Rare earth-doped medium with photorefractive grating as compact laser source
US6744791B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2002 |
| Grant date | Jun 1, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 12, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/17
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A compact, broadband laser source is realized by using a rare earth dopant to define a laser gain spectrum and by using holographic imprinting techniques to form a wavelength selection element for selecting a particular wavelength from within the gain spectrum. Artificial broadening of the gain spectrum can be achieved by establishing varied (e.g., randomized) domains of space charge within a rare earth-doped laser gain medium. Compactness can be enhanced by fabricating the laser gain medium and wavelength selection elements within a single member, such as a photorefractive crystal substrate. Flexibility in the selection of a wavelength can be obtained by holographically imprinting multiple sets of wavelength selection elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.