Laser diode pumped solid state laser
US4656635A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 19, 1985 |
| Grant date | Apr 7, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 19, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/117
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A neodymium or other rare earth doped solid state laser is pumped by a matched high efficiency laser diode, resulting in a compact, high efficiency and long lifetime laser assembly. Output is in the near infrared range, but can be converted to the visible spectrum by an intra-cavity frequency doubler. A doubling crystal, which may be a KTP crystal, is placed at an optimum location in the laser cavity. Polarization of the beam may be achieved simply by stressing a non-birefringent rod, prior to frequency doubling, or by using a birefringent material such as Nd:YLF for the rod. An amplitude noise suppression etalon may also be placed at an optimum position in the laser cavity; alternatively a ring cavity or pair of quarter wave plates can be used. A folded cavity configuration produces a pair of beam waists in the cavity. Pulsed operation can be produced by means of a Q-switch.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.