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U.S. Department of Energy
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Q-switched laser and laser rod

Patent ·
OSTI ID:6599128
An improved Q-switched laser and laser rod in which the threshold of double pulsing is significantly raised are described. In a Q-switched laser, the laser cavity includes a front mirror which is partially transmissive, a rear mirror element and a lasable rod like element positioned between the two mirrors. The rear mirror is controlled in such a manner that it sequentially presents reflective and nonreflective surfaces to the laser rod. This then prevents lasing action from occurring until such time as the reflective surface is presented to the rod. In order to prevent double pulsing, pulsing which occurs as the rear mirror is moving into its proper alignment, a pulse suppression optical discontinuity is provided within the laser cavity. This may take the form of a bevel portion on one end of the laser rod itself. The bevel portion is aligned such that it is positioned in the direction of opening of the rear mirror to the rod. The bevel is preferably positioned at an angle greater than the critical angle of the material of the laser rod and serves to prevent shallow angle reflections and refractions from being propagated through the rod or from mirror to mirror.
Assignee:
Owens-Illinois, Inc.
Patent Number(s):
US 4105956
OSTI ID:
6599128
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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