Apparatus for modifying CO2 slab laser pulses
US7508850B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 2, 2004 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 9, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/0057
- WIPO fieldMachine tools
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The quality of pulses output from laser systems such as super-pulsed CO2 slab lasers can be improved using half-wavelength electro-optic modulators (EOMs), in combination with thin film polarizers (TFPs). A voltage applied across a CdTe crystal of the EOM rotates the polarization of a pulse passing through the EOM by 90°. The polarization determines whether the pulse passes through, or is redirected by, the TFP. The voltage applied to the crystal can be pulsed to prevent a drop in charge, which could allow radiation to leak to the application. A totem pole switch used to apply voltage to the EOM can receive a pulsed voltage for improved performance. Directing by the EOM allows pulses to be clipped at the front/back end(s), split into portions, and/or directed to separate scanners. Directing pulses or pulse portions to different scanners can increase the output of systems such as hole drilling systems.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.