Coherent light generators – Particular beam control device – Modulation
Patent
1992-12-03
1995-01-24
Scott, Jr., Leon
Coherent light generators
Particular beam control device
Modulation
372 38, 372 12, 372 98, 372 21, 372 27, 372 10, 372106, 372 92, 372 18, 372 25, 372 37, 372 82, H01S 310
Patent
active
053847989
ABSTRACT:
The optical modulator of the invention comprises an electro-optic material or magneto-optic material EOD which modulates optical energy in accordance with an applied electromagnetic waveform. The electromagnetic waveform impressed in the EOD is controlled by a light activated switch, or switches, which varies the magnitude of the electromagnetic waveform to the EOD by switching portions of a transmission line (of which the EOD forms all or at least a part of the dielectric) in or out. The switch, or switches, may be configured between segments of one of the conductors of the transmission line and may overlay the electro-optic dielectric material. The transmission line may include a plurality of sections, each charged to a selected voltage, so that when switched by said light activated switches, the electromagnetic waveform to the EOD is controlled. When used in a laser cavity, the optical modulator can control the output of the laser cavity in response to optical input control signals. The optical modulator may be used for Q-switching the laser cavity, mode-locking the laser, cavity dumping the laser cavity, or modulating the output of the laser cavity, or combinations of the above. The optical input control signal may comprise light from within the laser cavity, from the output of the cavity, or from an external source. The optical modulator may modulate a plurality of beams of optical energy based upon a single electromagnetic waveform or it may modulate the plurality of beams in accordance with a respective plurality of different waveforms.
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Giorgi David
McIntyre Iain A.
Solone Paul J.
Zucker Oved S. F.
Energy Compression Research Corp.
Jr. Leon Scott
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