Coherent light generators – Particular temperature control – Liquid coolant
Reexamination Certificate
1998-11-20
2001-10-09
Font, Frank G. (Department: 2877)
Coherent light generators
Particular temperature control
Liquid coolant
C372S070000, C372S092000, C372S098000, C372S109000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06301277
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to master oscillator gain modules for solid state lasers and, more particularly, to a device for preventing the vibration of a lasing slab used within the master oscillator gain module.
2. Discussion
One type of solid state laser is known in the act as a master oscillator pumped amplifier system. The master oscillator portion of this type of laser is used to format and tailor the laser pulse according to the desired application of the system. To accomplish this, the master oscillator employs a gain module.
Some gain modules include a Nd:YAG crystal or slab positioned between two resonator mirrors. To initiate photons into lasing, the slab is pumped with diode light. The resonator mirrors then direct the photons along a discrete path prior to the photons entering the next subsystem of the laser.
Proper alignment of the lasing slab and resonator mirrors is critical to the operation of the laser. At times, alignment stability is required to be as low as 10 microradians. Additionally, the temperature profile across the lasing slab is crucial to laser operation. An increased thermal gradient across the cross-section of the lasing slab causes lensing effects at the ends of the slab. That is, the temperature gradient distorts the geometry of the slab ends from a flat plane to a three-dimensional curve (i.e., a lens) thereby changing the focal length of the slab.
According to the prior art, the lasing slab is cooled with water to prevent temperature induced lensing. However, the flowing water causes the slab to vibrate thereby compromising stability. Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a device which allows the slab to be cooled without causing excess vibrations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects are provided by a gain module for a master oscillator pumped amplifier including a ceramic housing supporting a Nd:YAG lasing slab therein. The slab is fixed relative to the housing by a pair of oppositely disposed compliant and optically transmissive securing members fictionally wedged between the housing and the lasing slab. A plurality of fluid passages are formed in the housing so as to communicate with the lasing slab. As fluid overflows the slab, the compliant securing members prevent the slab from vibrating. In a more preferred embodiment of the present invention, the securing members are formed as U-shaped polycarbonate bars frictionally engaging a first edge of the slab on a first surface and positionally adjustable driver bars coupled to the housing on a second surface.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4378601 (1983-03-01), Eggleston, III et al.
patent: 4468774 (1984-08-01), Robbins
patent: 4945544 (1990-07-01), Tanaka et al.
patent: 4993041 (1991-02-01), Sidler et al.
patent: 5557628 (1996-09-01), Kuba et al.
patent: 5783818 (1998-07-01), Manabe et al.
patent: 5790575 (1998-08-01), Zamel et al.
patent: 1-248582 (1989-10-01), None
patent: 7-94808 (1995-04-01), None
patent: 9-326524 (1997-12-01), None
Hilyard Rodger C.
Kleve Stener
Tinti Robert
Font Frank G.
Harness & Dickey & Pierce P.L.C.
Rodriguez Armando
TRW Inc.
LandOfFree
Solid state laser master oscillator gain module does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Solid state laser master oscillator gain module, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Solid state laser master oscillator gain module will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2612933