Coherent light generators – Particular resonant cavity – Unstable resonator
Patent
1981-12-21
1984-05-01
Sikes, William L.
Coherent light generators
Particular resonant cavity
Unstable resonator
372 99, 372 98, H10S 300
Patent
active
044465599
ABSTRACT:
The extent of diffraction in a laser resonator is controlled to provide the desired oscillation sustaining feedback. Specifically, a laser system has an annular gain medium disposed about an optical axis. The gain medium has first and second opposite annular ends. A first reflector is disposed on the optical axis closely adjacent to the first end of the gain medium. A second reflector is disposed on the optical axis closely adjacent to the second end of the gain medium. The first and second reflectors are shaped to magnify electromagnetic waves impinging thereon beyond the periphery of one of the reflectors. A sufficiently large portion of the energy incident on an interior region of one of the reflectors to sustain electromagnetic oscillations in the gain medium is diffracted back on itself. In the preferred embodiment, a contoured circular zone plate having a focal point on the optical axis is employed as a diffracting device. The first reflector has a convex surface and the second reflector has a concave surface that together define a focal point that coincides with that of the zone plate.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3969687 (1976-07-01), Freiberg et al.
patent: 3969688 (1976-07-01), Freiberg et al.
patent: 4164366 (1979-08-01), Sziklas et al.
patent: 4170405 (1979-10-01), Sziklas
"Split-Mode Unstable Resonator;" Freiberg et al; Appl. Optics, vol. 16, No. 5, May 1977.
Field Harry B.
Hamann H. Fredrick
Jr. Leon Scott
Rockwell International Corporation
Sikes William L.
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