Frequency doubled solid state laser having programmable pump power modes and method for controllable lasers
US5151909A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 1991 |
| Grant date | Sep 29, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/1022
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A laser system using non-linear crystals for second harmonic generation and solid state gain media is operated under data processor control so that a plurality of pump power modes are available. The data processor modulates the pump power in a low power mode, and supplies continuous pump power in combination with Q-switching in a high power mode. Alternatively, modulation may be used in both low power and high power modes, with the parameters of the modulation adjusted under program control. Second harmonic generation without a Q-switch in high power modes can be achieved as well. The data processing control of pump power allows optimization of pump energy consumption and the generation of waste heat so that the laser resonator may be air-cooled in many environments. Also other design objectives can be achieved for specific laser applications using the program controlled data processor to drive the pump power source.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.