Abstract: A beam power source transmits a signal indicating power availability, receives a request for power in response, and beams power in response to the request.

Abstract: A laser scanning device includes a laser output unit, a scanner, a light splitting unit, an imaging compensation unit, a detection unit, and a control unit. A scanning focusing unit included in the scanner focuses a laser beam emitted by the laser output unit to scan an object. A visible light beam received by the canning focusing unit is reflected by the light splitting unit and is incident into the imaging compensation unit. Next, the detection unit receives the visible light beam passing through the imaging compensation unit, and outputs a detection signal. The control unit adjusts the detection signal according to the wavelength of the visible light beam, the wavelength of the laser beam, the scanning focusing unit, and the imaging compensation unit. Therefore, the laser scanning device may compensate the aberration and the dispersion caused when the visible light beam passes through the scanning focusing unit.

Abstract: A laser scanning device includes a laser output unit, a scanner, a light splitting unit, an imaging compensation unit, a detection unit, and a control unit. A scanning focusing unit included in the scanner focuses a laser beam emitted by the laser output unit to scan an object. A visible light beam received by the canning focusing unit is reflected by the light splitting unit and is incident into the imaging compensation unit. Next, the detection unit receives the visible light beam passing through the imaging compensation unit, and outputs a detection signal. The control unit adjusts the detection signal according to the wavelength of the visible light beam, the wavelength of the laser beam, the scanning focusing unit, and the imaging compensation unit. Therefore, the laser scanning device may compensate the aberration and the dispersion caused when the visible light beam passes through the scanning focusing unit.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a detector for receiving electromagnetic energy and generating sampled data in accordance with the electromagnetic energy so received. The detector is characterized by a threshold point such that the sampled data is in one of two states: i) below threshold, when the intensity of the electromagnetic energy so received is less than the threshold point; and ii) above threshold, when the intensity of the electromagnetic energy is greater than the threshold point. The imaging system also includes saturation optics for providing a characteristic of the sampled data, wherein the characteristic of the sampled data when below threshold is different from the characteristic of the sampled data when above threshold.

Abstract: In a co-boresighted SAL/IR seeker, the optical system and particularly the secondary lens and position of the SAL detector are configured to produce a well-corrected spot of laser energy at the SAL detector. A spreader is positioned between the secondary mirror/lens and the SAL detector, possibly on the secondary mirror, away from the aperture stop and not in the optical path to the IR detector. The spreader is configured to spatially homogenize the laser energy to increase the size of the spot of focused laser energy at the SAL detector to set the system transfer function to meet slope requirements. Spatial homogenization serves to reduce both boresight shift and slope non-linearities. This approach greatly simplifies the time and labor intensive calibration of the SAL detector's system transfer function.

Abstract: Foreign substance information about at last including a position of a foreign substance adhered to an optical element disposed in front of an image sensor is detected, and whether the position of the foreign substance overlaps a predetermined area of an object is determined by analyzing an image signal of the object generated by the image sensor. When it is determined that the position of the foreign substance overlaps the predetermined area of the object, a relative position of the image of the object formed on the image sensor and the image sensor is changed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a color controlled light source comprising a plurality of colored light elements; a detector for detecting the light output of the light source and generating a detection signal; and a color control unit for generating driving signals to said light elements on the basis of said detection signal and a predetermined target color point of the light output of the light source. In order to enable detection of contributions from individual light elements to the light output of the light source, the light source further comprises a modulator for individual signature modulation of the driving signal to each one of said light elements; and a corresponding demodulator for demodulation of said detection signal and generation of actual, i.e. measured, values of the output of the individual light elements. The color control unit determines nominal values of the light output of each light element for obtaining said target color point, and compares the actual values with the nominal values.

Abstract: A Micro Electronic Mechanical System (MEMS) scan controller generating clock frequency and a control method thereof are disclosed. The MEMS scan controller is for a MEMS mirror in a bi-direction laser scanning units (LSU). By detecting resonant frequency of the MEMS mirror, the scan controller sends frequency modulation signal and amplitude modulation signal of the MEMS mirror to a bridge circuit of the MEMS mirror for adjusting and stabilizing the MEMS mirror. A clock signal corresponding to the resonant frequency of the MEMS mirror at the moment is also sent so that scan data is sent within the effective scanning window in forward direction/reverse direction. Thus high-precision scanning is achieved.

Abstract: A system for auto-commissioning a light fixture may position the light fixture based on sensor data received from at least one sensor. In order to focus the light fixture on a target location, the system may vary the position of the light fixture and determine a position of the light fixture where the light level received by the photosensor reaches a determined light level. The system may adjust a light characteristic of light emitted by the light fixture so that the color of light received by the photosensor at the target location matches a target light characteristic, such as color or intensity. The system may determine a focus position and a light characteristic for multiple target locations. The system may auto-commission multiple light fixtures.

Abstract: A tunable optical filter apparatus and method are disclosed. The apparatus may include a filter driver, a filter device, a detector device and a controller device. The filter driver generates a filter driver signal, including a dither signal. The controller device may be coupled to the detector device, the filter device and the filter driver. The controller device may receive the detector output signal and determine a ratio of the odd order harmonic signal to the even order harmonic signal with respect to the dither frequency. The controller device may also compare the ratio to a predetermined setpoint ratio and generate a control feedback signal for generating a new filter driver signal. The control feedback signal may be based on the comparison of the ratio of the odd order harmonic signal to the even order harmonic signal, to the predetermined setpoint ratio that corresponds to a desired filter operating frequency.

Abstract: A whispering-gallery-mode-based seismometer provides for receiving laser light into an optical fiber, operatively coupling the laser light from the optical fiber into a whispering-gallery-mode-based optical resonator, operatively coupling a spring of a spring-mass assembly to a housing structure; and locating the whispering-gallery-mode-based optical resonator between the spring-mass assembly and the housing structure so as to provide for compressing the whispering-gallery-mode-based optical resonator between the spring-mass assembly and the housing structure responsive to a dynamic compression force from the spring-mass assembly responsive to a motion of the housing structure relative to an inertial frame of reference.

Abstract: Shuttered eyewear comprising: a frame; a right eye shutter supported by the frame; a left eye shutter supported by the frame; and a sensor arranged to detect light passing through the right eye shutter, the left eye shutter, or both.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device comprising a shutter assembly and a control circuit in electrical communication with the shutter assembly. The shutter assembly is adjustable between a clear state and a dark state. The control circuit comprises a microcontroller programmed to store a plurality of memory presets including at least one setting corresponding to the operation of the shutter assembly. At least two of the plurality of memory presets are individually configured for a specific type of welding.

Abstract: A projection type image display apparatus using a light source where excitatory light makes fluorescent material to emit fluorescent light is provided with improved lifetime of a fluorescent material light source without increasing in the apparatus size, The apparatus comprises an excitatory light source cluster, a substrate on which fluorescent material is arranged, light intensity detectors measuring the intensities of the excitatory light and the fluorescent light, a control device which judges based on the measured values of the light intensity detectors whether or not to move the substrate, and a motion device which moves the substrate. The control device may issue an instruction to move the substrate when the ratio of the decrease in the fluorescent light intensity to that in the excitatory light intensity exceeds a prescribed value. Also, the substrate may be moved in a direction perpendicular to the direction of the excitatory light optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement method of measuring a light beam wavefront formed by a measurement target object using a measurement apparatus which includes an optical system having a reference surface and a detection unit having a detection surface, and detects, by the detection unit, an interference pattern, between a test light beam from one of the measurement target object and a standard surface and a reference light beam from the reference surface, formed on the detection surface by the optical system.

Abstract: A method of focus and a focusing apparatus and a detecting module are provided. The detecting module includes an ellipse curved-surface reflection device and a light detector. The ellipse curved-surface reflection device has a beam gate, a first focus and a second focus. A light beam is focused by a light focusing device, and is projected on a surface of an object to be detected through the beam gate. The ellipse curved-surface reflection device reflects the light beams reflected or scattered by the object. The light detector is disposed on the second focus for receiving the light beam reflected by the ellipse curved-surface reflection device to generate a detecting result, by which a distance between the light focusing device and the surface of the object to be detected is adjusted, so that the light beam is correctly focused on the surface of the object.

Abstract: A method for optimizing the alignment of an optical package includes directing a beam spot of a laser along a folded optical path and onto a waveguide portion of a wavelength conversion. The output intensity of the wavelength conversion device is measured as a position of an adjustable optical component is adjusted about a first scanning axis and a second scanning axis thereby traversing the beam spot along a first and second scan lines on the waveguide portion of the wavelength conversion device. The change in the output intensity of the wavelength conversion device is then determined based on the adjusted position of the adjustable optical component. The adjustable optical component is then positioned on the first scanning axis and the second scanning axis based on the determined changes in the output intensity of the wavelength conversion device such that the output intensity of the wavelength conversion device is maximized.

Abstract: The optical scanning device performs a first control operation that when the scanning speed of a deflector is stabilized, a light source is turned on, and when a detection signal is received from a photodetector, the light source is turned off while starting counting the scanning period in the main scanning direction from zero; a second control operation that when the count reaches a first value, the light source is turned on, and when a detection signal is received, the light source is turned off while starting counting the scanning period; and a third control operation that when the count reaches a second value, the light source is turned on, and when a detection signal is received, the light source is turned off while starting counting the scanning period, followed by repetition of the third control until scanning is completed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a light sensing system and a control method thereof. The light sensing system comprises a body, a plurality of first light sensors, a base, a plurality of second light sensors and a processing module. A through hole is disposed on the body. The first light sensors are disposed symmetrically on the body and generating a plurality of first sensing signal after sensing lights correspondingly. The base is arranged under the body. The second light sensors are disposed symmetrically on the base, while the geometric center of the second light sensors corresponds to the geometric center of the through hole. The second light sensors generating a plurality of second sensing signals correspondingly after sensing lights via the through hole. The processing module connects to the first and the second light sensors, and controls the light sensing system according to the first and the second sensing signals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photoelectrical feedback sensing system. A first light signal passes through the sensing apparatus. A second light signal corresponding to a characteristic of a sample within the sensing apparatus is outputted from the sensing apparatus. The first photo detector receives the first light signal and outputs a first electric signal corresponding to the intensity of the first light signal. The second photo detector outputs a second electric signal corresponding to the intensity of the second light signal. A driving signal is generated by the micro-processor to drive the light-emitting unit. The micro-processor receives the second electric signal and converts the second electric signal into a digital signal. The feedback circuit modulates the driving signal for maintaining the optical stability of the first light signal so that the sensing system is less affected by environmental temperature fluctuation and noise interferences.

Abstract: A beam power source transmits a signal indicating power availability, receives a request for power in response, and beams power in response to the request.

Abstract: A device for imaging scenes with a very large range of intensity having a pair of polarizers, a primary lens, an attenuating mask, and an imaging device optically connected along an optical axis. Preferably, a secondary lens, positioned between the attenuating mask and the imaging device is used to focus light on the imaging device. The angle between the first polarization direction and the second polarization direction is adjustable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for controlling a physical property of light emitted from a light source. In particular, the invention can be applied to a lighting system for atmosphere creation. The measurements needed for feedback control are made at a portable user device comprising a planar photodetector. More or less all industrially available photodetectors are of the planar type, but planarity is in fact a necessary feature to achieve faithful relative measurements. Since the user device is portable, variations in the orientation of the photodetector can introduce large and unpredictable measurement errors, making effective control of the light source impossible. According to one embodiment of the invention, the orientation-dependent errors are eliminated by measuring the actual orientation of the photodetector and processing the detection signal appropriately.

Abstract: Disclosed is a digital type anti-glare device capable of conveniently performing input, operation and adjustment, and a method of controlling the same. The digital type anti-glare device includes a touch sensor input unit recognizing a shade degree and a grind mode level by direct selective operation or adjustment of a user as a digital contact signal and inputting the shade degree and the grind model level to the control unit, and an encoder switch input unit recognizing a sensitivity level and an opening delay level by the selective operation or adjustment of the user and inputting the sensitivity level and the opening delay level to the control unit. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent operation failure due to switch contact, dust or humidity or the like by a touch sensor and encoder input and to facilitate input, operation and adjustment even in a state in which an operator wears gloves.

Abstract: A beam power source transmits a signal indicating power availability, receives a request for power in response, and beams power in response to the request.

Abstract: An optical system configured to detect optical signals during imaging sessions. The optical system includes an objective lens that has a collecting end that is positioned proximate to a sample and configured to receive optical signals therefrom. The optical system also includes a removable path compensator that is configured to be located at an imaging position between the collecting end of the objective lens and the sample. The path compensator adjusts an optical path of the light emissions when in the imaging position. Also, the optical system includes a transfer device that is configured to move the path compensator. The transfer device locates the path compensator at the imaging position for a first imaging session and removes the path compensator from the imaging position for a second imaging session.

Abstract: An apparatus which can measure an aerial image is provided. The apparatus includes an aperture configured to transmit light of the aerial image, a detector configured to detect the transmitted light at a plurality of first relative positions to the aperture, a controller configured to control a second relative position of the aperture to the aerial image, and a processor configured to generate information about the aerial image based on data obtained from the detector at each first relative position by controlling the second relative position of the aperture and position data about the first relative positions.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed which may comprise a grating receiving light, a first prism moveable to coarsely select an angle of incidence of the light on the grating, and a second prism moveable to finely select an angle of incidence of the light on the grating. In one application, the apparatus may be used as a line narrowing module for a laser light source.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to optical microcavities and emitters that are spectrally aligned in an arrangement having an array of such microcavity-emitter combinations. The spectral alignment can be selective, in that a portion of the array of microcavity-emitter combinations, or a single microcavity-emitter combination, can be individually spectrally aligned. In specific examples, light is coupled within a semiconductor device having wavelength-dependent structures and optical cavities optically couple to the wavelength-dependent structures. One of the optical cavities and a wavelength-dependent structure are spectrally aligned, independent of another of the optical cavities.

Abstract: This scanning array scans an area around the array for nearby objects, collision obstructions, and terrain topography. The scanning array can scan for sounds emitted by objects in the vicinity of the scanning array, passive energy receipt sources, or it can also send out an energy beam and scan for reflections from objects within the energy beam. The energy beam can be optical, laser, radar or other energy emitting sources. The scanning array of the invention can be used for helicopter detection and avoidance of collision risk and can be used for other scanning purposes. Scanning of an entire hemisphere or greater is accomplished by manipulating the scanner platform through the coordination of either linear actuators or gimbals so as to produce nutation without rotation. This motion allows transceivers to be directly coupled to transmitting and sensing modules without the losses associated with slip rings and other coupling devices.

Abstract: An active pixel masking system for automatic glare suppression uses a variably transmissive screen such as an LCD in front of a lens. A measurement by an image sensor of oversaturated pixels from one or more extremely bright lights is used to generate corresponding opaque pixels in the variably transmissive screen, thereby preventing the excess light from entering the lens, and thereby clarifying the appearance of any objects near to the bright light. A continuous reading of a motion picture image is used to move the location and area of the opaque pixels in response to the motion and area of the light.

Abstract: Disclosed is an evaluation device of an optical writing device, comprising: the optical writing device; a light reception section; a drive section; and a control section to light each light emitting element in a previously set lighting pattern based on a light amount; to drive the drive section to move the light reception section to a position opposite to the light emitting element to be lit; to calculate characteristic data based on a light amount value of the light received by the light reception section; to calculate a first calculation value based on the characteristic data for each light emitting element; to calculate a second calculation value different from the first calculation value based on the characteristic data; to calculate a third calculation value based on the first calculation value and the second calculation value; and to instruct the display section to display the third calculation value.

Abstract: Quantitative comparison or calculation of a plurality of images in different transmission bands is facilitated even if the transmission bandwidth of the spectroscopic element is different at different wavelengths.

Abstract: This invention describes a device for optical stimulation of cells and other biological structures. It has an ability to target multiple cells and/or multiple sub-cellular targets. The stimulation optical pattern on each cell can be independently controlled with individual frequencies. The light sensitivity of the cells can be imparted as a result of genetic expression of surface and/or subsurface proteins, chemical modification of existing proteins, or via the release of caged entities which in turn act to stimulate the cell through chemical means. The embodiment is capable of functioning on neurons but can also be used for other cells. It can perform optimal stimulation with sub-cellular resolutions, record the activity of the targeted cells and perform processing to ensure calibration.

Abstract: A Micro Electronic Mechanical System (MEMS) scan controller generating clock frequency and a control method thereof are disclosed. The MEMS scan controller is for a MEMS mirror in a bi-direction laser scanning units (LSU). By detecting resonant frequency of the MEMS mirror, the scan controller sends frequency modulation signal and amplitude modulation signal of the MEMS mirror to a bridge circuit of the MEMS mirror for adjusting and stabilizing the MEMS mirror. A clock signal corresponding to the resonant frequency of the MEMS mirror at the moment is also sent so that scan data is sent within the effective scanning window in forward direction/reverse direction. Thus high-precision scanning is achieved.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and measuring light emitted from a sample and having a large dynamic range, e.g., a range of luminous intensity covering six or more orders of magnitude, that may be difficult to fully detect using a single detector with a limited detection range. Simultaneous measurements of the emitted light in two intensity ranges are performed using two detectors, e.g., one including a photomultiplier tube (PMT) and the other including a solid state detector such as a photodiode. A beam splitting element directs light emitted from a sample under investigation to both detectors simultaneously such that a portion of the light impinges on the first detector and a second portion of the light impinges on the second detector.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus including: a MEMS mirror that deflects an optical beam output from a light source; a drive unit that drives the MEMS mirror at a constant cycle; and a photodetector device that detects the optical beam output from the light source, a deflection state of the MEMS mirror is obtained from a relationship between a phase of a drive phase signal input to the drive unit and a phase of a detection signal of the photodetector device. For example, time T is detected between output of the drive phase signal and output of the detection signal from the photodetector device, and maximum deflection angle ?m of the MEMS mirror is obtained by the equation ?m=?0/sin(2??T??/2). T is time, ?0 is an installation deflection angle of the photodetector device, and ? is a deflection frequency of the MEMS mirror.

Abstract: An imager or display system with multiple lenses, which are formed, patterned and shaped over one or more pixels in an imager or display array. The multiple lenses provide for an improved concentration of light being refracted onto a photosensitive area or light diffused from a display pixel.

Abstract: Various embodiments related to monitoring for optical faults in an optical system are disclosed. For example, one disclosed embodiment provides, in an optical system comprising a light source, a light outlet, and an optical element disposed between the light source and the light outlet, a method of monitoring for optical system faults. The method includes detecting, via a light sensor directed toward an interface surface of the optical element closest to the light source, an intensity of light traveling from the interface surface of the optical element to the light sensor, and comparing an intensity of light detected to one or more threshold intensity values. The method further includes identifying an optical system fault condition based on comparing the intensity of light detected to one or more threshold values, and modifying operation of the optical system.

Abstract: Device for measuring the line of sight jitter of an optical instrument mounted on an optical platform, includes: an optical measurement path primarily common with the observation path of the optical instrument, a light measurement source arranged essentially at one end of the optical observation path, a detector for measuring the optical beam coming from the light measurement source, arranged such that this beam has passed through the optical observation path at least once, at least one collimation mirror designed for the reflection of the optical beam, arranged essentially on the optical observation path, essentially at the other end of the optical observation path, relative to the light measurement source, whereby this mirror is isolated by at least one passive isolator of lateral vibrations (i.e., inducing a rotation of the perpendicular line of the mirror) generated by the optical platform in a predetermined frequency range.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an exemplary photoelectric sensor having an emitting portion for emitting light toward a target and a receiving portion for receiving, through a receive lens, reflected light that is at least some of the emitted light that is reflected by the target. The sensor further includes a refraction block having a block first surface and a block second surface wherein the reflected light received from the receive lens is refracted by at least one of the block first surface and the block second surface as it passes through the refraction block. The sensor also includes a photodetector for receiving the reflected light refracted by the refraction block and provides a detection signal indicative of the reflected light received.

Abstract: An illumination system for illuminating a mask in a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes an array of mirrors or other beam deflecting elements. Each beam deflecting element produces on the surface a projection light spot at a position that is variable by changing a deflection angle produced by the beam deflecting element. A spot shape measuring unit measures the shapes of spots which are produced on the spot measuring unit by the beam deflecting elements. The spot shape measuring unit is arranged outside of every possible path projection light is allowed to take between the array and the mask. A control unit controls the beam deflecting elements such that, at a given instant during an exposure operation of the apparatus, at least one beam deflecting element directs projection light exclusively on the spot shape measuring unit, and at least some beam deflecting elements direct projection light exclusively on the surface.

Abstract: A light-emitting apparatus, for enabling a beam of light to be projected on a desired target located a distance away to project the beam on the desired target without any or substantially any undesired movement. The apparatus may include a housing, a light generating device located within the housing and operable to generate a beam of light, a sensing device or devices for sensing an undesired action of the housing, a control circuit operable to provide a control signal corresponding to the sensed undesired action, and a drive device operable to counter act all or at least some of the undesired action of said housing in accordance with said control signal. The sensing device or devices may be one or more gyroscopes, accelerometers or other such devices.

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a proximity sensor includes a driver, a photodiode (PD), an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) with analog-to-digital-to-analog (ADA) feedback, and a controller. The driver is adapted to selectively drive a light source. The photodiode (PD) is adapted to produce a photodiode current signal (Idiode) indicative of an intensity of light detected by the PD, where the light detected by the PD can include ambient light and/or light transmitted by the light source that was reflected off an object proximate the PD. The controller is adapted to control the driver and the ADC with ADA feedback. A digital output of the ADC with ADA feedback is indicative of a proximity of an object to the PD with at least a majority of the ambient light detected by the PD rejected.

Abstract: An auto darkening eye protection device comprising a shutter assembly and a control circuit. The shutter assembly is adjustable between a light state and a dark state. The control circuit comprises a sensing circuit, a weld detect circuit, a positive voltage generator, and a negative voltage generator. The sensing circuit senses incident light and provides an output indicative of the incident light. The weld detect circuit receives the output of the sensing circuit, and enables a dark state drive signal to be delivered to the shutter assembly. The positive and negative voltage generators output the dark state drive signal to the shutter assembly to switch the shutter assembly from the light state to the dark state upon enablement by the weld detect circuit. The dark state drive signal includes a high voltage pulse followed by a stable AC waveform. The high voltage pulse is formed by a positive voltage signal and a negative voltage signal.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling an optical filter is provided. The system and method includes dithering a delay of an optical path within an optical filter unit cell, measuring a position of a filter zero, measuring a position of a filter pole, or measuring positions of both a filter zero and a filter pole by observing an output of the unit cell when the delay is dithered, and using the measurement as feedback for maintaining the position of the filter zero at a desired position, maintaining the position of the filter pole at a desired position, or maintaining the positions of both the filter zero and the filter pole at desired positions.

Abstract: A light-emitting module for arbitrarily changing light-emitting position includes a PCB unit, a light-emitting unit, an outer shell unit and a light-guiding unit. The light-emitting unit has at least one light-emitting element electrically disposed on the PCB unit. The outer shell unit is disposed above the PCB unit and the light-emitting unit, and the outer shell unit has at least one opening. The light-guiding unit is close to the at least one light-emitting element. One partial area of the light-guiding unit is exposed by the at least one opening, so that light beams generated by the at least one light-emitting element are guided by the light-guiding unit and are projected out from the at least one opening.

Abstract: An input layer outputs light having a relatively narrow emission angle distribution to a middle layer as an output signal if the signal level of input signal is relatively high and outputs light having a relatively broad emission angle distribution to the middle layer as the output signal if the signal level of input signal is relatively low. The middle layer outputs light having a relatively narrow emission angle distribution as an output signal to an output layer if the signal level of the output signal from input layer is relatively high and outputs light having a relatively broad emission angle distribution to the output layer as an output signal if the signal level of the output signal from the input layer is relatively low.

Abstract: An optical unit includes an optical emitter receiving an optical emitter current, an optical sensor receiving an optical sensor current and light from the optical emitter and in response thereto outputting at least one signal indicating relative movement between the optical unit and an optical code scale, and an optical sensor current detector comparing the optical sensor current to a reference value. In response to the optical sensor current being different than the reference value, the optical sensor current detector outputs an optical sensor current detector signal. The optical sensor current detector signal indicates the presence of a contaminant in a light path from the optical emitter to the optical sensor, and is used to regulate the current to the optical emitter so as to counteract the negative effects of the contaminant in the light path.

Abstract: A laser safety device and method of protecting against harmful levels of radiation. The device includes a housing with first and second apertures. A photodetector generates a first signal corresponding to a level of radiation entering the housing through the first aperture. A control circuit receives the first signal and generates a drive signal based upon the level of the radiation. A reflector array which can include micro-electro-mechanical mirrors receives the drive signal and diverts a first part of the radiation away from an incident path extending from the first aperture to the second aperture. The reflector array allows a second part of the radiation to continue along the incident path at a safe level towards the second aperture. Optionally, the reflector array blocks the incident path so that substantially no radiation passes to the second aperture if unsafe levels are detected.