High average power laser gain medium with low optical distortion using a transverse flowing liquid host

US6914926B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• The Regents of the University of California · US

Inventors

• Brian J. Comaskey · Walnut Creek, US
• Earl R. Ault · Livermore, US
• Thomas C. Kuklo · Ripon, US

Key dates

• Filing date: May 30, 2003
• Grant date: Jul 5, 2005
• Expiry date: Sep 17, 2023

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01S3/20
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A high average power, low optical distortion laser gain media is based on a flowing liquid media. A diode laser pumping device with tailored irradiance excites the laser active atom, ion or molecule within the liquid media. A laser active component of the liquid media exhibits energy storage times longer than or comparable to the thermal optical response time of the liquid. A circulation system that provides a closed loop for mixing and circulating the lasing liquid into and out of the optical cavity includes a pump, a diffuser, and a heat exchanger. A liquid flow gain cell includes flow straighteners and flow channel compression.