General Electric Company

John N Minnich

Todd Jay Rockstroh

Seetha Ramaiah Mannava

Ralph M Somers

James G Kelley

A laser apparatus is disclosed which is capable of protecting the laser slab or rod crystal within the laser from damage due to overheating when the laser malfunctions in a manner such that laser output ceases while optical pumping of the laser crystal continues. The laser apparatus includes a laser crystal situated within a laser cavity. The apparatus also includes an excitation lamp for pumping the crystal to generate a laser beam to project along a desired main path. A first sensor senses the cessation of the projection of the laser beam along the desired main path and a second sensor senses the continuing excitation of the excitation lamp. The apparatus further includes a extinguishing circuit for extinguishing the excitation lamp a predetermined amount of time after the cessation of the laser beam such that damage to the laser apparatus due to overheating is avoided.

Growing community of inventors

Cincinnati, OH, United States of America

John N Minnich