Coherent light generators – Particular pumping means – Pumping with optical or radiant energy
Reexamination Certificate
2006-12-19
2006-12-19
Harvey, Minsun Oh (Department: 2828)
Coherent light generators
Particular pumping means
Pumping with optical or radiant energy
C372S020000, C372S022000, C372S006000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07151787
ABSTRACT:
The location of gases that are not visible to the unaided human eye can be determined using tuned light sources that spectroscopically probe the gases and cameras that can provide images corresponding to the absorption of the gases. The present invention is a light source for a backscatter absorption gas imaging (BAGI) system, and a light source incorporating the light source, that can be used to remotely detect and produce images of “invisible” gases. The inventive light source has a light producing element, an optical amplifier, and an optical parametric oscillator to generate wavelength tunable light in the IR. By using a multi-mode light source and an amplifier that operates using 915 nm pump sources, the power consumption of the light source is reduced to a level that can be operated by batteries for long periods of time. In addition, the light source is tunable over the absorption bands of many hydrocarbons, making it useful for detecting hazardous gases.
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Armstrong Karla M.
Goers Uta-Barbara
Kliner Dahv A. V.
Kulp Thomas Jan
Sommers Ricky
Harvey Minsun Oh
Nguyen Dung (Michael) T.
Sandia National Laboratories
Vosen Steven R.
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