Coherent light generators – Particular resonant cavity – Plural cavities
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-16
2001-09-18
Font, Frank G. (Department: 2877)
Coherent light generators
Particular resonant cavity
Plural cavities
C372S010000, C372S012000, C372S017000, C372S023000, C372S098000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06292504
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND
The present invention relates generally to laser resonators, and more particularly, to an improved dual cavity laser resonator having multiple operating modes.
Multi-functionality is typically a requirement for low-cost laser sensors. Multi-functionality many times involves physically opposing laser requirements that are typically solved by compromising performance in any one function. It would be desirable to have a single laser that may be optimized to provide multiple functions.
More particularly, new laser sensors, such as those used in military systems, for example, require multiple-functionality from the laser transmitters used therein to reduce the size, weight, and cost of the sensors. When the requirements have physically opposing characteristics, one may take a compromising approach and not meet all relevant requirements, or use separate lasers optimized for each mode of operation. The first approach typically does not meet customers' desires and/or requirements, and the second approach involves a design of a laser that is double the cost and size. It would therefore be desirable to have a single laser that can meet multi-functional requirements using a single laser transmitter.
Particularly, it would be beneficial to have a single laser resonator that provides one set of operating modes that provides low repetition rates (5-20 Hz), high energy per pulse, and long, pulse-width, and a second set of operating modes that provides high repetition rates (100-2000 Hz), low energy per pulse, and short pulsewidth. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have an improved dual cavity multi-functional laser resonator that meets these diverse requirements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides for an innovative approach that implements a dual-cavity resonator that allows for a single laser to be optimized for multiple functions (operating modes). The dual-cavity resonator provides a first set of operating modes that exhibits low repetition rates (5-20 Hz), high energy per pulse, and long, pulse-width, and a second set of operating modes that exhibits high repetition rates (100-2000 Hz), low energy per pulse, and short pulse-width. The multi-cavity resonator is an elegant compact and inexpensive solution to implement such multi-functionality. Using the present invention, multi-functional requirements may be met using a single laser transmitter. The present invention may be advantageously employed in laser systems that require multi-mode operation.
In one embodiment, the dual cavity laser resonator comprises a diode-pumped slab laser, and first and second cavities that are selectively made operational by a spoiler. An electro-optical Q-switch and an output coupler are common to both cavities.
In another embodiment, the dual cavity laser resonator comprises a diode-pumped slab laser, first and second cavities, and a spoiler that selectively inhibits lasing in the selected cavity. The first cavity has a relatively long cavity length and comprises an electro-optical Q-switch and an output coupler. The second cavity has a relatively short cavity length and comprises a passive Q-switch and a partial reflector. The spoiler is selectively disposed in one of the cavities to inhibit lasing in the selected cavity. This embodiment does not require the spoiler to be critically aligned.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3575670 (1971-04-01), Hansen
patent: 3622911 (1971-11-01), Macartilli
patent: 5675596 (1997-10-01), Kong et al.
patent: 5822355 (1998-10-01), Ahn et al.
patent: 5917843 (1999-06-01), Greene
patent: 3301 092 (1983-01-01), None
patent: 0 849 845 (1997-11-01), None
patent: 2 713 836 (1993-10-01), None
Alkov Leonard A.
Font Frank G.
Lenzen, Jr. Glenn H.
Raufer Colin M.
Raytheon Company
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