Multi-segment photonic-crystal-rod waveguides coupled across a free-space gap and associated method
US7260299B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 28, 2006 |
| Grant date | Aug 21, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 28, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/094007
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus use a photonic-crystal fiber having a very large core while maintaining a single transverse mode. In some fiber lasers and amplifiers having large cores problems exist related to energy being generated at multiple-modes (i.e., polygamy), and of mode hopping (i.e., promiscuity) due to limited control of energy levels and fluctuations. The problems of multiple-modes and mode hopping result from the use of large-diameter waveguides, and are addressed by the invention. This is especially true in lasers using large amounts of energy (i.e., lasers in the one-megawatt or more range). By using multiple small waveguides in parallel, large amounts of energy can be passed through a laser, but with better control such that the aforementioned problems can be reduced. An additional advantage is that the polarization of the light can be maintained better than by using a single fiber core.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.