Skip to main content
U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Electro-optical modulator for an electro-optically modulated laser

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6474462

This patent describes an electro-optically modulated laser, comprising a lasing medium, a pair of spaced etalons and a birefringent electro-optical device arranged in an optical cavity. The improved electro-optical modulator includes: a hydrogen thyratron having an ''ON'' and an ''OFF'' state; means for selectively pressurizing the hydrogen thyratron; means, response to the ''OFF'' state of the hydrogen thyratron, for impressing a first preselected voltage across the birefringent electro-optical device; means, responsive to the ''ON'' state of the hydrogen thyratron, for impressing a second preselected voltage across the birefringent electro-optical device in a time that corresponds to the laser buildup interval; and means for repetitively driving the hydrogen thyratron into the ''ON'' and the ''OFF'' states.

Assignee:
Secretary of the Navy, Washington, DC
Patent Number(s):
US 4669085
OSTI ID:
6474462
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English