Short wavelength fiber laser
US6347100B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 15, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/139
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A fiber laser uses a mechanism to prevent a thermally induced shift of the gain spectrum to a range that causes the laser to become destabilized when operated at a first signal wavelength. By establishing a nominal gain spectrum that is further from the undesired range than in a conventional laser, a gain spectrum shift does not reach the undesired wavelength range. This may be accomplished by decreasing the reflectivity of a resonant cavity of the laser, such as by angling the reflective end of the cavity. It may also be accomplished by increasing the population inversion of the laser. Using a pump energy reflector to prevent pump energy from exiting the inner cladding of a double-clad version of the laser the fiber may increase population inversion. The fiber length may also be shortened or the diameter of the inner cladding reduced to increase the population inversion before a laser output is achieved. In another embodiment, a thermally induced shift of the gain spectrum into the undesired wavelength range is prevented by using a controlled temperature environment, such as a housing with a cooling mechanism.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.