Patents by Inventor Timothy Day
Timothy Day has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 7826503Abstract: In a semiconductor lasers using quantum well gain medium, a quantum well stack is mounted in an epi-down configuration. The epitaxial side of the device may be directly bonded to an efficient heat transport system so that heat may more easily leave the quantum well stack layers and be disposed at a heatsink. Such a device runs cooler and exhibits reduced loss mechanisms as represented by a laser system loss-line. External cavity systems using this configuration may permit a high degree of tunability, and these systems are particularly improved as the tuning range is extended by lowered cavity losses.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: November 2, 2010Assignee: Daylight Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Day, Miles James Weida
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Publication number: 20100243891Abstract: A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes a quantum cascade laser to provide mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser is thermally coupled. The heat spreader not only serves to dissipate heat and conduct same to the TEC, but also serves as an optical platform to secure the optical elements within the housing in a fixed relationship relative on one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
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Patent number: 7796341Abstract: A lens may operate in the mid-IR spectral region and couple highly divergent beams into highly collimated beams. In combination with a light source having a characteristic output beam, the lens may provide highly stable, miniaturized mid-IR sources that deliver optical beams. An advanced mounting system may provide long term sturdy mechanical coupling and alignment to reduce operator maintenance. In addition, devices may also support electrical and thermal subsystems that are delivered via these mounting systems. A mid-IR singlet lens having a numerical aperture greater than about 0.7 and a focal length less than 10 mm may be combined with a quantum well stack semiconductor based light source such that the emission facet of the semiconductor lies in the focus of the lens less than 2 mm away from the lens surface. Together, these systems may provide a package that is highly portable and robust, and easily integrated with external optical systems.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Daylight Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
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Patent number: 7738518Abstract: In a semiconductor lasers using quantum well gain medium, a quantum well stack is mounted in an epi-down configuration. The epitaxial side of the device may be directly bonded to an efficient heat transport system so that heat may more easily leave the quantum well stack layers and be disposed at a heatsink. Such a device runs cooler and exhibits reduced loss mechanisms as represented by a laser system loss-line. External cavity systems using this configuration may permit a high degree of tunability, and these systems are particularly improved as the tuning range is extended by lowered cavity losses.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Daylight Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Day, Miles James Weida
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Publication number: 20100132581Abstract: A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes a quantum cascade laser to provide mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser is thermally coupled. The heat spreader not only serves to dissipate heat and conduct same to the TEC, but also serves as an optical platform to secure the optical elements within the housing in a fixed relationship relative on one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: June 3, 2010Inventors: Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
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Publication number: 20100111122Abstract: A laser source assembly (10) for providing an assembly output beam (12) includes a first MIR laser source (352A), a second MIR laser source (352B), and a beam combiner (244). The first MIR laser source (352A) emits a first MIR beam (356A) that is in the MIR range and the second MIR laser source (352B) emits a second MIR beam (356B) that is in the MIR range. Further, the beam combiner (244) spatially combines the first MIR beam (356A) and the second MIR beam (356B) to provide the assembly output beam (12). With this design, a plurality MIR laser sources (352A) (352B) can be packaged in a portable, common module, each of the MIR laser sources (352A) (352B) generates a narrow linewidth, accurately settable MIR beam (356A) (356B), and the MIR beams (356A) (356B) are combined to create a multiple watt assembly output beam (12) having the desired power. The beam combiner (244) can includes a combiner lens (364) and an output optical fiber (366).Type: ApplicationFiled: April 21, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Daylight Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Michael Pushkarsky, Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
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Publication number: 20100110198Abstract: An optical illuminator assembly (10) for locating an object (20) in inclement conditions (22) includes a MIR laser source (12) having a semiconductor laser that directly emits (without frequency conversion) an output beam (16) that is in the MIR range, the output beam (16) being useful for locating the object (20). Additionally, the optical illuminator assembly (10) can include a MIR imager (14) that captures an image (18) of light in the MIR range near the object (20). Further, the MIR imager (14) can include an image display (26) that displays the captured image (18). In a first example, the MIR laser source (12) and the MIR imager (14) are spaced apart, and the image (18) captured by the MIR imager (14) includes the output beam (16) from the MIR laser source (12). With this design, a person (28) operating a vehicle (24) will be able to locate the object 20 in inclement conditions 22. In a second example, the MIR laser source (12) and the MIR imager (14) are positioned in close proximity to each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2009Publication date: May 6, 2010Applicant: Daylight Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Paul Larson, Eric B. Takeuchi, Miles James Weida, Timothy Day
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Publication number: 20090268277Abstract: A lens may operate in the mid-IR spectral region and couple highly divergent beams into highly collimated beams. In combination with a light source having a characteristic output beam, the lens may provide highly stable, miniaturized mid-IR sources that deliver optical beams. An advanced mounting system may provide long term sturdy mechanical coupling and alignment to reduce operator maintenance. In addition, devices may also support electrical and thermal subsystems that are delivered via these mounting systems. A mid-IR singlet lens having a numerical aperture greater than about 0.7 and a focal length less than 10 mm may be combined with a quantum well stack semiconductor based light source such that the emission facet of the semiconductor lies in the focus of the lens less than 2 mm away from the lens surface. Together, these systems may provide a package that is highly portable and robust, and easily integrated with external optical systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2009Publication date: October 29, 2009Inventors: Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
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Publication number: 20090262768Abstract: A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes a quantum cascade laser to provide mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser is thermally coupled. The heat spreader not only serves to dissipate heat and conduct same to the TEC, but also serves as an optical platform to secure the optical elements within the housing in a fixed relationship relative on one another.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2009Publication date: October 22, 2009Inventors: Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
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Publication number: 20090225802Abstract: In a semiconductor lasers using quantum well gain medium, a quantum well stack is mounted in an epi-down configuration. The epitaxial side of the device may be directly bonded to an efficient heat transport system so that heat may more easily leave the quantum well stack layers and be disposed at a heatsink. Such a device runs cooler and exhibits reduced loss mechanisms as represented by a laser system loss-line. External cavity systems using this configuration may permit a high degree of tunability, and these systems are particularly improved as the tuning range is extended by lowered cavity losses.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2008Publication date: September 10, 2009Inventors: Timothy Day, Miles James Weida
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Publication number: 20090159798Abstract: An imaging system (10) for imaging an emitting gas (12) includes an imager (16) and a laser source (20). The imager (16) captures an image (18) of light in the mid-infrared (MIR) range. The laser source (20) includes a semiconductor laser (334) that directly emits an output beam (26) that is in the MIR range. The output beam (26) may be adapted to backscatter near and/or be absorbed by the emitting gas (12). Thus, when an emitting gas (12) is present, the gas (12) may absorb and attenuate the backscattered light. As a result thereof, a shadow or contrast (18A) corresponding to the emitting gas (12) may be visible in the image (18) that is captured by the imager (16).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 20, 2007Publication date: June 25, 2009Inventors: Miles James Weida, Timothy Day, Eric B. Takeuchi
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Patent number: 7535656Abstract: A lens may operate in the mid-IR spectral region and couple highly divergent beams into highly collimated beams. In combination with a light source having a characteristic output beam, the lens may provide highly stable, miniaturized mid-IR sources that deliver optical beams. An advanced mounting system may provide long term sturdy mechanical coupling and alignment to reduce operator maintenance. In addition, devices may also support electrical and thermal subsystems that are delivered via these mounting systems. A mid-IR singlet lens having a numerical aperture greater than about 0.7 and a focal length less than 10 mm may be combined with a quantum well stack semiconductor based light source such that the emission facet of the semiconductor lies in the focus of the lens less than 2 mm away from the lens surface. Together, these systems may provide a package that is highly portable and robust, and easily integrated with external optical systems.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Daylight Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
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Patent number: 7535936Abstract: A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes an external cavity to tune the laser. The external cavity may employ a Littrow or Littman cavity arrangement. In the Littrow cavity arrangement, a filter, such as a grating, is rotated to provide wavelength gain medium selectivity. In the Littman cavity arrangement, a reflector is rotated to provide tuning. A quantum cascade laser gain medium provides mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens for both the output lens and the external cavity lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2005Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: Daylight Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
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Patent number: 7492806Abstract: A compact mid-IR laser device utilizes a quantum cascade laser to provide mid-IR frequencies suitable for use in molecular detection by signature absorption spectra. The compact nature of the device is obtained owing to an efficient heat transfer structure, the use of a small diameter aspheric lens and a monolithic assembly structure to hold the optical elements in a fixed position relative to one another. The compact housing size may be approximately 20 cm×20 cm×20 cm or less. Efficient heat transfer is achieved using a thermoelectric cooler TEC combined with a high thermal conductivity heat spreader onto which the quantum cascade laser is thermally coupled.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2005Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Daylight Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
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Publication number: 20090028197Abstract: A MIR laser source that produces a fixed frequency output beam that is within the MIR range includes a QC gain media, and a wavelength dependent (“WD') feedback assembly that is spaced apart from the QC gain media and that cooperates with the QC gain media to form an external cavity. The WD feedback assembly may be used to precisely tune and control a lasing wavelength of the external cavity, and the position of the WD feedback assembly relative to the QC gain media may be fixed to maintain the precise lasing wavelength of the external cavity. With this design, each MIR laser source can be individually tuned to achieve the desired fixed frequency output beam that is within the MIR range.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 25, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: David F. Arnone, Timothy Day
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Patent number: 7466734Abstract: Highly compact quantum well based laser systems with external cavity configurations are tightly integrated in a very small mounting system having high thermal and vibrational stability. The mounting systems may include adjustability and alignment features specifically designed to account for the particular nature of the micro components used. The laser systems may provide for wavelength selection, including dynamic wavelength selection. The laser systems may also provide special output couplers.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: December 16, 2008Assignee: Daylight Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
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Publication number: 20080304524Abstract: A highly portable, high-powered infrared laser source is produced by intermittent operation of a quantum cascade laser power regulated to a predetermined operating range that permits passive cooling. The regulation process may boost battery voltage allowing the use of more compact, low-voltage batteries.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2008Publication date: December 11, 2008Inventors: Rob Marsland, JR., Timothy Day
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Publication number: 20080298406Abstract: Highly compact quantum well based laser systems with external cavity configurations are tightly integrated in a very small mounting system having high thermal and vibrational stability. The mounting systems may include adjustability and alignment features specifically designed to account for the particular nature of the micro components used. The laser systems may provide for wavelength selection, including dynamic wavelength selection. The laser systems may also provide special output couplers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2006Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Timothy Day, David F. Arnone
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Patent number: 7424042Abstract: In a semiconductor lasers using quantum well gain medium, a quantum well stack is mounted in an epi-down configuration. The epitaxial side of the device may be directly bonded to an efficient heat transport system so that heat may more easily leave the quantum well stack layers and be disposed at a heatsink. Such a device runs cooler and exhibits reduced loss mechanisms as represented by a laser system loss-line. External cavity systems using this configuration may permit a high degree of tunability, and these systems are particularly improved as the tuning range is extended by lowered cavity losses.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Assignee: Daylight Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Timothy Day, Miles James Weida
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Publication number: 20080075133Abstract: In a semiconductor lasers using quantum well gain medium, a quantum well stack is mounted in an epi-down configuration. The epitaxial side of the device may be directly bonded to an efficient heat transport system so that heat may more easily leave the quantum well stack layers and be disposed at a heatsink. Such a device runs cooler and exhibits reduced loss mechanisms as represented by a laser system loss-line. External cavity systems using this configuration may permit a high degree of tunability, and these systems are particularly improved as the tuning range is extended by lowered cavity losses.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 22, 2006Publication date: March 27, 2008Inventors: Timothy Day, Miles James Weida