Coherent light generators – Particular beam control device – Nonlinear device
Patent
1990-12-20
1992-07-28
Epps, Georgia Y.
Coherent light generators
Particular beam control device
Nonlinear device
372 22, 372 31, 372 32, 372 94, 307424, 359326, 359330, H01S 310
Patent
active
051346222
ABSTRACT:
The present invention is an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) which combines a singly resonant oscillator (SRO) configuration with a buildup cavity and uses optical output of a buildup cavity as feedback to injection lock a source laser. The result is an easily tuned OPO with a low pump power threshold without the requirement for active electronic control of the laser and/or the OPO resonator. In particular, specific embodiments of the invention employ a semiconductor diode laser to pump the OPO. The emission from the single longitudinal mode diode laser is transversely mode matched into the buildup cavity where the circulating power can build up to hundreds of times the output power of the diode. This high circulating power traverses the OPO crystal at a point of focus, producing a high enough intensity for operation of the OPO. At least one of the generated waves is also resonated in the SRO configuration. Either or both of the generated waves can be made to emerge from the resonator at the desired output mirror for use in applications.
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Deacon Research
Epps Georgia Y.
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