Laser system

US4499582A · kind A · utility

Inventors

• Heinrich Karning · Heidelberg, DE
• Franz Prein · Neckargemünd, DE
• Karl-Heinz Vierling · Neckargemünd, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 4, 1981
• Grant date: Feb 12, 1985
• Expiry date: Dec 4, 2001

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01S3/083
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A laser system with a folded beam path is disclosed. The beam path is formed by a plurality of mirrors (18-21). Mirrors (18-21) reflect light in a closed loop from one mirror to the other. Electrodes are disposed on opposite sides of the path between the mirrors and form channels through which the path extends. In addition to serving to direct the beam in a closed loop, one of the mirrors may have the characteristic of reflecting one wavelength of light with a reflectivity of 100% while reflecting other wavelengths of light with a reflectivity of only 85%, such mirror thus acting to pass the other wavelength of light while completely reflecting the one wavelength of light. In one of the disclosed embodiments, four wavelengths of light are directed in a loop comprising mirrors 85% reflective to a wavelength while otherwise 100% reflective which promotes ring laser operations with respect to other wavelengths without passing such other wavelengths. This utilization of the active medium results in a rapid rise time and, if the laser is embodied as an unstable resonator, results in satisfactory energy yield in single mode operation. If the endfaces ( 8, 9) of the housing (2) enclosing …