Narrow-band tunable optical source
US5684623A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 21, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 4, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 21, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/142
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A laser system capable of providing light of high intensity is disclosed. This system includes a laser gain medium and three reflectors. A first reflector and a second reflector spaced from the first reflector define a laser cavity that contains the laser gain medium. The second reflector has a reflectivity (R.sub.2) larger than the reflectivity (R.sub.1) of the first reflector such that light emitted from the laser gain medium resonates in the laser cavity. A third reflector having a reflectivity (R.sub.3) larger than the reflectivity of the first reflector (R.sub.1) is spaced from the second reflector to define a resonant cavity external to the laser cavity. Light passes from the laser cavity to resonate in the external resonant cavity. Part of the light passes from the external resonant cavity to the laser cavity to optically lock the laser gain medium. The distance between the second and the third reflectors is adjustable to tune the resonant frequency of the external cavity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.