Coherent light generators – Particular pumping means – With depopulation of lower states
Patent
1990-03-02
1992-05-26
Epps, Georgia
Coherent light generators
Particular pumping means
With depopulation of lower states
372 41, 372 66, 372 92, H01S 309
Patent
active
051174375
ABSTRACT:
Continuous laser action is sustained by a new pumping mechanism which relies exclusively on cooperative electronic transitions of coupled atoms or ions in solids. The present invention is the first of a new class of laser device which depends on energy-sharing interactions between colliding atoms in gases or active dopants in solid laser media to create the population inversion needed for amplification of light. In one specific embodiment, a laser crystal which is formed of calcium fluoride is doped heavily with trivalent erbium, and is provided with reflective coatings on respective first and second surfaces. A pumping energy is supplied whereby a pair of atoms are elevated to an initial excited state. Subsequently, one of the atoms loses energy so as to assume a ground state, the energy released thereby being made available to excite the second atom to a still higher quantum energy state. Thus, a cooperative energy interaction between the pair of atoms results in the double excitation of one of the atoms above the initial excitation state. The excited ion subsequently, upon relaxation to its initial excited energy level, causes the issuance of the laser photon. The invention is not limited to solid laser media, and may be employed in gas or liquid laser systems. Additionally, transition metal ions may be employed as an alternative to rare earth ions.
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Epps Georgia
The University of Michigan
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