AU2015202843B2

AU2015202843B2 - Optical slicer for improving the spectral resolution of a dispersive spectrograph

Info

Publication number: AU2015202843B2
Application number: AU2015202843A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Bradford B. Behr; Andrew T. Cenko; Arsen R. Hajian; Jeffrey T. Meade
Original assignee: Tornado Spectral Systems Inc
Current assignee: Tornado Spectral Systems Inc
Priority date: 2009-10-01
Filing date: 2015-05-26
Publication date: 2017-07-13
Anticipated expiration: 2030-10-01
Also published as: AU2015202843A1

Abstract

An optical slicer for generating an output spot comprising an image compressor which receives a substantially collimated input beam and compresses the beam, wherein the input beam, if passed through a focusing lens, produces an input spot; an image reformatter which receives the compressed beam to reformat the beam into a plurality of sliced portions of the compressed beam and vertically stacks the portions substantially parallel to each other; and an image expander which expands the reformatted beam to produce a collimated output beam which, if passed through the focusing lens, produces the output spot that is expanded in a first dimension and compressed in a second dimension relative to the input spot. XVO 2W~ 1!93$~15 PCIY(7;42OIQIOO 1696 in ''1 >" 1 'N N 'N, s r rt ~0) N ,,,-" N N:. .. ~ 'N,, rQ f ""N a. Ins 'K N t 00 '1 r

Description

1/038515 2015202843 26 May 2015 M/T/CMO10/001606

Θ?ΙΜ SUCER mOR IMPROVING THE SPECTRAL RESOLUTION OF A DISPERSIVE SPECTROGRAPH

RILATED APPLICATIONS |0O01] This application claims priotiiy &m United: Slates Provisional Application No, 01/245,76% filed October 1,:2009 anti Ifnited States Provlsfosal Application No, 617350,264 filed imio L 2010, the eonlents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0002] This invention relates to the field of spectroscopy and snore specifically relates'to improved apparatus and methods for improving speetral resolution.

BACKGROUND I A typical optical spectrograph iheltides a small input aperture, typically a slit, yever, can alternatively he a circular pinhole or an optical fiber; however, for the sake of brevity, will hercinafier he referred to as a slit. A converging cone of light,· is projected towards ihesiit and a portion of the light passes through the slit, in a typical optical spectrograph, this slit of light is projected onto a lens which collimates the slit of light to form a !>eam of parallel light rays. element, such as, a prism, a transmission grating, or rejection gratings be^^e^liimat^'heatoS by difiefing amounts, depending on the wavelength of the light. Typically, a camera lens brings these bent collimated beams into Ideas onto an array detector, s»<^-asfa,dteged^0upiedi'devic^ACOP) detector located at the final focal plane, and which may record the light intensities of the various· wavelengths, [0004] In a typical optical spectrograph, the collimating lens and the camera lens act as an image relay, to create images of the light passing through the slit oh the detector, such as a WO m 1/033515 2015202843 26 May 2015 Κ>ΊΕ/βΑ3»Ι«/081«06 (2CP detector, which may he displaced laterally depending on the wavelength of the light. 'The resol«tio» <>i ^ optical speetrographj ie„ its ability to detect and meastete narrow spectral ihainres soch as absorption or ©missiorriines, can bedependent upon various characteristics.

Such eharactedstjcs may include the dispersing element, such m> the prism,, transmission grating, or reflection grating:: the ibcaUength of the camera lens; and the width of the slit. For a particular .disperser and camera lens, the resolution of the spectrograph can he increased frf narrowing the width of the mpm slit,: which causes each: image of the light passing through the slit (depending on the wavelength, of the light): and onto a detector, subtending a smaller section of the detector, allowing ...adjacent spectral elements to be more easily distinguished from each

By narrowing the width of the input silt, less light, passes thercthroogh, which can reduce the quality of any nieasutpmerits due to a irednetipn in ihe isignai-to-noise ratio. In some applications, such: as astronomical spectroscopy, high-speed biomedical spectroseopy htgh-resolution speetrdscopy, Or f^aman spectroscopy, this loss of efficiency can he a limiting factor in the performance: of the opttehl spectrograph. K device which: increases the amount of light that can pass through the slit by horizontally compressing::and vertically expanding a spot image of ah input beam of light, producing a. shi, while substantially maiMainingliight intensity Or flux density, vffiuld be advantageous in the hold of optical speetrography, 1()006] A person of skill will Understand that the terms horizontal, vertical and Other such terms used; throughout this description, such as, above and below, are used for the sake of explaining various embodiments of the invention, and that such terms are hot intended;to he limiting of the presen t invention. 2015202843 26 May 2015 WO 20J 1/038515

Optica! sheers can be useful to reedue an input beam and produce output beams for generating slits. The use of transparent prisms aid plates to slice an input beam:can produce aJht- that Is tilted along the optical axis, and addhiobaily the slieibg of an optical beamcan occur along the bypotermse of a 45c prism, which can result in local point degradation due to different sections of the sliced image being located at different local positions. "The performance of such sheers can depend pa the absorption coefficient and index of refemtion of the prismused (both wavelength dependent). These deficiencies can limit the use of such sheers as broadband dees.

Other .Cheers, such as pupil sliders* possess drawbacks such as the inability to· obtain: hi gh-resoiution spectral: information imm different portions of an image. Additionally,: such sheers can be large in ske, and can resuit in reduced or inefficient implementation .with a variety of systems, Current sheers that employ a glaiss-hased design tend to use a cbnstanttmsfbrmerite briqg· fight from a Rarnan optical source to an optical spectrometer. The transformer involves eight different cyiifidriG&iarid spherical lenses, as well as two stacks of ten precisely positioned cylindrical lenses. The resulting deviee can have a length of mom than 58 inches along the main optica) axis, a ske at which it tends to he both difficult to maintain alignment^ and. difficult to maneuver or employ In any setting outside of a tigbily-controlied laboratory. |OO09f In some pupil sheers, two slit images can bo generated on difierent portions of a CCD detector. This implemehtaifon can: present the disadvantage that the slit images are spaced on the detector with gaps in between, which can add noise to the signal, decreasing the quality of the output data. Additionally, in such sheers, the gaps can; waste valuable detector area, limiting the number of spectra (or spectral orders) that can be fit upon the detector. Further, when using rcrtc&Mw/miws WO 2011/0385:15 2015202843 26 May 2015 suchslieers, the: deiectOT readout may bo! fee optimal due to the .spectrum, feeing spread over the d&eeier.. area,.

[0010] Sheers nsing optical ifeer todies to allow the exfonded foiten round) image diarr

input source to fee fended into a narrow slit can cause the degmdatkm o f the ; output mtio to be iargo and the total performance to fee Inefficient. Existing sheer devices uniformly suffer this decreased efficiency and output ratio, representing a elearlyTfofined objective of sheer design and ImpkmeBtaiiom SliMMAMf OF THE INVENTION

[iiO 11 ] !n an aspect of tfee present invention there is provided an optical sheer for generating an output spot comprising an image compressor which receives a substantiaHy collimated input beam and compresses the beam, wherein the input beam,, if passed, through a focusing lens, produces an input spot; at image reformatter which receives the compressed beam to mfofoiat the beam mtou plurality of sliced portions of the compressed beam and vertically stacks the portions substantially parallel to each other; and an image expander which expands the reformatted beam to produce a collimated output beam which, if passed through the focusing lens, produces art output spot that is expanded in a feat dimension, and compressed in a second dimension, relative to the input spot, [0012] In some embodiments of the present Invention, the compressed. beam: May fee epmpfessed vertically and be substantially similar horizomaliy relative to the Input beam and the output beam may be -the reformatted beam and may have substantially similar dIntensions to the input beam.

[0013] In other embodiments, the optical sheer may have a slicing factor, a. The uumber of sliced portions: of the compressed beam may be equal to n and the output beam may he 2015202843 26 May 2015 Ρ€Τ/€Μ01ΜΜ>1<>06 expanded veilicalty by the..factor..» and'Compassed hw&»Btaily 'byr^e-i&l^^relative to the input spot [00I4| la preferred: embodiment a is afebofc mrtdber from. 2 to·. 64, more preferably fiom2 10 :3:2, Most preferably the value of mis 2, 4, fe 16 or:32·.

[0015] The compressor may haye a convex leas and: aconcave lens,, wherein the convex lens beam- and may produce a converging beam, and. the compassed beam may be formed· by the converging beam passing through the collimating lens. In alternative embodiments,: the image compressor may have a concave reflective surface and a convex reflpeflye surface'and the concave reflective surface may receive the input beam and may produce a converging beam, andthe compressed: beam may be..formed by the converging beam reflecting off the concave reflective surface, [Θ016] life image referraaiter may have, at feast two reflective surfaces, where one of the reflective surfaces may receive a portion the compressed beam and may reflect the portion for at least One reflection bach and forth between the at least two reflective surfaces, wherein each of the sliced portions may be formed by a second portion of compressed beam passing by the at feast two reflective snrfaees after each of the at least one reflection.

[0017] The- image expander may comprises concave lens arfe a convex lens, wherein the concave fens may receive the reformatted beam and may produce a diverging beam and the output beam-may be produced by the diverging beam passing through the convex lens. In alfernatrve embodiments, the image expander may comprise a convex reflective surface and a concave refleetive sufface,, wherein the convex reflective surface may receive the reformatted, beam and may produce a. diverging beam and the output: beam may be formed by the diverging beam reacting1 off the concave: reflective surface. P€T.CA201(tfiN>JS06 wo mmwm 2015202843 26 May 2015 in seme embodiments; of {fee present inveminm the output spot may have a light intensity valueffeat Is: substantially the same asithe hgtd intensity of the input spot, 10019] In another aspect of the present invention there is provided: a method: of generating an output spot comprising the steps of compressing a collimated input beam* wherein the input beam, if passed through afoeusing tens* prodjtees^d^^^pot; reformatting the emnprcssed beam into a plurality of sliced portions substantially vertically stacked and ::Subs^^Miy:§^ielfo:eaefe:0ifeer; and expanding tlterefortnafted beam to produce a collimated output beam which, when passed througb a focusing lens, pmducps the output spot that is expanded in a first dimension,, and compressed in a second dimension, relative to the input spot, [0020] In some emhodlmehiSi the compressed beam may be compressed vertically and may be substantially similar hommrttaliy relative to the input beam and the output; beam may fee expanded hortzontally relative to the reformatted beam and may have substantially similar dimensions to the input beam, [0021 ] In some embodiments, the number of sliced portions may be equal to a slicing foeforph, and the output spot may be expanded vertically by the factor n and compressed horizontally by the factor n, retail ve to the input Spot, [0022] in a further aspect of the present invention^ an optical sheer haying: a slicing fac i.or, n, Is presented, the: optical sheer eompfising an image compressor which receives a: substantially collimated input beam and Compresses the beam, wherein the collimated beam, if passed through a focusing lens, produces an input spot; an image reformatter which: receives the compressed beam to reformat the beam into n sliced portions of the compressed beam and vertically stacks: the portions· substantially parallel to each other; and as image expander which, expands the reformatted beam to produce a collimated beam which, ·vrtaai passed through the **νΛ:

wo mwmiS 2015202843 26 May 2015 ¥CJK'A2mmm<m

Ibcusmg proiliwes an output spot compressed by;tile factor a m a first dimension relative to the irmut spot and expanded by the factor n In a second dimension relative ;ip;:ihe input spot.

[0023] In another aspect of the ptesentinyea^o» -a .mttMpIieattve·epical sheer

comprising: afirst optical sheer having a first slicing factor, m? and a second optica! sheer haying a second slicing factor, ns the first and second optical sliccrs feeing placed 1«; series, and the jSiiUipltcative optica! sheer having a slicing factor of nvx m mm I>ESCRiFTl€M OF liCiUEES |0024| For a better understanding of embodiments of the system and methods described herein, and to show more clearly how they may fee earned into effect, reference will be made by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which: [iilHS] Figure: IA shows a block diagram representation of an optical sheer having a slicing factor of two;:; [0026] 'Figure IB shows &: block diagram, represenfation of an optical sheer having a slicing factor of four, [0027] Figure 2: shows ao Isometric view of an embodiment of an optical sheer: having a: slicing ihetor of two.;; [0028] Figure:3 shows an isometric view of an alternative: embodiment of.an optical sheer having a slicing factor of two; [0029] Figure 4 shows -an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of an optical sheer having a slicing factor of lour; [0030] Figure SA shows an isometric view of an alternative embodiment of ah optical sheer having a slicing factor Of four;

WO WUMM5iS 2015202843 26 May 2015 [0031] Figures SB - 'SO shows Isometric and plan. viswsof embodhnenis^^^ elements of the optical Slicer of Figure 5 A; [0032 ] Figures SB »51 shows an isometric view of an embodiment: of a housing cover ibr the optical sheer shown in Figure 5¾.

[003 3 ] Figures' 6 A ~ 6© show iep?esentatioM of alternative embodiments of compressors lor use in an embodiment of tm optical sheer; and [0034] Figures 7A ~ 7C ^w^p!«^n^fioM::ofyt«tMtive embodiments of reformatters having. $ slicing factor of four fetise in an emboditnent of an optical sheer.

.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00351 It will be appreciated that tor simplicity and clarity of illu^rtaiorij where considered appropriate, among the figures to Indicate corresponding or analogous elements or steps, in addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments described herein.

However, it wilFbe understood by those of ordinary skill in iheart that the embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In. other Instances, well Anpvrir methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as nfit to ohseure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore:,: tins description Is not to be considered as limiting, the scope of the embodiments described herein in any way, but rather as merely describing the; implements tioo o f the various embodiments described herein,· [0036] With reference to Figure I. A, a representation of optical sheer 100 is shown,

optical sheer including image compressor 170, image reformatier 1.72 and image expander 174. Optical sheer 100 receives input beam 102, as a collimated beam,. which can be produced, i for example by a collimating: lens or a curved minor. Input beam 102 also generates input spot I SO -8~ Ρ€Τ/€Α20ίΜΝ)Ι<>0<> wommsmts 2015202843 26 May 2015 when focused by a focusing lens haying substantially the same fecal length as fee collimatfeg lens or curved mirror used to produce input beam 102. (30037] Image compressor 170 of optical sheer 100 receives input beam 102 and outputs vertically compressed beam 114* :fefexifeiphrM!y. compressed ifothe vertical dimension, and having a smaller vertical dimension than and a greater hori^tal femension than that of Input beam 102. Additionally, vertically compressed beam 114, if passed through a focusing lens with the same focal length as fee collimating: lens or curved siirror used fo produce input beam 102 produces compressor spot ! §2, resulting in the focusing of compressed beam 114 to project an image that is subsiantlaily similar in fee horizontal dimension as compared to input spot 180, while being expnded in the vertical dimension. 10038] In some embodiments, the image projected by vertically compressed beam 114 may have the same horizontal width as inpirt beam 102; however, the vertieal height of vertically compressed light 114 may he compressed'by the slicing factor. The term ‘‘slicing tactof" is used to describe fee value of the horizontal compression and vertical expansion of the output spot generated by the output beam of an optical sheer as compared to the horizontal and vertieal dimai^om:pffeednptit'spQf'^enerafod:'by the input beani mto the optica! slieer, the output and input spots being generated when the output and input beams are each: respectively focused by the Same focusing lens, f Q03:9| for example,; for an optieai sheer with a. slicing factor of two, such as the optical sheer represented in Pigum: I A, the output sheer produces output beam 136, which, if focused through a focusing lens having a focal length substantially equal to the focal length of the collimatlhg lehs or eonvexmhtor feat generated: input beam 102, causes the generation.:pf output: spot..18b. Focusing input beam 102 through the same foeusing lens will tend to generate input fo- FC7F/€A20iU/<i8I4tt6 wo im wrnms 2015202843 26 May 2015 spot 1 g(). Output spot 1 86 having a vertical dimension that is twice that of input spot 180 and a horizontal dimension tfet is half that of input spot 1 SO, Thus» the slicing factor of the optical sheer produced by t his configuration is two.

In alternative emhodiments, saeh as thereptssentation of optical sheer 100 shown in .Figure IB,output spot 186 eanximilarly degenerated by ibpt^hg'huipwfbeaatf|S6/ftoh^i focusing lens having a local length substantially equal to the ideal length of the collimating lens or convex hilrror that generated input beam 102, Focusing input bi^:|:p.':thfou^i Ijhebsame toe using lens .generates input spot 180, In this embodiment, output: spot 186 has a vertical dimension that is four times that of input spot 180 and has a 'horizontal dimension thafis 34 that of input spot 188, thus, the: slicing Bctor of optic#; sheer 100 represented in Figure l B is fhun [0041X Other values of the slicing factor n are possible. The output spot generated bv the Output beam in asudstantially shnilar manner as discussed above» may have a vertical dimension that is n times larger #an the vertical d imension of the input spot generated by the input beam and may tend to have a horizontal dimension that is 1/tt of the horizontal dimensionof the input [0042] Eeifeiting back: to Figure I A, vertically compressed beam 1.14 is received by image relormatier 172 which outputs miormaited beams 136 and 138; siieh reformatted hwhalied beams 136 and 138 being substantially vertiealiystaeked: and substantially parallel. Reformatted beams 136 and: 13 8 are sliced portions of 114. In the embodiment shown, image reformatter 174 outputs two beam slices, which, in this embodiment» Is equal to the slicing factor of optical sheer 100» however, in some embodiments» image refotmatter 173 may produce a numberof slices that is greater than or less than the sHcingJacior of optical sheer 100. •10- W0 20U/&385X5 2015202843 26 May 2015 [0043J Each of reformatted beams 136 and 138, if passed through a focusing lens having the same focal length as the eollimaiing lens or curved mirror used fo produce input beam 102, produces reformatter spot 184, Reformatter spot 184 !S:^b$tanftaUy'^e'.s.£am@:Jfinerm^:'b0it horizontally and vertically, as; compressor spot 182; Since reformatted heants 136and 138 are substantially vertically stacked and substantially parallel, the iMividtral tefonnatter spots; generated by each, of reformatted': beam s 13 6 and 138, combined to form refonnatter spot 184, are projected atop one another, so as to double the light intensity of reformatter spot 184 as bofopdfed- fo *&£· mdiyldttttJi.^formatter spots generated from each of beams 136 and 138 individually.

While the light intensity of reformatter spot 184 in the embodiment shown in

Figure 1A is double, as compared to the light intensity of each individual reformatter spot generated by each reformatted beam, in other embodiments, the light: intensity of reformatter spot 184, as compared to the light intensity of each individual reformatter spot generated by each reformatted beam, corresponds to the number of sliced portions generated by image refonnatter 174, For example, with refefonee to Figufo IB, optical sheer 100 is shown having image reformatter 132 that pfodneeS:refotthatted beams 136Ά, 136B, 138Aand OSSj eachof foe reformatted beams being substantially parallel and substantially vertically slacked, Reformatted beams 136A, 136B, 138 A and 138B am sliced portions of vertically compressed beam 114. Reformatter spot 184, generated by reformatted beams 136A, 136B, 138A and 138B in a substantially similar manner as discussed above, has about four times the light Intensity of each individual reformatter spot generated from each reformatted beam 136A, !36B, 13SAand 138B. 10045

With reference back to Pranfe 1 A, reformatted beams 136 and 138 are received bv im#e expander 134 wbieh expands reformatted beams 136 and 138 by a factor of the slicing -II·· WO im 1/038515 2015202843 26 May 2015

PCTCM010/00MO<S feetot to the embodiment shown, the reformatted beams 13 6 and 1¾ are expanded by a of two, in both: the horizontal and vertical directions (nonronamorphicaliy), to produce output beam 1:56, output beam 15b which is made up of sliced beams 158 and 160, Sliced beams 158:: and 1,60 are expansions tkrelbrmatted beams 136 and 138. Output beam 156 has substantially similar dimensions to that of input beam 102, Projecting output beam 156 onto a lens, such having: substantially the same focal length as the collimating lens or curved mirmr used to produce input beam 102, focuses output beam 156 to produce output spot 186. Output spot 186 produces an image of input spot ISO that cau be compressed in the horizontal direction by the slicing factor and stretched in the vertical direction by the:slicing toctor udule:maintaining a similar light intensity as input spot 180, In embodiments,..sU^aS;^-dto&P<S|amt ^presented in

Figure 1 A, output spot 18 6 can be two times larger in the as topnispott&O and can be compressed by two times in the horizontal direction as input spot 180.

[0646} In other embodiments, such its the embodiment shown in Figure IB, reformatted beams :13:6A, 136B, 1.38A and 138B are received by image expander 174, wbicb may be an nhamurphie horizontal beam expanded: to produce output beam: 156, made up of output slices 158 A, IS8B, 160A and 16dB, which are expansions1 of reformatted beams 136Α,; I36B, 13M and 138¾ expanded in the Srorixontal direction. In some embodiments, output beam 156 has similar dimensions as input beam 102,: With respect to the embodiment represented: by Figure IB, representing an optical $lieer having: a slieing :factor of four, when output beam 156: is 'projected onto a lens having substantially the same focal length a.s the collimating lens or curved mirror used to produce input beam 102, output beam 156 Is focused to produce output;spot 186. Qiftput Spot 186 can be four times larger in the vertical direction as input spot 180 and can he 2015202843 26 May 2015 compressed By ipnp times in the horizontal direction as input spot ;I SO, while marutamlog ,a:. similar light intensity as input spot 180«. 1004?] If will be understood by those skilled in the art that the resulting: output beats '150. of optical slicer 100, where optical sheer 100 has a slicing:factor of fowhen:#C:uaM'%v8. focusing lens having substantially the same focal length as the collimating.lens or curved mirror nsed to produce input beam: 102, produces an output spot that is n times larger in the vertical direction and: compressed byv? times in the horizontal direction, as compared to the input: spot generated fey input beam. 102 passing through the same focusing lens, while maintaining a similar light Intensity as the input spot· 10481 With reference to Figure 2, optical slicer 1:00 Is shown, including: image compressor 170, image reformatter 172 and Image expander 174. In Figure 2, optical sheer has a slicing factor of two. i nput beam 102 can fee a substantially collimated beam, which can be produced fey a collimating lens or a curved mirror. Input beam 102 generating an input spot when focused fey a focusing lens having the same focal length # the collimating Iona or curved mirror used to produce input beam 102. 10049] input beam 102 is received by image compressor 170Which outputs vertically compressed beam 114. Image compressor 170 has coirvcx cylindrical lens l M'which receives Input beam 102 and outputs vertically converging beam 108. Vertically converging beam 108 is received fey concave cylindrical lens 110 which collimates vertically eonyerging beam 108 and outputs vertically compressed beam 114. th other embodiments, a coneave/eonvex lens paring can mpput vertically eoinpresised beam 114. In such alternative embodimentslens 104 can be a concave tens and lens 108 can he a convex lens.

F€T/€A30!MN>l<V5)iS WO 20U/&3*515 2015202843 26 May 2015 [0050] Ailditionally ? yfertiealiy; epniptessedheani 11:4, if passed through-a focusing lens with the same focal length as the collimating lens or carved mirror used to product input: beam havlogm substantially similar dimension im^ direction and expanded in the vertical direction by a factor bf the slicing factor as compared in the-input spot generated: by passing input beam 102 through the: same focusing lens. In the embodiment shown, the sltciog factor is two, when compared to the input.spot generated: by input beam 102 using the same focusing lens, 100511 With reference to Figures 6A~6Xh alternative embodiments of image compressor 1 "0 are shown. Referring to Figure 6A, image compressor 170 has cylindrical lens 602 which receives compressor input beam 600 and fdenses compressor input beam 600 for subsequent, projection onto collimating cylmdrieal lens 604 to produce an output beam that is compressed relative to compressor input beam 600, In the embodiment shown in Figure 6.% eollimating cylindrical lens 604 Is positioned beyond the fecal point of eyllndtfea! lens 602*; colKmating cylindrical lens 604 outputting an inverted image of compressor input beam 600 that is compressed: vertically:, [0052] With reference to Figure: 6B, image compressor 170 has an, optical element 612 having first surface 614 which fdeuses compressor input beam 600in the vertical direction and second surface 616 which substantially collimates the feeused 614. The beam output #6m optical element 612 produces an output beam compressed vertically when compared with compressor input 600, [0053] With reference to Figure 6(¾ image compressor 170 has anamorphic prisms 622 and 624^ oriented such: that compressor input: beam 600 is .refracted at the output face of each of anamorphic prisms 622 and 624. The resulting output beam, of image compressor 170 in this -14- 2015202843 26 May 2015 WO 2611/038515 embodiment produces an outpat beam compressed vertically when compared witb coinpisssor beam 600.

With reference to Figure 6i), image compressor 170 has irdriots 632 and 634, com pressor input beam 600 reflecting off eencave soriaee of mirror 634 mάψφ¢$^Mio convex surface of mirror 632. to produce an output beam compressed vertically when compared with compressor input beam 600* £0055:) S killed persons will understand that obvious variants of the compressors described herein, and obvious orientations pf such eothpmssors elements may he implemented to produce a beam that is compressed vertically as compared to compriissor input heath 600, [0056] With reference bach to Figure 2, vertically compressed beam 114 is received .by image relmmgiter''i^2:-'wMcb· outputs i^fom^edibhaia5;'l'16 -and 138, such reibrmatted beams 136 and 138 being substantially parallel and substantially vertically stacked, image refbrmatter 172 includes side-by-side: Sat miTrors 1:16 and 118 and veriieaily stacked flat mirrors 128 and 130, [0057| Side-by-side flat mirrors 116 and 118 can receive vertically compressed beam 114, a portion of vertically compressed beam 1:14 being received by side-by-side flat mirror 116 and another portion of vertically compressedibeam 114 being received by side-by-side· flat mirror 118. which slices vertically compressed beam 114 producing sliced beams 124 and 126. Sliced beams 124 and 126 are reflected &6m side-by-side flat mirrors 116 and 1 IS onto vertically stacked mirrors 128 and 13¾ sliced beam 124 being reflected, onto vertically stacked mirror 128 and sliced beam. 1.26 being refleeted onto vertically stacked mirror 1.50, [0058:1 Sliced beams 124 and 126 are reflected off vertically stacked mirrors 1.28 and 130 to produce reformatted beams 136 and 138. Reformatted beams 136 and 138 are similar ip Ρ€Τ/€Α2ΟΙΜΜ>Μ0<> w&imimesis 2015202843 26 May 2015 sliced beams 124 and 126 but are substantially vertically stacked and substatrtiaily paralleL in some embiidimeuts,: vertically 'Stacked mirrors 128 and 130 arf:'j^s]baped^i^jfs;'j^: eibfsd' optically Hat and fully aluminized, or nihrorized, to within 50 ,mn of their adjacent edges; however, a slulmd person will understand that other reflective prepurties may achieve substantial I v sinii I ar resul ts, (0059j If reformatted beams 136 and 1.3.8 are passed through h: focusing lens with the same focal length as the collimating lens or curved mirror used to produce input beam [02, a re formatter spot is produced; in the emfeodiment shown, this reformMier spot has the same horizontal dimension and a vertical dimension which is hntr times that of the input spot formed by passing input beam 102 through similar light intensity as the Input spot, f0060|: With reference to Fi gures 2A - TC, alternative embodiments of image reformatier 172 are shown. Inferring to Figure 7 A^iinage:refbrmattef 172 bas multiple pairs of mirrors each to .receive a:poriion of reformatier input heamt700:and each positioned to produce a portion of reformatted beam 72(h reformatted beam 720 being made up of beam portions 720A,: 7200^ 720έ and 720D, each beam portion being sublautially papllel and substantially vertically stacked and being a sliced portion iureformatter Input beam 700, Mirror: pairs 702 and 712 can receive a first portion of reformatier Input beam 700, the first portion reflecting off mirror 702 and received by mirror 712, mirror 712 being aligned to produce beam: portion 720D. Mirror pairs 704: and 714feeeive a second portion of refomiatterinpnt beam 700, the second portion reflecting off mirror 704 and received by mirror 71.4, mirror 71.4 being aligned to produce beam portion 720C’, Mirror pairs 706 and 716 receive a third portion of refomtaiter Input beam 700, off mirror 706 and received by mirror 716, mirror 716 being aligned -16« 2015202843 26 May 2015 wo 20? immis |@ produce beam portion 720B- Mirror pairs 708 and 718 receive a fburfoporiion ofreformatier Input beam 700, the fourthportion^ re fteetipg off mirror 708 and received by mirror 718,. mirror 718 Being aligned toprodoce hearo portion 720A. A skilled person will appreciate that the addition of additional mirror pairs can increase the number of beam portions of reformatted beam 720, [0061] Referring to Figure 7B, image: reformatfor 172 includes;: reflective surfaces 730 and 732. When in ussy reformatter input 700 is received by reflective surface 730 and ean be reflected hack and forth between reflective s«r&ee7325 a portion of the reflected beam being reflected off mfleebye surface 732 and passing fey reflective surface 730 to produce a beam portion of output beam 720 until each of beam portions 720A, 720B, 720C and 7201) are generated, each beam portion feeing sufestantiaHy parallel s^Juiisfiantially . relative to one another and each being a sliced portion of reformatter input 700- A skilled person will appreciate tfeat additional, beam portions may be generated by adtusting the position of reflective surfaces 730 and 732 to produce additional refiectiohS: back and forth between reflective surfaces 730 sad 732, each of the reflections continuing to provide for a portion of the refleeted beam to pass by reflective surface 730 to form a beant portion of output· beam 730:, [0062] Referring to Figure 700 Image reformatter 172: may: be comprised of two stages,; a first st age bei ng comprised of reflective surfaces 740-and 742 and: a second stage being; comprised of reflective surfaces 744 and 746- A portion of reformatter input 700 passing by refleedve surface 740., producing beam porripn:730B of first output beam 730, and a second portionpf input heath may be reflected off reflective surface: 740 onto reflective surface 742 to form beam portion 750A of first output beam 75:0 which tends to pass by reflective surface 740, Each of beam portions 7S0A and 7501) being substantially parallel and substantially vertically 2015202843 26 May 2015 W0Jmi/93«Si5 stacked;· Beam 750 may then partially he received by reflective surface 744* a portioned beam 750 passing by reflective snrfece 744 to produce outputbeams 720G and 72013,411¾ remaining portion of beam 750 being reBeeted olTreOeetive sPrihee 744 onto fofleciive surfoee 746. the reflection of the beam portion etfrefiective surtaec 746 producing output beam portions 720A and 720B of output beam 720, which can pass by reflective -surface 744. Beam portions 320A, 720S, 72QC and 72015 being siibstantiaily vertically stacked and substantially parallel and being sliced portion^bf refarmatter input 700, A skilled person will appreciate that by adding additional stages, output beam can be made tip of additional beam portions. For example, adding an additional stage may produce eight beam portions, and a Amhet stage producing sixteen beam portions. {.()00] Relerring back fo Figure 2, reformatted beams 136 and 138 are received by image expander 174 producing output beam 156., output beam 156 being made up of sliced beams 158 and 16G> Image expander 174 has concave lens 142 which can. receive reformatted beams 136 and 138, and can uniformly expand reformatted beams 136 and 138 producing expanding beam: 146. Image: expander 174 can additionally have coliitnaimg lens 148 which receives expanding beam 146 and substantially collimates expanding heap: 1:46, producing output beam 156, In some embodiments, concave lens 142 and collimating lens 148 may be cylindrical lenses which can expand reformatted beams 136 and 138 horizontally, while maintaining tlxelr vertical dimension. :[0064| Passing output beam 136 tlrrpugh a fbeusing lens having substainially the same local length as the collimating lens or curved mirror used to produce input beam ; 102, focuses output beam 1$6 to produce an output spot. This outpuCspot can prefect an Image of the input spot generated by passing input beam 102 through the same focusing lens, the output spot being CT/€A201(WN>K*06 W0Jmi/03#5*5 2015202843 26 May 2015 compressed ip the horizontal direction by the slicing factor and expanded in the vertical direction by the slicing factor, while maintaining a light intensity that is similar to the light intensity of the input spot generated by input beam 102 passing thimtgh the same focusing tens, in the embodiment of optical sheer 10O shown in Figure 2, the output spot generated by output beam 156 is two times larger in the vertical direction and compressed: by two times in the horizontal direction, compared to the input spot generated by passing input beam 102 through the-same foeu^bg lens, '[0D65.J With reference to Figures 6A »-.-60, asiriOed person would atmt'cci^ that the varidhs alternative embodiments of tbecompressor shown in Figures 6 A - 60 can he used as expanders as wd!:s if such embodiments are implemented with the light beams being projected in the opposite direction as the light beams shown in Figures AA ~ 60» Additionally, skilled persons will appreciate that other apparatus comprising of optical elements can be implemented and positioned appropriately to: produce eixpanded beam 156.

[6066] 'With reference to Figure 3, an embodiment of optical sheer 100 is shown. Optical sheer 100 having image compressor 170, image reformatter 172 and image expander 174, In the embodiment shown in Figure 3. optical sheer has a slicing factor of two. image compressor 170. having converging lens 302, reflective surfaces 304 and 306 and collimating lens310, receives an input beam at converging lens 302, producing a converging beam, being received and rerieetbd By reflective surface 304 to rerieetive surface 306. The converging beam rejecting olf reflective surface 306where it passes through collimating lens 310. substantially collimating the beam, and direction the collimated beam to image reformatter 172 image reformatter has reflective surfaces 312 and 316, each of reflective surfaces ί 16 being connected to mounting brackets 3 i 4 and 318. respectively, for securcment to 19- 2015202843 26 May 2015 W0 2011/03*5*5 housing 330 of optical sheer 100, Reflective surfaces 312 and 316 can fee D~#©pcd mirrors and .reflective ::#n.rfaee 312 can be oriented vertically, with the fiat edge being iheelosest edge to the reformatted beam output by reformatter and reflective surface 316 oriented with the curved, edge foclon down wards,

The compressed beam output from compressor 170 passes by refieetive surface 312 and a portion of the compressed beam passes by refieetive sdrfece316j the remaining portion of the compressed beam reflecting off reflective stuiaee 312 back towards reflective surface 316, This; first beam portiorrofithe compressed beam passing by both reflective surfaces forming a first portion of the reformatted beam ontput by image reformatter 172, The fomalnittg portion Of the compressed beam reflecting bach towards reflective surface 316, and reflecting back and forth between reflective surfaces 316 and 312 each tinte a portion, of fiie reflected! compressed, beam passing by reflective1 surface: 3 12 forming: a subsequent beam:portion of reformatted beam. The portions of reformatted beam being substantially vertically stacked and substantially parallel and each representing a sliced portion of the compressed beam.

[0069] Image reformatter 172 in the embodiment shown, in Figure 3 forming a fofomiatted beam made up of two beam portions, the two portions substantially parallel and substantia! ly vertically stacked and each repf esentinga portion of the compressed heath output from image compressor 170, A first portion of the compressed beam reflecting off reflective surface 312 and back towards reflective surface 316, this portion subsequently being reflected off reflective surface 316 and passing by reflective surface 316, resulting In the reformatted beam having two portions. Skilled persons will understated that an increase in the rmmber of back and forth reflections between refiective surfaces 3 | 6 and 312 can increased the number of portions of the reformatted beam. 2015202843 26 May 2015 WC) 24114)38515 [0070] image expander 174,,¾ the embodiment show» m Fipce 3, receives the reformatted bemi/lrom image reibrmatter 172 and produces an expanded collimated output beam, the expanded collimated output beam being of similar dimensions as the input beam directed into optical sheer 100« image expander 174, in the embodiment shown in Figure 3, can be comprised of atforopriafo lenses and/or mirrors, to expand and collimate reformatted beam appropriately.

[0071] The resulting output beam, when passed through a iocusing lens having substantially the same focal length as the mirror that generated the collimated input beam, focuses the output beam to produce an output spot. This output spot producing an image of the input spot that would he generated if the input beam were passed through the same focusing lens being compressed in foe horizontal direction by the slicing factor of optical sheer 100 and expanded in the vertical direction by the slicing factor of optica! sheer IB0* while: maintaining a: similar lighfontensity as the input spot generated by the input beam wben passed through the Same focusing lens. The output spot generated by the output beam of optical sheer 100 shown in F-igurc: 3 being two times compressed in. the horizontal direction and: expanded by two times in the vertical direction, optical slicer 1001 shown in Figure 3 being an optical slicer having a slicing factor of two.

[0072] With reference to Figure 4, optical sheer 100 Is shown having image compressor 170, image reformatter 172 and image expander 174. In foe embodiment#own in Figure 4, optical sheer 100 has a slicing factor of four, input beam 102 can he substantially collimated, which can be produced by a: collimating lens or a curved mirror. vciycAimmmtm wo mmmis 2015202843 26 May 2015 [0073] Input beam: 102 is received by Image compressor 170 can output comptessed beam 452. Image compressor 170 having. cylindrical concave mirror 402 which reflects Input; beam 102 to generate vertically converging beam 450.

[0074] Vrlih additional referencetoTigofo;f&and 58,cylindrical concave mirror 402 can be mounted to mounting bracket 502 iofseonrement to base plate 480 of optical sheer 100. la'same^feedmtents, eyilndri^lwncave:.s^0r:^2 may have a focal length of 103 .300 mm and can be positioned at a 7J degree tilt horizontally and a 0.0 degme tilt vertically relative to the path offoedifoQihing' b^p;: however skilled persons wrll understand that other ibeal lengths and positioning can he used to produce vertically eonverging beam 450.

[0075J Vertically converging; beam 4S0 may he received by cylindrical convex mirror 404 Whieh collimates vertically cohverging beam 450; outputting compressed beam 452, With additlbnal reterenee to Figures and S€, cylindrical convex mirror 404 can he mbimied to mounting bracket 504 for secufement to base plate 480 of optical slicer 100. in some embodiments, eyfindrieal convex mirror 404 can have a focal length of »25.84 mm and may be positioned at a 7.3 degree tilt horizontally and a 0.0 degree tilt vertically relative to the path of the incoming beam; however, skilled persons will uudeMand that other focal lengths and positioning can be used to produce compressed beam 432, [00761 In some embodiments, compressed beam 452, if passed through a focusing lens with the same focal length asthe collimating lem or curved mirror used to produce input beam 102, produces a compressor spot that is expanded in the vertical direction by the slicing factor and having a similar horizontal dimension when compared to the input spot generated by passing input source 102.through' the same focusing lens. ίο.

WO-2811/&385JS 2015202843 26 May 2015 [0077] With reference back to Figure 4, compressed beam 452 Is tefeeived fey image reffemmtter 172 wMefe oiitputs mfermaded beam 45¾ refennaifed beam 456 being made up of portions 456rV456Bs 456€ and 456D each being sdbstaptiafey parade! and substantially vertically stacked,, and each, feeing a sliced portion: of compressed beam 452.

[0078] With -additional reference to Figures 5A,.50 and 51*; image reiormatter 172 can. Iiave'D~shaped nnitofs 406 and 410. P-shaped mirror 406 can he mounted to mounting bracket hOSfandeao fee secured to bracket 420, bracket: 420 secured to base plate 480 of optica! sheer 10f, Bkhaped mirror 406 can be vertically oriented with the flat edge feeing located elosestio reformatted beam: 456 when in use. D-sfeaped nlifeor 406 can be .positioned at a 2.5 degree" tilt 'horizontally and-a 2,7 degree tilt vertically downwards relative to the incoming path of compressed fe«am:452, when compressed beam 452 -first approaches D-xhaped mirror 406. O-shaped mirror 410 can fee mounted to mounting bracket 412, which can he seenmd to braeker 422, bracket 422 being secured to base plate 4S0 of optical sheer 100, O-shaped mirror 410 can fee oriented horizontally 'with the flat edge being located closest to reformatted beam 456 when in use. P-sbaped mirror 410 can fee positioned at a 2.5 degree tilt horizontally and a 2,7 degree tilt vertically upwards relative to the incoming path of compressed beam 452, when compressed beam 452 first approaches D-shaped mirror 406, In some embodiments, D-shaped mirrors 406 and 410 may fed: Thorlafes1 ^ 48BD1--B02 mirrors, Skil led persons will understand that difeently shaped mirrors or other refieetive-surfaces, including convex or concave shaped surfaces can be used to produce reformatted beam. 456, and additionally, alternative positioning of mirrors or other reflective surfaces may be implements te achieve suhstantiaSly similar results. -23- 2015202843 26 May 2015 W0 Ml 1/938515

When i 9; use, compressed beam 452 can pass over ©-shaped mirror 410 and can teach dis position of D-shaped mirror 400. 4S6A of compressed beam 452 passes by D-shaped mirror 406, while the remaining portion of compressed beam 452: Is reflected back and forth between P~shaped nutror 406 and D^shspeh mirror 410 until reformatted beam. 456,. made up of portions 456A, 456B, 456C and 456B is generated, With each reflection back and forth a portion of the reflected beam passes by D-shaped mirror 406 to produce a cortespoadihg portion of reformatted beans 456. For example* afier portion 456A has passed by P-shaped mirror 406* the remaining portion of compressed beam 452 is reflected off D~$haped mirror 406, generating a first tedeefod beam directed toward at D-shaped mirror 410. D-siitaped mirror 410 reflects the first reflected beam bach towards D-shaped mirror 406,, a portion of this reflection passing by D-shaped mirror 406, generating portion 456B, tlieromaming poftidn df tins rejection be directed back at D-shaped: mirror 410. Portion 456B being positioned below portion 456A, and being substantially parallel to portion 456A and srfostantiaily vertically stacked. |0082j lire remaining portion of the rcilectibn directed at D-shaped mirror 406, generating a subsequent reflected portion, directed back to D-shaped mirror 410, This subsequent reflected portion contacting D-shaped mirror 41-0' at a position below the contact position of the first reflected portion, This subsequent reflected portion reflecting off D-shaped mirror 410 back towards D-shaped mirror 406, a portion passing by D~ shaped mirror 406v generating portion 456C, the remaining; portion of the reflected beam contacting D-shaped mirror 406, Portion 456€ being positioned below portion 456B, each of portions 456A, 456B and 456D Nng snhstantially parallel and substantially vertically stacked. wo im ww$i5 2015202843 26 May 2015 vcsmKemmm6·· [00851 Again, the reiMitting pisriion of the reileeifon is directed at D-shaped mirror 400, generating a foriherrefleeied portion, directed. back; to D-shaped mirror 410> This forther mflecied portion contacts D-shaped ohrror41Q at a position below the contact position of the previous reOected portion, Thiis;farth«mfl^f^: po.rUwfefeht off D-shaped mirror 410 and passes by D-shaped mirror 406, generating portion 45hD. Portion 456D is positioned below portion 456€,: each of portions 4§6A, 456B, 456€ ahcl 456D being substantiaily parallel and substantially vertically stacked and each being'a sliced portion of compressed beam 452, [0084] While the embodiment shown In Figure 4 is sis* optical sheer that generates font beam: portions^a person, of skill will ondefomnd: that ail increase in the number of back and, forth reflections between:1)-shaped mirrors 4(16 and, 4· 10 can increased the number of portions of reformatted beam 456. Skilled persons will appreciate: that flic focal lengths and sixes ofmirtnm 402» 404,414 and 416 hmy be ac||nsted appropriately to accommodate such modifications, [0085] Ikeforrmg back to Figure 4. if reformatted beam 456 Is passed through a focusing lens with the same focal length as the collimating lens or curved mirror used to produce input beam 102, a reformaher spot is produced. The produced reformatter spot producing an image of input beam 102, that is expanded in the vortical dimension by the sliding feefor and has h similar horizontal dimension: as compared fo the: input spot generated: by passing Input beam 102 through the same focusing lens, while maintaining a simi lar light intensity as the input spot. ;[00k6| Reformatting beam: 456 may be received by image expander 174, producing output beam 1:56. Image expander 174 having: cylindrical convex mirror 414 and cylindrical : concayo;mirror 416, Cylindrical convex mirror 414 receiving and reflecting reformatted beam 456, producing horizontally diverging reformatted beam 458 directed at 'cylindrical concave mirror 416. Cylindrical concave mirror 416 receiving horizontally diverging reformatted beam P€T/€A201W(M>1<*06 2015202843 26 May 2015 458 and substantially collipatisg horiKonially diverging relhrmaited beam 458, producing output: beam 156, Withadditional reforenceito Figure SA> outputfeeam 156 passes Through output aperture 520; which :esn be iocaied feelow cyiiudricai coitve^: mirror 414 and through mounting bracket 514, [0087] The resulting output beam 156, if passed through a focusing -lens ha ving substantially the same local length as the collimating lens or curved mirror that generated the input beam 102, focuses output beam 156 to produce an output spot This output spot pmdueing an image of the input spot that would he generated if input beam 102 is passed through the same toeusing lens but being compressed in TKb stioag factor of optical slieer 100 and expanded in the vertical direction by thesheing laclor of optical sheer 100, while maintaining:: a similar light intensity as the Input spot, [00S8] With additional reference to Figures: SA and SF, cylindrical convex mirror 414 cap be secured to mounting bracket 514 lor seeurement to base plate 480 of optical sheer 100. in some embodiments, m ounting bracket 514 can have output aperture 520 located therethrough, where in some embodiments oittprd apertup 520 can be. ideated below the position of cylindrical convex mirror 414 when secured to mounting bracket 514, In. some embodiments, cylindrieal convex mirror 414 may have a Ideal length of -25,84 mm and may be positioned at a 0,0 degree tilt horizontally and a 6,3 degree tilt veMballylip^nwardiiiel^ttye Id the path of the incoming beam ; however, skilled persons will understand that other focal lengths and positioning can be used to produce horizontally diverging reformatted beam 458, [0O89| With addidonal relerenee to Figures SA: and 5Q, cylindrical concave mirror 416 can be\'pib%i'^4o,itpbub!ting bracket 516 for seeurement to base: plate 4S0 (If optical sheer 100, in some embodiments, base plate 480 having an indent therein which cab receive a potion of -26- W0 Mi .1AKHSI5 2015202843 26 May 2015 vcstc&smmme mounting bracket 516 to provide that a portion of eoMSvo mirror 416 can rest below a top surface- ofrbase plates.480, In some embodiments, cylindrical concave mirror 4 I d can have a fecal length of : 1:03:360 mm and can be positioned at a 0.0 degree tilt horizontally ·φά·&-64 degree tilt: vertically upwafos relative to the path of the incoming beam; however, skilled persons will understandthai other focal lengths and positioning can be used to prod uce output beam 156. 16090} With reference to Pigure 5B, optical sheer 190 can be covered by housing -covef 486 seetned to base plhtfe 4S0 to protect the.-giterior-elements of optical sheet i OOyfet example: from dust and other particulates, Housing cover 486 cau have input aperture 4S2 for receiving the inputbeamland can addiitenaily have output aperture 484 for outputting the oufont beam fern optical sheer 100. |(J09i J In some embodiments o f the opti cal sheer described herein, a second optical sheer may be: placed in scries wherein output beam 156 from a .first optical sllcet may he input heatn 102 into a second optical slieer. In such embodiments it has been found that the slicing factor may be muttiplteativepfbr example, combining two sheers having a slicing factor of four in series may tend to result in tm overall slicing jactor of sixteen.

[0092) While ^r|Mt^nynvenriiC^:embe''ased:5»rith-a»y device that tends to me light -as an input, one example of the use of the optical sheer described herein may be in the field of spectroscopy, A. general spectrometerIs a device that disperses light such that the intensity valae of light as a function of cmvelengthcan be meofeed on a detector, Por readings that require a higher spectral resolution, a narrower slit is needed in -a direct relationship to spectral resolution and typically, a narrow slit will provide a reduction in the light intensify received by the general speeffometer device. Positioning an optical sheer In front of the input of a general spectrometer device can tend to produce an InputInto the genemi s^ctmmeter device slit having an increased vestcmmtmim wo wiwmw 2015202843 26 May 2015 light intensity value as compared to a slit without aft optical slleen by the iaotor of the slicing factor, over the area m the slit, tending to prwide increased spectral resolution without sacrificing light signal intensity. p0093] A rnrhset of spectroscopy is interferometric Spectroscopy; the defining feature of interferometric spectrometers is that the dispersing elemenfused is not a grating or a prism. ..Rather, the dispersion is achieved another way, such as by taking the;Ifearier tfahsiprm of the pattern generated by two interfering beams, lire sheer not only increases MgMness, of the output, but also allo ws targe iisprovements In the· contrast of the interference hinges,: as well as signalTomuise ratio, (0094] An optical sheer can be used;in a suhsefof OCT called Courier dpniain OCT (FD-OCT), and store specifically in a specific lmplerneiitaiioft F:D~OCT called Spectral Domain OGT (SD-OCTf, AnSD-OCT idstrnnient Is ah inierferomcfeie specirometgr; with a: dispersive spectrometer to record the signal. An optical sheer can be included at the input to the dispersive speetiometer right befere the dispersive beam element in a cbfllmated beam path.

[0095] A further subset of interferometric spectrometry as pertains to medical imaging is Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), a technique that uses an interferometric spectrometer to make an: Image, A siker will: improve the throughput, as well as: the fringe edntfast, of the OCT devsce;; the -result:is thaf fbc sheer can improve the depth penetration possible with OCT systems, speeding imaging ti me and increasing; the value , of the: captured, image. An optical slider can be ineluded at theinput. to the OCT device, (0096| A further application of the sheer A ift the field of miniature spectroscopy, particularly as it pertains to Raman spectroscopy. Current Ratnan spectrometers have been implemented that .are rmniatuffeed to handheld seale, As ibe slfeer eatf be used toiherease -28- PCT/CA20ie/0»i606 WO 2(111/5)38515 2015202843 26 May 2015 throughput in any system wherein light is used as the input source, a miniaturized .embodiment of the sheer can be used in «conjunction with miniaturized spectrometers, like the Raman, to increase spectral resolution, increase output signal strength, am! decrease scan time. An optical sheer can be included at the input to the Raman spectroscopy device..

[0097] The present invention has been described with regard to specific -embodiments. However, it will be obvious to persons skilled in the ait that a number of variants and modifications can he made witho ut departing from the scope of the Invention as described herein. .20-

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A beam reformatter comprising optical elements configured to receive a beam and to split the beam according to the spatial position of the light within the beam into a plurality of sliced beam portions, the optical elements further configured to distribute and propagate two or more of the plurality of sliced beam portions in substantially the same direction to create a reformatted composite beam, wherein the plurality of sliced beam portions each contain the same spectral information as the received beam.

2. The beam reformatter of claim 1, wherein the optical elements comprise one or more pairs of reflective surfaces.

3. The beam reformatter of claim 2, wherein the optical elements are configured so that at least one of the plurality of sliced beam portions is formed from a portion of the received beam passing by the one or more pairs of reflective surfaces without reflection.

4. An optical sheer that receives a beam and configures the beam for generating an output spot from the configured beam, comprising: a beam reformatter comprising optical elements to receive a beam and to split the beam into a plurality of beam portions, the optical elements further configured to distribute and propagate two or more of the plurality of beam portions in substantially the same direction to create a reformatted composite beam; and at least one of a beam compressor comprising optical elements configured to receive the beam and compress the beam; and a beam expander comprising optical elements configured to receive the beam and expand the beam, wherein the plurality of beam portions each contain the same spectral information as the received beam; and wherein the output spot has different dimensions relative to a spot produced in the same manner from the beam received by the optical sheer.

5. The optical sheer of claim 4, wherein the at least one of a beam compressor and a beam expander comprises a beam expander, the beam expander receiving the reformatted beam from the beam reformatter and expanding the beam to produce the configured beam for producing the output spot with different dimensions relative to a spot produced in the same manner from the beam received by the optical sheer.

6. The optical sheer of claim 4, wherein the at least one of a beam compressor and a beam expander comprises both a beam compressor and a beam expander, the beam compressor receiving the beam and compressing the beam and passing the compressed beam to the beam reformatter, and the beam expander receiving the reformatted beam from the beam reformatter and expanding the beam to produce the configured beam for producing the output spot, wherein the output spot is expanded in a first dimension and compressed in a second dimension relative to a spot produced in the same manner from the beam received by the optical sheer.

7. The optical slicer of claim 4, wherein the optical elements of the beam reformatter comprise at least one pair of reflective surfaces.

8. The optical slicer of claim 4, wherein the optical elements comprise at least one of a segmented mirror, a flat non-mirror surface coated with a reflective substance, a refractive element, a prism, a Fresnel lens, a toroidal mirror or lens, a cylindrical mirror or lens, and a diffraction grating.

9. The optical slicer of claim 4, wherein the configured beam has substantially dissimilar dimensions relative to the beam received by the optical slicer.

10. The optical slicer of claim 4, wherein the configured beam has substantially similar dimensions relative to the beam received by the optical slicer.

11. The optical slicer of claim 4, wherein the configured beam is expanded in a first dimension and compressed in a second dimension relative to the beam received by the optical slicer.

12. The optical slicer of claim 4, wherein the beam compressor comprises a convex lens and a concave lens, wherein the convex lens receives the beam and produces a converging beam and the beam is compressed by the converging beam passing through the concave lens.

13. The optical slicer of claim 4, wherein the beam compressor comprises a concave reflective surface and a convex reflective surface, wherein the concave reflective surface receives the beam and produces a converging beam and the beam is compressed by the converging beam reflecting off the convex reflective surface.

14. The optical sheer of claim 4, wherein the optical elements are configured to alter the dimensions of the beam differently along a first dimension relative to a second dimension.

15. The optical sheer of claim 4, wherein the beam expander comprises a concave lens and a convex lens, and wherein the concave lens receives the beam and produces a diverging beam and the expanded beam is produced by the diverging beam passing through the convex lens.

16. The optical sheer of claim 4, wherein the optical elements have different focal lengths along different axes of the same optical element.

17. The optical sheer of claim 4 wherein the beam expander comprises a convex reflective surface and a concave reflective surface, and wherein the convex reflective surface receives the beam and produces a diverging beam and the expanded beam is formed by the diverging beam reflecting off the concave reflective surface.

18. The optical sheer of claim 4, wherein the at least one of a beam compressor and a beam expander compresses or expands, respectively, the beam along only one axis of the beam.

19. The optical sheer of claim 4, wherein the configured beam has a light intensity substantially the same as the light intensity of the beam received by the optical sheer.

20. The optical sheer of claim 4, wherein the beam received by the optical sheer or the configured beam is at least one of a collimated, diverging or converging beam.

21. A spectrometer comprising the optical slicer of claim 4, wherein the sheer is positioned upstream of the optical input slit of the spectrometer to direct the output spot therethrough.

22. A method of configuring a beam for generating an output spot from the configured beam, comprising: receiving a beam and splitting the beam into a plurality of beam portions; distributing and propagating two or more of the plurality of beam portions in substantially the same direction to create a reformatted composite beam; and at least one of compressing the beam and expanding the beam, wherein the plurality of beam portions each contain the same spectral information as the received beam, and the output spot produced from the configured beam has different dimensions relative to a spot produced in the same manner from the beam prior to configuration.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein the configured beam has substantially dissimilar dimensions relative to the beam prior to configuration.

24. A method of reformatting a beam received at a beam reformatter, comprising splitting the beam according to the spatial position of the light within the beam into a plurality of sliced beam portions, and distributing and propagating two or more of the plurality of sliced beam portions in substantially the same direction to create a reformatted composite beam, wherein the plurality of sliced beam portions each contain the same spectral information as the received beam.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein optical elements are used to distribute and propagate the sliced beam portions, and at least one of the plurality of sliced beam portions is formed from a portion of the received beam passing by the optical elements without being repositioned. 2015202843

26 May 2015 -36-