Laser frequency modulator for modulating a laser cavity

Patent · Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:868403

Erbert, Gaylen V ^[1]

---

1. Livermore, CA

The present invention relates to a laser frequency modulator for modulating a laser cavity. It is known in the prior art to utilize a PZT (piezoelectric transducer) element in combination with a mirror to change the cavity length of a laser cavity (which changes the laser frequency). Using a PZT element to drive the mirror directly is adequate at frequencies below 10 kHz. However, in high frequency applications (100 kHz and higher) PZT elements alone do not provide a sufficient change in the cavity length. The present invention utilizes an ultrasonic concentrator with a PZT element and mirror to provide modulation of the laser cavity. With an ultrasonic concentrator, the mirror element at the end of a laser cavity can move at larger amplitudes and higher frequencies.

• 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 5132979
• OSTI ID: 868403
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/372/
10
100
adequate
amplitudes
applications
below
cavity
cavity length
change
changes
combination
concentrator
directly
drive
element
elements
frequencies
frequency
frequency applications
frequency modulator
khz
larger
laser
laser cavity
laser frequency
length
mirror
modulating
modulation
modulator
move
piezoelectric
piezoelectric transducer
prior
provide
pzt
relates
sufficient
transducer
ultrasonic
utilize
utilizes