Laser action by optically depumping lower states

Patent · Sat Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1977

OSTI ID:862747

Krupke, William F ^[1]

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1. Pleasanton, CA

A method and apparatus for obtaining laser action between an upper energy level and a lower energy level of a gaseous medium, which comprises populating the upper energy level to some degree (short of achieving a conventional inverted population) by any suitable pumping means, and thereafter establishing an inverted population by transiently and selectively depumping the lower energy level such as by exposing the medium to an intense source of radiation which selectively causes the transformation of the lower energy level species to some other energy level. Thus, a thermally pumped/optically depumped gas laser system is produced.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States Energy (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 4004250
• OSTI ID: 862747
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

laser
action
optically
depumping
method
apparatus
obtaining
upper
energy
level
gaseous
medium
comprises
populating
degree
achieving
conventional
inverted
population
suitable
pumping
means
thereafter
establishing
transiently
selectively
exposing
intense
source
radiation
causes
transformation
species
thermally
pumped
depumped
gas
produced
laser action
pumping means
energy level
gaseous medium
gas laser
pumped gas
upper energy
suitable pump
/372/359/