Waveguide laser resonator
US7050476B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | May 16, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 23, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/08081
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates to a new configuration for a laser resonator for use in combination with a solid-state laser gain medium contained within the core of a planar waveguide. The resonator has a substantially confocal negative branch unstable resonator configuration in a lateral direction, a low loss waveguide resonator configuration in a transverse direction, and the focal point of the unstable resonator is disposed outside the planar waveguide to avoid optical damage or breakdown in the gain medium. The preferred embodiment includes an effective means of transverse mode selection for the case when the planar waveguide is of the multi-mode type. The invention also provides a new low loss waveguide resonator configuration which may be used with planar waveguide gas lasers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.