Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1988
Title: Innovations of Gary J Linford
Introduction
Gary J Linford is a notable inventor based in Torrance, CA. He has made significant contributions to the field of laser technology, holding 2 patents that showcase his innovative approach to high-energy laser systems.
Latest Patents
One of his latest patents is titled "Phased array combination of laser beams - Apparatus, and a corresponding method for its use." This invention focuses on producing a phased array of high-energy laser beams from multiple laser amplifiers. A reference beam produced by a master oscillator senses phase and piston errors in a primary mirror array. It is divided into multiple probe beams, each making several passes of its own laser amplifier. These probe beams are focused into a single phase conjugation cell, which produces phase-conjugated reflected beams to compensate for various phase aberrations. The arrangement of a birefringent wedge and a quarter-wave plate for each beam prevents the reflected beams from returning to the master oscillator and facilitates the combination of the reflected beams for output as a cophasal array.
Another significant patent by Linford is the "Free-electron laser system with Raman amplifier outcoupling." This apparatus and method control the characteristics of a high-power laser beam to achieve desired beam divergence, spectral content, and phase. A high-power beam from a free-electron laser is directed into a conical Raman amplifier, along with a Stokes seed beam that has the desired characteristics. The amplified output is divergent, allowing the use of solid material optics without damage. The Raman amplifier is partially sealed from the vacuum environment of the laser by two moving-gas windows. In one embodiment, the output beam is pre-corrected for phase aberrations caused by optical elements and the transmission medium.
Career Highlights
Gary J Linford works at TRW Limited, where he has been instrumental in advancing laser technology. His work has contributed to the development of high-power laser systems that are both efficient and effective.
Collaborations
Linford has collaborated with notable coworkers, including Robert Aprahamian and Leonard J Marabella, who have also contributed to advancements in laser technology.
Conclusion
Gary J Linford's innovative patents and contributions to laser technology highlight his role as a significant inventor in the field. His work continues to influence advancements in high-energy laser systems.