Illuminator with peak wavelength variation

Abstract

Illuminators and systems are provided that permit the production of a beam of electromagnetic radiation having selected peak wavelength, bandwidth, intensity, pulse frequency and pulse duration for a variety of analytical and therapeutic applications. Multiple beam illuminators use filter elements arranged into filter arrays, having characteristic wavelength absorption properties. By providing a series of filter arrays formed into tracks having defined wavelength offsets, radiation passing through a portion of a track can be modified to include selected peak wavelength and bandwidth. Selection of peak wavelength(s) and bandwidth can be accomplished using mechanical interrupters, mechanical shutters, or electro-optical devices including liquid crystal device. Multiple output beams permit the coordinated illumination of a target, and sensors provide feedback regarding the effects of illumination on a target. Computer storage devices, programs, and controllers can provide easy selection of the characteristics of the output beams. Output beams can have a variety of different shapes and configurations, depending on the desired application.

1 - 42 . (canceled)  
     
     
         43 . An illuminator for providing an output beam of electromagnetic radiation, comprising: 
 a source of electromagnetic radiation;    a filter array for controlling wavelength; and    a controller of peak wavelength variation.    
     
     
         44 . The illuminator of  claim 43 , wherein said controller is selected from the group consisting of non-overlapping filters and shutters.  
     
     
         45 . The illuminator of  claim 43 , wherein said output beam has a peak wavelength in the range of ultraviolet to infrared wavelengths.  
     
     
         46 . The illuminator of  claim 43 , further comprising at least one waveguide comprising an optical fiber.  
     
     
         47 . The illuminator of  claim 43 , wherein said peak wavelength variation has a waveform selected from linear, sinusoidal and trapezoidal.  
     
     
         48 . The illuminator of  claim 43 , wherein said source is selected from the group consisting of incandescent, gas discharge and radiation emitting diode devices.  
     
     
         49 . An illuminator, comprising: 
 a source of electromagnetic radiation;    at least one filter array;    means for selecting at least one of peak wavelength, bandwidth and intensity of said radiation thereby forming a beam of output radiation; and    means for providing peak wavelength variation.    
     
     
         50 . The illuminator of  claim 49 , wherein said means for providing peak wavelength variation provides a linear, sinusoidal or trapezoidal wavelength variation.  
     
     
         51 . The illuminator of  claim 43 , wherein said filter array comprises at least one concentric circular filter array.  
     
     
         52 . The illuminator of  claim 43 , wherein said wavelength variation is in the range of about 1 nm to about 100 nm.  
     
     
         53 . The illuminator of  claim 43 , wherein rate of wavelength variation has; 
 a lower limit of about 1 nm/sec; and    an upper limit of about 100 nm/sec.    
     
     
         54 . The illuminator of  claim 43 , wherein wavelength variation occurs as a step change.