Abstract: The present invention benefits from the determination that pre-selected spectral bandwidths that avoid the spectrum of an electronic transition of a metal/alloy vapor allow for welds substantially free from detritus that may discolor the weld. Accordingly, the present invention provides analytical methods, welding methods and fiber lasers configured to provide high quality metal/alloy welds.

Abstract: The present invention benefits from the determination that pre-selected spectral bandwidths that avoid the spectrum of an electronic transition of a metal/alloy vapor allow for welds substantially free from detritus that may discolor the weld. Accordingly, the present invention provides analytical methods, welding methods and fiber lasers configured to provide high quality metal/alloy welds.

Abstract: The present invention benefits from the determination that pre-selected spectral bandwidths that avoid the spectrum of an electronic transition of a metal/alloy vapor allow for welds substantially free from detritus that may discolor the weld. Accordingly, the present invention provides analytical methods, welding methods and fiber lasers configured to provide high quality metal/alloy welds.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and system for reducing contamination in the resulting plasma of a weld produced by a fiber laser. The invention establishes the fiber laser in an optimal configuration for applying a high density beam to a weld material that eliminates spectral interference. The beam is applied in a narrow bandwidth of 1064 nm+/?0.5 nm in one operative condition using an inert shielding gas, preferably argon, in a cross-flow or controlled environment around the welding region to prevent contamination of the plasma forming in the weld region. The method is optimized by determining and avoiding the emission spectrum for the fiber laser and the cover gas or gasses as well as any particular excitation spectra for the weld material. The system can utilize a single laser input, or can utilize multiple lasers joined by coupling means and utilizing a switch to select one or more of the fiber lasers.

Abstract: An adjustable pinhole, in particular for a beam path for illumination and/or detection in a laser-scanning microscope. The pinhole consists of at least two planar basic modules, which have frame-like joints, on which at least one blade is arranged in a displaceable manner in one direction, whereby the basic component advantageously contains at least one integrated, preferably optical or electromagnetic actuator. A device is provided at the blade, or connected with it, for preferably optical or electromagnetic detection of the position, and is provided, advantageously, with two asymmetric apertures, with mutually opposite orientation, for optical detection of the position, whereby in front of or behind the apertures, a slit is provided, oriented preferably at a right angle to the direction of displacement, and the quantity of light passing through the slit is detected separately for each aperture.

Abstract: An adjustable pinhole, in particular for a beam path for illumination and/or detection in a laser-scanning microscope. The pinhole consists of at least two planar basic modules, which have frame-like joints, on which at least one sharp edge is arranged in a displaceable manner in one direction, whereby the basic component advantageously contains at least one integrated, preferably optical or electromagnetic positioning element. A device is provided at the sharp edge, or connected with it, for preferably optical or electromagnetic detection of the position, and is provided, advantageously, with two asymmetric apertures, with mutually opposite orientation, for optical detection of the position, whereby in front of or behind the apertures, a slit is provided, oriented preferably at a right angle to the direction of displacement, and the quantity of light passing through the slit is detected separately for each aperture.