Laser having a nonlinear phase conjugating reflector
A laser is described which self-corrects for distortions introduced into the laser beam wavefronts by aberrations and time-varying phenomena internal to the laser. The improved laser includes a partially transmissive first reflecting element, an aperture stop, a lasing medium and a nonlinear phase conjugate reflecting device as the second reflecting element. During laser operation, aberrated wavefronts impinging upon the second reflecting element are reflected as the phase conjugate waveform thereof. The aperture stop restricts laser operation to the fundamental mode which allows only corrected, unaberrated waves to pass through the aperture stop and to subsequently exit the laser. Four embodiments are described utilizing stimulated brillouin scattering (Sbs), four-wave mixing, three-wave mixing and photon echo devices as the second reflecting element.
- Assignee:
- Hughes Aircraft Co
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4233571
- OSTI ID:
- 6362292
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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