Precision variable delay using saturable inductors

US6005880A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Lambda Physik AG · DE

Inventors

• Dirk Basting · Fort Lauderdale, US
• Hubertus Von Bergmann · Pretoria, ZA

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 21, 1997
• Grant date: Dec 21, 1999
• Expiry date: Mar 21, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01S3/097
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An apparatus and method for providing accurate sub-nanosecond timing control between the voltage outputs of branches of an excitation circuit which are driven by a common switch. This invention allows for the introduction of variable timing delays between the branches of the circuit, and eliminates relative timing jitter. Using saturable inductors with variable bias in the high-voltage excitation circuit, this invention provides a continuously tuneable delay on the subnanosecond time scale between two or more excitation circuit branches.