Abstract:
A laser source (340) that generates an output beam (354) that is directed along a beam axis (354A) that is coaxial with a first axis and orthogonal to a second axis comprises a first frame (356), a laser (358), and a first mounting assembly (360). The laser (358) generates the output beam (354) that is directed along the beam axis (354A). The first mounting assembly (360) couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356). The first mounting assembly (360) allows the laser (358) to expand and contract relative to the first frame (356) along the first axis and along the second axis, while maintaining alignment of the output beam (354) so the beam axis (354A) is substantially coaxial with the first axis. The first mounting assembly (360) can include a first fastener assembly (366) that couples the laser (358) to the first frame (356), and a first alignment assembly (368) that maintains alignment of the laser (358) along a first alignment axis (370) that is substantially parallel to the first axis.
Abstract:
A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), an illumination source (14), a refractive, optical element (24A), a mover assembly (24C) (29), and a control system (30). The image sensor (28) acquires data to construct a two-dimensional spectral image (13A) during a data acquisition time (346). The illumination source (14) generates an illumination beam (16) that illuminates the sample (10) to create a modified beam (16I) that follows a beam path (16B) from the sample (10) to the image sensor (28). During the data acquisition time (346), the control system (30) controls the illumination source (14) to generate the illumination beam (16), and controls the image sensor (28) to capture the data. Further, during the data acquisition time (346), an effective optical path segment (45) of the beam path (16B) is modulated.
Abstract:
An imaging microscope (12) for generating an image of a sample (10) comprises a beam source (14) that emits a temporally coherent illumination beam (20), the illumination beam (20) including a plurality of rays that are directed at the sample (10); an image sensor (18) that converts an optical image into an array of electronic signals; and an imaging lens assembly (16) that receives rays from the beam source (14) that are transmitted through the sample (10) and forms an image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) can further receive rays from the beam source (14) that are reflected off of the sample (10) and form a second image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) receives the rays from the sample (10) and forms the image on the image sensor (18) without splitting and recombining the rays.
Abstract:
A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), a tunable light source (14), an optical assembly (17), and a control system (30). The optical assembly (17) includes a first refractive element (24A) and a second refractive element (24B) that are spaced apart from one another by a first separation distance. The refractive elements (24A) (24B) have an element optical thickness and a Fourier space component of the optical frequency dependent transmittance function. Further, the element optical thickness of each refractive element (24A) (24B) and the first separation distance are set such that the Fourier space components of the optical frequency dependent transmittance function of each refractive element (24A) (24B) fall outside a Fourier space measurement passband.
Abstract:
A light source assembly includes a housing assembly and at least two sets of disparate light sources that are coupled to the housing assembly. The sets of disparate light sources include a first plurality of disparate light sources; and a second plurality of disparate light sources. Each plurality of disparate light sources includes a first light source that generates a first light beam having a first center wavelength and a second light source that generates a second light beam having a second center wavelength that is different than the first center wavelength. The first plurality of disparate light sources generates a first output beam that is directed along a first central beam axis. The second plurality of disparate light sources generates a second output beam that is directed along a second central beam axis that is spaced apart from the first central beam axis by at least approximately sixty degrees.
Abstract:
A laser assembly for generating an output beam includes a first module assembly, a second module assembly, and a module fastener assembly. The second module assembly is selectively movable relative to the first module assembly to selectively adjust a cavity length, and a pivot axis of a grating in the laser. Further, an arm assembly that retains the grating can be adjusted to adjust the cavity length, and to adjust the plane of the grating face. Moreover, the grating is movable relative to the arm assembly to align the grating.
Abstract:
An imaging microscope (12) for generating an image of a sample (10) comprises a beam source (14) that emits a temporally coherent illumination beam (20), the illumination beam (20) including a plurality of rays that are directed at the sample (10); an image sensor (18) that converts an optical image into an array of electronic signals; and an imaging lens assembly (16) that receives rays from the beam source (14) that are transmitted through the sample (10) and forms an image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) can further receive rays from the beam source (14) that are reflected off of the sample (10) and form a second image on the image sensor (18). The imaging lens assembly (16) receives the rays from the sample (10) and forms the image on the image sensor (18) without splitting and recombining the rays.
Abstract:
Spectrally analyzing an unknown sample (10A) includes (i) providing a spatially homogeneous region (10B) of the unknown sample (10A); (ii) directing a plurality of interrogation beams (16) at the spatially homogeneous region (10B) with a laser source (14), (iii) acquiring a separate output image (245) while the unknown sample (10A) is illuminated by each of the interrogation beams (16) with an image sensor (26A); and (iv) analyzing less than fifty output images (245) to analyze whether a characteristic is present in the unknown sample (10A) with a control system (28) that includes a processor. Each of the interrogation beams (16) is nominally monochromatic and has a different interrogation wavelength that is in the mid-infrared spectral range.
Abstract:
A laser assembly (10) that generates a beam (12) includes (i) a gain medium (22) that generates the beam (12) when electrical power is directed to the gain medium (22); (ii) a grating (32) positioned in a path of the beam (12); (iii) a grating arm (34) that retains the grating (32); and (iv) a mover assembly (36) that moves the grating arm (34) about a pivot axis (38). The mover assembly (36) includes a coarse mover (344) that makes large scale movements to the grating arm (34), and a fine mover (352) that makes fine movements to the grating arm (34). With this design, the mover assembly (36) can quickly and accurately move the grating (32) over a relatively large range.
Abstract:
A laser source assembly (10) comprises a laser system (228), a mounting base (226), and a temperature control system (229). The mounting base (226) supports the laser system (228). The mounting base (226) includes a side wall (232) having a side top (232T) and a side bottom (232B), and a base floor (234) that extends away from the side wall (232) between the side top (232T) and the side bottom (232B). The temperature control system (229) controls the temperature of the laser system (228) and/or the mounting base (226). The temperature control system (229) includes a heat transferor (246) positioned substantially adjacent to an outer surface (2320) of the side wall (232). Heat generated by the laser system (228) is transferred away from the base floor (234) and through the side wall (232) to the heat transferor (246).