Apparatus and process for active pulse intensity control of laser beam

Patent · Wed Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1992

OSTI ID:868514

Wilcox, Russell B ^[1]

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1. Oakland, CA

An optically controlled laser pulse energy control apparatus and process is disclosed wherein variations in the energy of a portion of the laser beam are used to vary the resistance of a photodetector such as a photoresistor through which a control voltage is fed to a light intensity controlling device through which a second portion of the laser beam passes. Light attenuation means are provided to vary the intensity of the laser light used to control the resistance of the photodetector. An optical delay path is provided through which the second portion of the beam travels before reaching the light intensity controlling device. The control voltage is supplied by a variable power supply. The apparatus may be tuned to properly attenuate the laser beam passing through the intensity controlling device by adjusting the power supply, the optical delay path, or the light attenuating means.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5157676
• OSTI ID: 868514
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

apparatus
process
active
pulse
intensity
control
laser
beam
optically
controlled
energy
disclosed
variations
portion
vary
resistance
photodetector
photoresistor
voltage
fed
light
controlling
device
passes
attenuation
means
provided
optical
delay
path
travels
reaching
supplied
variable
power
supply
tuned
properly
attenuate
passing
adjusting
attenuating
control voltage
beam passes
beam passing
laser pulse
laser beam
laser light
power supply
light intensity
optical delay
control apparatus
pulse energy
active pulse
variable power
energy control
intensity control
beam travels
pulse intensity
optically controlled
delay path
controlled laser
light attenuation
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