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Kurt Kanzler

Yingwu Lian

Mark W Youn

Peter Muys

Tim Velasco

Brim for headwear

A very low energy-absorption coating and related methods for use with high power CO2 lasers includes at least a thin layer of ThF4 () used as a water/moisture barrier, in combination with BaF2 (), for various optical elements. When used in connection with a ZnSe substrate () or any other suitable material (such as for a focusing lens), the coating () extends the useful life by helping prevent moisture adsorption that otherwise may occur within 2-3 days of contact with air. The coating () may comprise (1) a BaF2 layer () of approximately optical quarter wave thickness, (2) a thin 200-300 Angstrom layer of ThF4 () used as a water barrier (3) a thin 1000-2000 Angstrom layer of ZnSe (), and (4) an optional ZnSe layer () of optical half wave thickness. Among other applications, the coating () provides very low energy absorption for a 10.6 um CO2 laser at a value&#x3c;0.15%, and provides longer lifetimes as compared to conventional coated lenses without the combination of BaF2 () and ThF4 (). The specific and relative thicknesses of the various coating layers can be modified substantially and still provide many benefits.

Low absorption optical coating apparatus and related methods using ThF4/BaF2 combination

A method and apparatus for converting a Gaussian laser beam into a propagating far field diffraction pattern using an off-axis diffractive optic. This propagating far field pattern is focused by a lens to obtain a flattop intensity at the focal plane. The technique is based on the idea of Fourier transform pairs and produces a small spot diameter with a useable depth of field. A focused uniform intensity profile can be useful for many laser applications.

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Sacramento, CA, United States of America

Kurt Kanzler