Robust passively-locked optical cavity system
US5835522A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 19, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 19, 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. Light reflected by the first reflector is amplified by the laser gain medium. A third reflector 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. A light-screening device, e.g., an aperture, is disposed between the second reflector and the gain medium to screen light reflected from the external cavity such that the light portion of constructive interference is preferentially passed over the light portion of destructive interference. This enables the gain medium to optically lock to the resonant frequency of the external cavity.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.