Laser apparatus for minimizing wavefront distortion
A solid state lasing medium is described comprising: a first end; a second end; optically plane external faces extending between the first and second ends and corresponding to the respective sides of the polygonal cross section; and an interior surface extending coaxially with the longitudinal axis to define an interior space for receiving optical pumping means; so that coherent electromagnetic radiation directed through the lasing medium at a selected angle totally internally reflects off of each external face and follows a helical course between predetermined locations near the first and second ends. Upon introducing optical pumping means into the interior space and providing means for reflecting onto the external faces electromagnetic radiation from the pumping means transmitted through the external faces, and further upon providing means for uniformly cooling the interior surface and the external faces, diverse thermal regions are created within the lasing medium.
- Assignee:
- General Electric Co., Schenectady, NY
- Patent Number(s):
- US 4740983
- OSTI ID:
- 7199760
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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