Alliedsignal Inc.

Honeywell International Inc.

Allied Corporation

Karl Storz Endoscopy-america, Inc.

Alliesignal Inc.

Jerry W Kuper

Scott Moore Zimmerman

Joseph J Barrett

Karl Wayne Beeson

Robert C Morris

Lawrence W Shacklette

William Ross Rapoport

Michael J McFarland

Leon Segal

Han Zou

Michael L Shand

Timothy C Chin

John Colvin Wilson

Norman G Schroeder

Hefen Lin

Waltraud Rosalie Unger

William E Langert

Martin Carlin Baker

Paul A Papanestor

Janpu Hou

Andrew N Stephenson

Karsten Damgaard-Iversen

Tim Chin

Improved linear illumination sources are disclosed which utilize external, highly reflective enclosures containing one or more linear openings and thereby achieve improved source efficiency, output irradiance and/or output radiance. Such improved illumination sources may be combined with additional optical elements to produce more complex illumination systems.

Linear illumination sources and systems

The reflectivity of a substrate can be improved by combining a reflective diffuse layer with a specular layer. The light output of individual light sources can be improved by embedding them in a composite diffuse and specular substrate resulting in a superior illumination source. A tapered coupling waveguide having a large input surface can be used to couple the illumination source to a thin waveguide having a relatively small input surface area.

Illumination sources and systems

The light output of a back-coupled illumination system is improved by recycling reflected and misdirected light rays. A reflector at the light source and an array of microprisms having reflective elements therebetween efficiently redirect errant light rays to increase the total available light output and improve efficiency. Both specular and diffuse reflective materials may be used in combination to enhance light output.

Back-coupled illumination system with light recycling

A light directing optical structure is formed of a light waveguide preferably made of clear plastic; attached to or formed with the waveguide are a multiplicity of prisms. Each prism, due to its index of refraction, provides an aperature where light may escape the waveguide rather than remain confined due to total internal refraction. The light escaping the waveguide is reflected from a side face of the prism, and redirected in a desired direction. The propagation paths within the waveguide are such that the light emerging through the aperature is of only a fairly closely constrained range of angles; as a result the light that is redirected by the side face of the prism is of a similarly constrained range of angles. The geometry of the prism can be optimized to direct the output light perpendicular to the plane, or at a desired angle other than perpendicular. The optical structure can receive a light input along an edge, or along several edges, and its output beam is perpendicular to the structure or at some desired angle other than perpendicular. There is no restriction on the distribution and uniformity of the light input, yet the ouput is a directed and intensity controlled light source. Configurations are disclosed adapting the structure to several different possible light distribution patterns.

Light directing optical structure

In a frequency-shifted, low gain pulsed tunable laser, spatial and temporal build-up of regions of high intensity in the fundamental frequency is minimized by generating a frequency-narrowed fundamental wavelength, preferentially frequency shifting high energy portions of the fundamental wavelength, and separating the frequency-shifted portion. The remaining fundamental frequency can safely be coupled into a a fiber optic delivery means.

High power laser employing fiber optic delivery means

Method and apparatus are provided for laser lithotripsy by subjecting calcified matter in the mammalian body, especially the human body, to two spatially and temporally overlapping pulsed laser light beams in the 300-450 and 600-900 nanometer wavelength range.

Dual frequency laser lithotripter

A conductively cooled, optically diode-pumped slab laser comprises a slab laser host 1 having transparent, thermally conductive heat sink means 2 bonded to its pump faces. Semiconductor lasers or light emitting diodes 3 are mounted on the heat sink means for generating pumplight which is transmitted through the heat sink means 2 into laser host 1 to cause lasing. Heat flow within the laser host 1 is substantially bi-directional, thereby minimizing optically harmful thermal distortion of the host. The apparatus can function as laser amplifier, laser oscillator or combined oscillator/amplifier.

Conductively cooled, diode-pumped solid-state slab laser

The invention relates to a laser light beam delivery system for delivering a laser light beam from a source remote from the laser originating the light. The delivery system consists of an optical fiber having a double taper, i.e., a taper portion at each end with the fiber tapering at the input end and at the output end to a diameter substantially greater than the actual diameter of the fiber. This permits high power transmission capabilities in as much as the greater diameter portions distribute the average energy such that no damage to the fiber is presented.

Fiber optic laser beam delivery system

A conductively cooled, optically face-pumped slab laser comprises a slab laser host 1 having transparent, thermally conductive pump lamp housings 2 bonded to its pump faces. Flashlamps 3 are embedded in pump lamp housings 2 for generating pumplight which is transmitted through the housings 2 into laser host 1 to cause lasing. Heat flow within the laser host 1 is substantially bi-directional, thereby minimizing optically harmful thermal distortion of the host. The apparatus can function as laser amplifier, laser oscillator or combined oscillator/amplifier.

Conductively cooled solid-state slab laser

Improvement in a laser having a solid transparent housing with two cavities for respectively holding a laser rod and a pump lamp. The rod is embedded along its total length within the housing; the pump lamp is embedded along its total arc and over a substantial length of each of its electrode regions within the housing. clearance between lamp envelope and housing is held to close tolerances. Optional beam tubes provided at the end of the rod at the housing shield the laser beam from thermal distortion. Flashlamps having a cerium-doped quartz envelope are particularly desirable for pumping this laser.

Unitary solid-state laser

A simple, compact, and rugged laser comprises a solid transparent housing with two cavities. A laser medium is embedded in one cavity and a pump lamp in the other. By choosing for the housing and lamp envelope materials having thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of the laser medium, high power operation is feasible. An optional reflecting coating on the exterior of the housing enhances efficiency. A filter coating on the lamp envelope eliminates unwanted components of lamp radiation.

A simple, compact, and rugged laser comprises a solid transparent housing with two cavities. A laser medium is embedded in one cavity and a pump lamp in the other. By choosing for the housing and lamp envelope materials having thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of the laser medium, high power operation is feasible. An optional reflecting coating on the exterior of the housing enhances efficiency. An optional filter coating on the lamp envelope eliminates unwanted components of lamp radiation.

Growing community of inventors

Martinsville, NJ, United States of America

Jerry W Kuper