Abstract:
A laser source (10) for emitting an output beam (12) along an output axis (12A) includes (i) a first laser module (16) that generates a first beam (16A); (ii) a second laser module (18) that generates a second beam (18A); (iii) a beam selector assembly (32); (iv) a first director assembly (24) that directs the first beam (16A) at the beam selector assembly (32); (v) a second director assembly (26) that directs the second beam (18A) at the beam selector assembly (32); and (vii) a control system (34) that directs power to the modules (16), (18). The beam selector assembly (32) moves between a first position in which the first beam (16A) is directed along the output axis (12A), and a second position in which the second beam (18A) is directed along the output axis (12A).
Abstract:
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 a more compact, low-voltage batteries.
Abstract:
A laser assembly (10) for providing a beam (20) includes a gain chip (12) and an axisymmetric optical assembly (16). The gain chip (12) emits an astigmatic, output beam (14). The optical assembly (16) adjusts the output beam (14) so that an adjusted output beam (20) has an adjusted first axis divergence angle and an adjusted second axis divergence angle. In certain embodiments, a magnitude of the adjusted first axis divergence angle is approximately equal to a magnitude of an adjusted second axis divergence angle in the far field.
Abstract:
A fluid analyzer (214) that analyzes a sample (12) includes (i) an analyzer frame (236); (ii) a module (216) that includes a test cell assembly (242) that receives the sample (12) and a module frame (244) that retains the test cell assembly (242); (iii) a laser assembly (238) that generates a laser beam (239A) that is directed through the test cell assembly (242), the laser assembly (238) being coupled to the analyzer frame (236); (iv) a signal detector assembly (232) that collects a test signal light (239B) transmitted through the test cell assembly (242), the signal detector assembly (232) being coupled to the analyzer frame (236); and (v) a coupler assembly (245) that selectively couples the module frame (244) to the analyzer frame (236).
Abstract:
A laser (14) includes an optical amplifier array system (17) that generates a plurality of laser beams (24); and a beam combiner (18) that coherently combines the plurality of laser beams (24) to form a combination beam (26) having a hollow center in a near field. The combination beam (26) with the hollow center allows for the use of a beam director (19) having an on-axis, reflective beam expander (21) without (i) loss in power, (ii) degradation of beam quality, or (iii) excessive heating of the beam expander (21).
Abstract:
A spectral imaging device (1312) for capturing one or more, two-dimensional, spectral images (1313A) of a sample (1310) including (i) an image sensor (1328), (ii) an illumination source (1314), (iii) a beam path adjuster (1362), and (iv) a control system (1330). The illumination source (1314) that generates an illumination beam (1316) that is directed along an incident sample beam path (1360) at the sample (1310). The beam path adjuster (1362) selectively adjusts the incident sample beam path (1360). The control system (1330) controls (i) the illumination source (1314) to generate the illumination beam during the first capture time, (ii) the image sensor (1328) during the first capture time to capture first information for the first spectral image (1313A), and (iii) the beam path adjuster (1362) to selectively adjust the incident sample beam path (1360) relative to the sample (1310) during the first capture time while the image sensor (1328) is accumulating the information for the first spectral image (1313A).
Abstract:
An analyzer system (10) for analyzing a sample (12) includes a MIR analyzer (34) for spectrally analyzing the sample (12) while the sample (12) is flowing in the MIR analyzer (34). The MIR analyzer (34) includes (i) a MIR flow cell (35C) that receives the flowing sample (12), (ii) a MIR laser source (35A) that directs a MIR beam (35B) in a MIR wavelength range at the sample (12) in the MIR flow cell (35C), and (iii) a MIR detector (35D) that receives light from the sample (12) in the MIR flow cell (35C) and generates MIR data of the sample (12) for a portion of the MIR wavelength range.
Abstract:
A laser assembly (10) for generating a pulsed output beam (16) includes a quantum cascade device (12); and a laser driver (14A) that controls the voltage to the quantum cascade device (12) in a pulsed drive profile (950) to generate the pulsed output beam (16). The pulsed drive profile (950) includes a plurality of spaced on-time segments (952) in which the laser driver (14A) directs voltage to the quantum cascade device (12), and at least one off-time segment (954) in which the laser driver (14A) pulls down the voltage from the quantum cascade device (12). The off-time segment (954) occurs between two on-time segments (952).
Abstract:
A method for identifying one or more analytes (12A)(12B)(12C) includes (i) directing a solvent (18) into a test cell (22); (ii) directing a first laser probe beam (26) at the solvent (18) in the test cell (22); (iii) acquiring a solvent intensity spectrum of the solvent (18); (iv) directing a sample (12) that includes one or more analytes (12A)(12B)(12C) and the solvent (18) into the flow cell (22); (v) directing a second laser probe beam (26) at the sample (12) in the test cell (22); (vi) acquiring a sample intensity spectrum of the sample (12); (vii) calculating a solvent referenced transmittance spectrum that details a solvent reference transmittance as a function of wavelength using the solvent intensity spectrum and the sample intensity spectrum; and (viii) identifying one or more analytes (12A)(12B)(12C) in the sample (12) using the solvent referenced transmittance spectrum.
Abstract:
A flow cell assembly (16) for a fluid analyzer (14) that analyzes a sample (12) includes (i) a base (350) that includes a base window (350B); (ii) a cap (352) having a cap window (352B) that is spaced apart from the base window (350B); and (iii) a gasket (360) that is secured to and positioned between the base (350) and the cap (352), the gasket (360) having a gasket body (360A) that includes a gasket opening (360B). The gasket body (360A), the base (350) and the cap (352) cooperate to define a flow cell chamber (362). Moreover, an inlet passageway (366) extends into the flow cell chamber (362) to direct the sample (12) into the flow cell chamber (362); and an outlet passageway (368) extends into the flow cell chamber (362) to allow the sample (12) to exit the flow cell chamber (362).