Laser-driven light source with electrodeless ignition
US11587781B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 24, 2021 |
| Grant date | Feb 21, 2023 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 20, 2041 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B20/00
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An electrodeless laser-driven light source includes a laser that generates a CW sustaining light. A pump laser generates pump light. A Q-switched laser crystal receives the pump light generated by the pump laser and generates pulsed laser light at an output in response to the generated pump light. A first optical element projects the pulsed laser light along a first axis to a breakdown region in a gas-filled bulb comprising an ionizing gas. A second optical element projects the CW sustaining light along a second axis to a CW plasma region in the gas-filled bulb comprising the ionizing gas. A detector detects plasma light generated by a CW plasma and generates a detection signal at an output. A controller generates control signals that control the pump light to the Q-switched laser crystal so as to extinguish the pulsed laser light within a time delay after the detection signal exceeds a threshold level.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.