Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1996-1998
Title: John A. Trail: Innovator in Optical Systems
Introduction
John A. Trail is a notable inventor based in Menlo Park, California. He has made significant contributions to the field of optical systems, particularly in improving the brightness symmetry of laser beams. With a total of 3 patents to his name, Trail's work has had a considerable impact on the performance of solid-state lasers.
Latest Patents
One of Trail's latest patents focuses on an optical system designed to enhance the symmetry of the beam emitted from a laser diode. This system addresses the challenge of beams that have a large width and a narrow height. The innovative design includes a tilt plate that displaces one half of the beam's width downward. Additionally, a first beam steering prism tilts the remaining half of the beam width, allowing it to travel towards the first half. A second beam steering prism further aligns the propagation axes of both halves, effectively stacking them. This optical system improves the brightness symmetry of the beam by a factor of about five, which can significantly enhance the performance of solid-state lasers that are end-pumped by broad area laser diodes or laser diode bars.
Career Highlights
John A. Trail is currently associated with Coherent, Inc., a company known for its advancements in laser technology. His work at Coherent has allowed him to explore and develop innovative optical solutions that push the boundaries of laser performance.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Trail has collaborated with notable colleagues, including John Lawrence Nightingale and John K. Johnson. These collaborations have fostered an environment of innovation and creativity, leading to advancements in optical systems.
Conclusion
John A. Trail's contributions to the field of optical systems exemplify the spirit of innovation. His patents and work at Coherent, Inc. continue to influence the development of advanced laser technologies.