Title: Self-seeded single-frequency solid-state ring laser and system using same

Abstract

A method of operating a laser to obtain an output pulse having a single wavelength, comprises inducing an intracavity loss into a laser resonator having an amount that prevents oscillation during a time that energy from the pump source is being stored in the gain medium. Gain is built up in the gain medium with energy from the pump source until formation of a single-frequency relaxation oscillation pulse in the resonator. Upon detection of the onset of the relaxation oscillation pulse, the intracavity loss is reduced, such as by Q-switching, so that the built-up gain stored in the gain medium is output from the resonator in the form of an output pulse at a single frequency. An electronically controllable output coupler is controlled to affect output pulse characteristics. The laser acts a master oscillator in a master oscillator power amplifier configuration. The laser is used for laser peening.

Inventors:

Dane, C. Brent; Hackel, Lloyd; Harris, Fritz B.

Issue Date:

2007-02-20

Research Org.:

Metal Improvement Company, LLC, Paramus, NJ (United States)

Sponsoring Org.:

USDOE

OSTI Identifier:

1176122

Patent Number(s):

7180918

Application Number:

10/696,989

Assignee:

Metal Improvement Company, LLC (Paramus, NJ)

Patent Classifications (CPCs):

C - CHEMISTRY C21 - METALLURGY OF IRON C21D - MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01S - DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT

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C - CHEMISTRY C21 - METALLURGY OF IRON C21D - MODIFYING THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF FERROUS METALS

C21D10/005 - {by laser shock processing}
C21D2221/00 - Treating localised areas of an article

H - ELECTRICITY H01 - BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS H01S - DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT

H01S3/083 - Ring lasers {
H01S3/10038 - {Amplitude control}
H01S3/10076 - {using optical phase conjugation, e.g. phase conjugate reflection}
H01S3/105 - by controlling the mutual position or the reflecting properties of the reflectors of the cavity {, e.g. by controlling the cavity length}
H01S3/107 - using an electro-optical device, e.g. exhibiting Pockels- or Kerr-effect {
H01S3/115 - {Q-switching} using electro-optical devices
H01S3/1305 - {Feedback control systems}
H01S3/137 - for stabilising of frequency
H01S3/2333 - {Double-pass amplifiers}

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DOE Contract Number:  

W-7405-ENG-48

Resource Type:

Patent

Resource Relation:

Patent File Date: 2003 Oct 30

Country of Publication:

United States

Language:

English

Subject:

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION