Dispersion-compensated laser using prismatic end elements

Details Dispersion-compensated laser using prismatic end elements Dispersion-compensated laser using prismatic end elements

1995-06-05

1996-09-03

Scott, Jr., Leon

Coherent light generators

Particular beam control device

372 18, 372 99, 372107, 372108, 372 39, 372 25, 372 11, 372 19, 372 69, 372 26, H01S 308

Patent

active

055530931

ABSTRACT:
A laser resonant cavity defined by a set of reflective end elements positioned to together form a closed optical path, again medium positioned along the closed optical path, means for exciting the gain medium to produce a laser beam within the cavity, at least one focusing element positioned within the cavity in optical alignment with the gain medium, and a prism positioned as one of the end elements of the cavity and providing angular dispersion of the laser beam. The prism, end elements, gain medium, and focusing elements are positioned with respect to each other such that the resonant cavity supports a coexistence of several monochromatic laser modes, each mode having a distinct propagation axis. Propagation axes of modes having relatively longer wavelengths traverse more of the prism than propagation axes of modes having relatively shorter wavelengths, resulting in the addition of a negative component to the group velocity dispersion of the laser cavity. The invention provides group velocity dispersion compensation using one or more prismatic end elements without the need for any additional intracavity elements whose sole purpose is dispersion compensation.

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