Abstract: A multi-spectral optical detector includes a housing having a window. A first channel is disposed within the housing proximate the window and is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation in a first frequency range. A second channel is disposed within the housing proximate the window and is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation in a second frequency range that is different than the first frequency range. A digitizer is operably coupled to the first and second channels and is configured to provide digital indication relative to electromagnetic radiation received by the first and second channels. A processor is coupled to the digitizer to receive the digital indication and generate an output signal based thereon. At least one emitter is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled to the process. The at least one emitter is configured to inject a test signal into at least one of the first and second channels to test operation of the at least one first and second channel.

Abstract: An open path gas detection system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is configured to generate illumination, having broadband spectrum, across an open path. The receiver is positioned to detect the illumination from the transmitter after the illumination has passed through the open path. The receiver includes at least one spectrometer configured to determine spectroscopic information of the illumination to identify at least one gas of interest based on the spectroscopic information and provide an output based on the at least one gas of interest.

Abstract: A laser system, comprising: a laser cavity, a gain medium positioned within the laser cavity, a pump source optically coupled to the gain medium, an input minor positioned at a first end of the laser cavity, an output coupler positioned at a second end of the laser cavity, a first etalon positioned within the laser cavity, and a q-switching element positioned within the laser cavity, wherein the laser system is configured to provide a laser beam at a selected wavelength ranging of 1700 to 3000 nm with a tunable spectral range of at least 10 nm. A method for using the laser system e.g., for producing a pulsed laser beam is further disclosed.

Abstract: An open path gas detection system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is configured to generate illumination across an open path. The receiver is positioned to detect the illumination from the transmitter after the illumination has passed through the open path and detect a gas of interest based on the illumination. However, the laser can also be used for gas detection systems in other circumstances. The transmitter and receiver are configured to communicate wirelessly. A method of operating an open path gas detection system is also provided.

Abstract: An open path gas detection system includes a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is configured to generate illumination, having broadband spectrum, across an open path. The receiver is positioned to detect the illumination from the transmitter after the illumination has passed through the open path. The receiver includes at least one spectrometer configured to determine spectroscopic information of the illumination to identify at least one gas of interest based on the spectroscopic information and provide an output based on the at least one gas of interest.

Abstract: A laser system, comprising: a laser cavity, a gain medium positioned within the laser cavity, a pump source optically coupled to the gain medium, an input minor positioned at a first end of the laser cavity, an output coupler positioned at a second end of the laser cavity, a first etalon positioned within the laser cavity, and a q-switching element positioned within the laser cavity, wherein the laser system is configured to provide a laser beam at a selected wavelength ranging of 1700 to 3000 nm with a tunable spectral range of at least 10 nm. A method for using the laser system e.g., for producing a pulsed laser beam is further disclosed.