with chemical or biological reagents, comprising a molded casing having a distinct reaction chamber, and at least one distinct cell adapted for receiving a crushable ampoule. The cell has a flexible pressing area at its outer wall for pressing and crushing the ampoule. An opening exists between the chamber and the cell that is either narrow enough, or provided with filtering means so as to allow passage of the reagent while preventing passage of glass shards from the cell to the chamber. The casing further comprises an inlet leading from the exterior of the casing into the inner space of the reaction chamber and a sampling probe, for enabling obtaining samples of material and delivery of said material through the inlet to the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method of printing an image on a substrate by applying to the substrate a film which is chemically activated by heat, and scanning the film by a beam of radiation according to the image to be printed, to chemically activate the film by heat and thereby to produce a pattern in the film according to the image scanned. The film includes a reagent capable of undergoing a redox reaction when heated in the presence of another reagent present with the film when scanned by the beam, to produce the redox reaction between the two reagents.

Abstract: A laser comprising an RF matching unit having an RF power input and an RF power output, an optical cavity including electrode apparatus extending along the optical cavity, receiving the RF power output and defining a discharge gap having a gaseous lasing medium disposed therein, the RF power output being operative to produce a population inversion in the gaseous lasing medium, and an arrangement for providing direct fluid cooling contact with the electrode apparatus generally along its entire extent.