Monolithic self Q-switched laser
US5414724A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 19, 1994 |
| Grant date | May 9, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2014 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/164
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A monolithic self-Q-switched laser generates laser pulses with short duration, high peak power, a single longitudinal mode, and extremely small pulse-to-pulse intensity fluctuations. The laser comprises of a length of solid-state laser material with a plurality of dopants, so that the material can generate coherent radiation for laser action and, in the same material, provide saturable absorption at the wavelength of the laser emission necessary for Q-switching. The distributed saturable absorber in the material provides a spectral stabilization mechanism that ensures single longitudinal-mode operation. The laser cavity is formed by the two end surfaces of the solid-state laser material with appropriate reflectivity coatings. When the laser material is pumped above the threshold condition, the laser device produces short pulses having high peak power in a single longitudinal mode and single transverse mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.