Laser systems
US5127019A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 28, 1991 |
| Grant date | Jun 30, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 28, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S148/903
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Apparatus for improving properties of a solid material by providing shock waves therein. A laser oscillator 10a provides a plurality of pulses 112 of coherent radiation. The leading edge of each pulse is sharpened either by a metal foil 18 or by phase conjugation reflection means 18a, 18e including a stimulated Brillouin scattering cell 18d,18e and optionally a Faraday isolator 18b. Each pulse is directed onto an amplifier 123 comprising first and second laser amplifier rods 23a,23b in series. At least a major portion of the radiation 112 amplified by the first amplifier rod 23a is directed to the second amplifier rod 23b, where it is amplified and then directed to a surface of the solid material. Substantially uniform spatial amplitude is achieved in the radiation 112 in at least one of these ways: A pair of flashlamps 70,71 are included with each laser amplifier rod 23a,23b for pumping the rod; the axis of each flashlamp 70,71 and the axis of the first rod 23a are substantially parallel to each other and substantially in the same (first) plane; and a (second) plane containing the axis of the second rod 23b and the parallel axes of its associated flashlamps 70,71 is substantially …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.