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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Optically pumped laser

Patent ·
OSTI ID:5541297
An optically pumped laser system having a configuration capable of efficiently coupling pumping radiation with a gain medium to provide an outlet beam having a wavelength in the ultraviolet and visible spectrum is disclosed. A gain medium including halide, rare and noble gas elements is contained within a cell at total pressures from 4 to 30 atms. The gain medium is ionized by a spark source within the cell and interacted with optical pumping radiation to provide a diffuse electrical discharge. An optical resonator having the discharge disposed therein efficiently extracts energy from the gain medium to provide an output beam having a wavelength in the visible spectrum when the total pressure of the gain medium is high, typically greater than 9 atm and a wavelength in the ultraviolet spectrum when the pressure is moderate, typically less than 5 atm.
Assignee:
United Technologies Corp.
Patent Number(s):
US 4177435
OSTI ID:
5541297
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English