Wavelength selective external resonator and beam combining system for dense wavelength beam combining laser

US9306369B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TRUMPF LASER GMBH · DE

Inventors

• Rudolf Huber · Spaichingen, DE
• Hagen Zimer · Schramberg, DE
• Alexander Killi · Trossingen, DE
• Christoph Tillkorn · Villingendorf, DE
• Steffen Ried · Herrenberg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 22, 2013
• Grant date: Apr 5, 2016
• Expiry date: Nov 22, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC H): Electricity
• CPC primary: H01S5/4087
• WIPO field: Optics
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Wavelength-selective external resonators can be used to greatly increase the output brightness of dense wavelength beam combining (DWBC) system beams by stabilizing the wavelengths of the beams emitted by the individual emitters of the DWBC laser source. The present invention pertains to external resonant cavities that utilize thin-film filtering elements as wavelength-selective elements in external resonators. The present invention further pertains to particular embodiments that utilize thin-film filtering elements in DWBC systems as both output beam coupling elements and wavelength selective elements. The present invention provides advantages over the prior art that include decreased cost, increased fidelity of wavelength selection, and increased wall plug efficiency.