Patent · US Expired

Tunable laser with magnetically coupled filter

US7230959B2 · kind B2 · utility

18Cited by
138References
35Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 22, 2002
Grant dateJun 12, 2007
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 23, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01S5/142
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Laser apparatus and methods that permit actuation of a tuning element via a magnetically coupled drive assembly, and which provide for isolation of contamination-sensitive optical surfaces within a hermetically sealed enclosure with a magnetically coupled drive assembly that is external to the enclosure. The apparatus of the invention comprises a tuning element positioned in a light beam, and a drive element magnetically coupled to the tuning element. The apparatus may further comprise a hermetically sealed enclosure, with the tuning element positioned within the hermetically sealed enclosure, and the drive element located outside the hermetically sealed enclosure. The methods comprise positioning a tuning element in a light beam, magnetically coupling a drive element to the tuning element; and actuating the tuning element via magnetic coupling between the tuning element and the drive element. The methods may further comprise enclosing the tuning element in a hermetically sealed container.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.