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Abstract

Systems and methods for additive manufacturing are generally described. In some embodiments, an additive manufacturing system may include an optical sensing system. The optical sensing system may include a housing with an inlet to a chamber configured to receive a laser energy beam emitted from a laser energy source, an optics module, an optical interferometer, and a photosensitive sensor array. In some embodiments, the optical sensing system may include a gas inlet configured to direct a flow of gas from a gas source into the chamber such that a pressure within the chamber is greater than a pressure in an environment surrounding the chamber, thereby pushing contaminants away from the chamber. In some embodiments, the optical sensing system may include one or more transparent debris barriers disposed along an optical path of the laser energy beam.

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First Claim