Wave guide laser with frustration element

US4468778A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Heinrich Karning · Heidelberg, DE
• Franz Prein · Neckargemünd, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 4, 1981
• Grant date: Aug 28, 1984
• Expiry date: Dec 4, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01S3/1051
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

On one side of a waveguide laser (1), the cavity is terminated by two totally reflecting optical elements or by one totally reflecting element and one (partially) reflecting element (6; 7). The other side of the laser faces the long side (10") of a prism (10), in contact or with spacing, serving to fold the beam. A further prism (11) cooperates with one of the short sides (10') of the prism (10) cooperate to form a variable gap to influence the oscillation of the laser beam. If both of the optical elements (6; 7) are totally reflecting, the beam may be extracted from the cavity at this point. The function of the two prisms is that of a Q-switch with short operating times, which can also be designated as a frustration element.