Continuous wave chemically pumped visible ultraviolet laser based on controlled condensation
US5023883A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 1989 |
| Grant date | Jun 11, 1991 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/095
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
This invention discloses a system for generating a continuous wave (CW) chemically pumped laser in the visible and ultraviolet wavelength regions of the spectrum. This invention employs controlled condensation to produce a non-equilibrium species of metal atoms such as the sodium trimer (Na.sub.3). Continuous, coherent radiation output is achieved by producing from a convergent divergent nozzle a high speed jet of metal vapor carrier by a non-reacting gas such as nitrogen (N.sub.2). By control of the expansion rate and temperature of the metal vapor and carrier gas mixture, a metal trimer species is produced. Also from a convergent divergent nozzle a second high speed jet is produced that carries halogen atoms (such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, or iodine) in an inert gas such as helium. The high speed jets of reactants flow in parallel. The two high speed jets of gases, alternating in halogen and metal vapor flow, output into a laser cavity. Upon mixing these gases, a chemical reaction results. As an example, bromine atoms react with Na.sub.3. This reaction produces, among other products, Na.sub.2 *, i.e., electronically excited sodium dimer in an inverted state. These excited, …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.