Laser Q-switch

US4819239A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army · US

Inventors

• Edward J. Sharp · Fort Washington, US
• Richard R. Shurtz, II · Fairfax, US
• Wolfgang Elser · Fairfax, US
• Gary L. Wood · Rural Hall, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 6, 1987
• Grant date: Apr 4, 1989
• Expiry date: May 6, 2007

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01S3/08059
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

The present invention provides layered devices to control the spatial and spectral distribution of energy in optical beams, particularly high-intensity laser beams. These devices include improved versions of prior art thin-film (vacuum-deposited) interference filters, rugate structure anti-reflection coatings, Q-switches, pulse shapers, modulators, optical bistable devices and the like. Control is provided using materials with large second and third order susceptibilities to electric field polarization and, if necessary, means to apply appropriate electric fields.