Method and apparatus for replenishing dye solution in a dye laser
US6570900B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 8, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 27, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 8, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/213
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In a dye laser system, a porous bed filter is loaded with dye prior to operation of the system. With repeated firings, the dye solution is filtered by the porous bed filter to remove by-products of the laser process. Solute concentration is monitored and dye and additives removed by the filter are replenished by a metering pump. Precise temperature control assures consistent filtering of dye by the filter for more consistent color and energy output. To control the metering pump, the differential output of a two-channel absorption detector is digitized. The digitized signal is loaded into a counter which drives the metering pump. The useful lifetime of the dye solution is enhanced by incorporating pH buffers in the solution.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.