Ring laser having an output at a single frequency

Patent · Tue Jun 04 04:00:00 EDT 1991

OSTI ID:5539236

Hackell, L A

This patent describes a ring laser that produces a single frequency of laser radiation in either the pulsed mode of operation or the continuous waveform (cw) mode of operation. The laser comprises a ring laser in a bowtie configuration, a birefringent gain material such as Nd:YLF, an improved optical diode that supports laser oscillation having a desired direction of travel and linear polarization, and a Q-switch. An output coupler (mirror) having a high reflectivity, such as 94%, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a self-seeded method of operation in which the laser can provide a pulse or a series of pulses of high power laser radiation at a consistent single frequency with a high degree of amplitude stability and temporal stability. In operation, the laser is operated in continuous waveform (cw) at a low power output with the Q-switch introducing a loss into the resonating cavity. Pumping is continued at a high level, causing the gain material to store energy.

• Assignee: Dept. of Energy, Washington, DC (USA)
• Patent Number(s): US 5022033; A
• Application Number: PPN: US 7-428540
• OSTI ID: 5539236
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

42 ENGINEERING
426002* -- Engineering-- Lasers & Masers-- (1990-)
AMPLIFICATION
CAVITY RESONATORS
DESIGN
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
FUNCTION GENERATORS
GAIN
LASER CAVITIES
LASER MIRRORS
LASERS
MIRRORS
MODE SELECTION
OPTICAL PUMPING
PULSE GENERATORS
PUMPING
Q-SWITCHING
RESONATORS
RING LASERS