Mcdonnell Douglas Corporation

Nuvonyx, Inc.

Thomas M Pallett

James D Cook

Charles R Chubb

Barbara Ann Soltz

Richard G Podgornik

Dale F Waldo

John M Haake

Mark S Zediker

James A Priest

Victor H Nettle

A laser diode system permitting indirect measurement of optical power includes a laser diode which emits usable light from a front facet and spontaneously emits stray light substantially proportional to the usable light from another facet; and a light pipe disposed proximate to the laser diode which collects and waveguides only the stray light to thereby generate a stray light beam providing an indication of optical power.

Laser diode arrays and systems including structures for permitting optical power measurement therefrom

A hand held laser apparatus containing a semiconductor laser diode switchably connected to a power supply. The output of the laser diode is focused and collimated by a pair of lens. Circuitry is provided to allow for either continuous wave or pulsed modes of operation as well as the capability of varying the pulsewidth of the laser. A guide laser or a light emitting diode is provided to guide the operator. The power level of the guide laser is limited so that it transfers minimal power to the workpiece but provides a visible line of laser light along which the output of the semiconductor laser diode will travel. A photodetector may be positioned between the laser diode and the lenses. Additionally, the amount of current delivered to the laser in continuous wave mode of operation or the pulse width and duty cycle of a pulse may be measured and displayed. Embodiments are provided incorporating a plurality of laser diodes to allow continued operation upon failure of a diode, increased power with the simultaneous use of the multiple diodes, or either alternate wavelength selection or wavelength mixing. Alternative embodiments operate at a predetermined voltage level. These embodiments may utilize a set of batteries such that the entire batteries and control circuitry may be contained either within a portable package or the hand held laser apparatus itself. Such alternative embodiments may be made so as to be disposable upon the discharge of their batteries or the exhaustion of the laser.

Hand held laser apparatus

A laser diode apparatus for initiating explosives or other pyrotechnic devices that has capability of checking both the laser diode operation and the optical fiber continuity between the laser diode source and the explosives required to be detonated. Power isolation circuits are provided to control the flow of current to the laser diode, also isolation filters are used to allow only the command signals to initiate the firing circuits employed.

Laser diode apparatus for initiation of explosive devices

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Florissant, MO, United States of America

Thomas M Pallett