Ring laser having an output at a single frequency
- Livermore, CA
A ring laser is disclosed that produces a single frequency of laser radiation in either the pulsed mode of operation or the continuous waveform (cw) mode of operation. The laser comprises a ring laser in a bowtie configuration, a birefringent gain material such as Nd:YLF, an improved optical diode that supports laser oscillation having a desired direction of travel and linear polarization, and a Q-switch. An output coupler (mirror) having a high reflectivity, such as 94%, is disclosed. Also disclosed is a self-seeded method of operation in which the laser can provide a pulse or a series of pulses of high power laser radiation at a consistent single frequency with a high degree of amplitude stability and temporal stability. In operation, the laser is operated in continuous waveform (cw) at a low power output with the Q-switch introducing a loss into the resonating cavity. Pumping is continued at a high level, causing the gain material to store energy. When a pulse is desired, the Q-switch is actuated to substantially reduce the losses so that a pulse can build up based on the low level cw oscillation. The pulse quickly builds, using the stored energy in the gain medium to provide a high power output pulse. The process may be repeated to provide a series of high power pulses of a consistent single frequency.
- Research Organization:
- Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA
- DOE Contract Number:
- W-7405-ENG-48
- Assignee:
- United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
- Patent Number(s):
- US 5022033
- OSTI ID:
- 867856
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Self-seeded single-frequency laser peening method
Self-seeded single-frequency laser peening method
Related Subjects
94
actuated
amplitude
based
birefringent
bowtie
build
builds
causing
cavity
comprises
configuration
consistent
continued
continuous
continuous wave
coupler
cw
degree
desired
desired direction
diode
direction
disclosed
energy
frequency
improved
improved optical
introducing
laser
laser comprises
laser oscillation
laser radiation
level
linear
loss
losses
material
medium
method
mirror
mode
operated
operation
optical
oscillation
output
output coupler
output pulse
polarization
power
power laser
power output
power pulse
power pulses
process
produces
provide
pulse
pulsed
pulsed mode
pulses
pumping
q-switch
quickly
radiation
reduce
reflectivity
repeated
resonating
self-seeded
series
single
single frequency
stability
store
store energy
stored
stored energy
substantially
substantially reduce
supports
temporal
travel
waveform
ylf