Variable lens and birefringence compensator for continuous operation
US4671624A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 1985 |
| Grant date | Jun 9, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2005 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/1028
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus and method are disclosed for providing an improved variable lens and birefringence compensator envisioned for use within the resonator cavity of a laser which is capable of continuous operation. A pair of cylindrical bodies of optical material (12A, B) having a temperature dependent index of refraction are thermally coupled to heat exchange means (14A, B) surrounded by potting material (16) which adds heat to or extracts heat from the exterior surfaces of the cylindrical bodies in order to establish radially dependent thermal and stress gradients within the bodies. The heat exchange means (14A, B) is supplied power through leads (20A, B) and infuses or removes heat in order to establish a thermal gradient which is used to create a dynamic lens of opposite power to that of the laser rod which corrects beam divergence in the lased output. The stress gradient causes the compensator body to behave like a birefringent substance. The double refracting behavior of the compensator effectively reconstructs the laser beam passing through it which was depolarized by the birefringent action of the laser rod itself. The tandem arrangement (48) of variable lens and birefringence compen…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.