A method and apparatus for protecting an optical sensor is disclosed. A fixed filter having a fixed passband for light transmission is placed in front of the optical sensor. A programmable filter having a variable passband for light transmission is placed in front of the fixed filter. A controllable voltage source controls a voltage at the programmable filter that shifts the passband of the programmable filter from a first state in which the passband of the programmable filter is substantially the same as the passband of the fixed filter and a second state in which the passband of the programmable filter is different than the passband of the fixed filter.

A method for monitoring radiation by an optical sensor which generates a signal, such as a shut-off signal, which influences the radiation when subjected to radiation. A sensor with dark current pulses is used, which are assessed as a functional capability signal of the sensor.

The invention relates to a light module including a laser source capable of emitting a coherent light beam of given wavelength, a first sensor capable of picking up a first light signal of a wavelength lying in a first band of wavelengths centered around the given wavelength and a second sensor capable of picking up a second light signal of a wavelength lying in a second band of wavelengths centered around a wavelength distinct from the given wavelength. In particular, the light module includes a detection module capable of comparing at least one value that is a function of the signals to a threshold value and of commanding the stopping of the laser source as a function of the comparison.

The present invention for imaging sensor rejuvenation may include a rejuvenation illumination system configured to selectably illuminate a portion of an imaging sensor of an imaging system with illumination suitable for at least partially rejuvenating the imaging sensor degraded by exposure to at least one of extreme ultraviolet light or deep ultraviolet light; and a controller communicatively coupled to the rejuvenation illumination system and configured to direct the rejuvenation illumination system to illuminate the imaging sensor for one or more illumination cycles during a non-imaging state of the imaging sensor.

A method and apparatus for protecting an optical sensor is disclosed. A fixed filter having a fixed passband for light transmission is placed in front of the optical sensor. A programmable filter having a variable passband for light transmission is placed in front of the fixed filter. A controllable voltage source controls a voltage at the programmable filter that shifts the passband of the programmable filter from a first state in which the passband of the programmable filter is substantially the same as the passband of the fixed filter and a second state in which the passband of the programmable filter is different than the passband of the fixed filter.

An apparatus (1) for additive manufacturing of three-dimensional objects (2) by successive, selective layer-by-layer exposure and thus successive, selective layer-by-layer solidification of construction material layers of a construction material (3) that can be solidified by means of laser radiation in a process chamber (10) of the apparatus, comprising an exposure device (5) provided for generating laser radiation for selective exposure and thus selective solidification of respective construction material layers, and a detection device (11) provided for detecting the entering of laser radiation into a process chamber limiting element at least partially limiting the process chamber (10) and/or for detecting the penetration of laser radiation through a process chamber limiting element at least partially limiting the process chamber (10).

A laser projection system having built-in safety systems is disclosed. Further disclosed is a method of operating a laser projection system such that safe operation is a factor only of meeting a threshold distance between the laser unit and an audience member. To accomplish safe operation at the threshold distance, the laser projection system is pre-calibrated to operate below maximum permitted exposure levels at the threshold distance. In this manner of operation, laser lighting can be accomplished by non-laser professionals without the complexity, external sensors, and need for calibration at the venue.

A faceted dome assembly for airborne optical sensors to enhance EMI shielding and lightning protection is disclosed. In one embodiment, the faceted dome assembly includes a faceted dome. An optical sensor and a gimbal are housed in the faceted dome. Further, a conductor is disposed substantially in the facets of the faceted dome to provide the enhanced electromagnetic shielding and lightning protection.

A two dimensional scanning laser system may automatically detect a laser, then align and calibrate itself to scan over the sensor area. The system may have a laser with a controller that may cause the laser to be directed over two dimensions, as well as a sensor apparatus. The laser may be controlled with a mirror system that may pivot in two directions, thus allowing the laser to be scanned over a two dimensional area. The sensor may be a point sensor, where the laser may be positioned in a constant direction, as well as a larger area sensor where the laser may be moved across the sensor area to detect objects in a two or three dimensional space. An alignment and calibration sequence may cause the laser to scan across its operational area and detect the location of one or more sensors.

A laser analysis device includes a laser analysis unit that a sample is irradiated with laser light, a cover that covers a periphery of the laser analysis unit, so as to prevent the laser light from being emitted to outside, and has a slit in at least a part of the cover, a fastener configured to open and close the slit, and an interlock mechanism including a key provided on the fastener and a detector that detects a state in which the fastener is fully closed, in which in a state where the detector has detected that the fastener is fully closed, laser light having a predetermined intensity or more is introduced into the laser analysis unit.