Adjustable aperture comprising a shape memory alloy and laser using same
US4977575A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 24, 1989 |
| Grant date | Dec 11, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 24, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/106
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A wire, comprising a shape memory alloy, is shaped to define a perimeter of an aperture having an adjustable size. The wire is responsive to current flow through the wire to vary the length of the wire, and thereby the length of the perimeter of the aperture. A controllable power supply is coupled to the wire, for supplying a controllable current through the wire to adjust its length, and thereby to adjust the size of the aperture. The aperture is suited for controlling transverse modes in a laser by controlling diffraction losses in the laser resonant cavity. Also, the shape memory alloy aperture is suitable for mounting within a sealed cavity laser.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.