Laser Power Corporation

General Atomics, Inc.

Maurice A Pessot

David E Hargis

Graham W Flint

Eric B Takeuchi

A single frequency filter for a laser, comprising a polarizer that defines a direction of polarization and one or more birefringent elements situated within the cavity with their dielectric axes offset from the direction of polarization. The ends of the birefringent elements have a finite reflectance, and may be coated for reflectance or left uncoated. In some embodiments the filter is situated in a laser cavity with a broadband gain medium, in other embodiments, the filter is situated in an external cavity. To provide tunability, a wavelength control system is coupled to the birefringent element. An embodiment is described in which the filter comprises two birefringent elements of unequal optical length along the optical axis, which advantageously reduces the voltage required to tune the frequency. To provide tunability, the first and second birefringent elements are both coupled to a wavelength control system that simultaneously controls both elements.

Tunable single frequency filter for lasers

A composite cavity continuous wave (cw) microlaser that lases at two fundamental wavelengths, denoted by .lambda..sub.1 and .lambda..sub.2, which are frequency-mixed in a suitable nonlinear crystal oriented within an optically resonant cavity for phase-matched frequency mixing to generate radiation at a third wavelength. The optically resonant cavity is defined by a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface, both of which are substantially reflective at a first and a second wavelength. A highly absorbing solid-state gain material, preferably Nd:YVO.sub.4, which has a first gain transition at the first wavelength and a second gain transition at the second wavelength different from the first wavelength is disposed within the optically resonant cavity. The highly absorbing solid-state gain material is closely coupled to the first reflective surface to promote single mode operation of both fundamental lasing frequencies. An optical pump source is optically coupled through the first reflective face to end-pump the solid-state gain material with continuous pump radiation at a pump wavelength that is highly absorptive by the gain material. In some embodiments, the solid-state gain material has an input face that includes the first reflective surface and the nonlinear crystal has an output face that includes the second reflective surface.

Single cavity solid state laser with intracavity optical frequency mixing

A dual wavelength continuous wave (cw) solid state microlaser device that provides simultaneous laser action at a first and a second wavelength. The laser comprises a solid state gain material including a rare earth element having a first gain transition at the first wavelength and a second gain transition at the second wavelength. The gain material defines a block having a first face and a second, opposite face. A first reflective surface that is substantially reflective at both the first and second wavelengths is closely coupled to the first face. An output coupler provides a second reflective surface that is partially reflective at both the first and the second wavelengths, which is oriented with respect to the first reflective face to define an optical cavity through the first and second faces of the solid state gain material. An optical pump source is provided to end pump the solid state gain material with continuous pump radiation at a pump wavelength that is highly absorptive by the gain material. In some embodiments, the first reflective surface may be formed directly on the first face of the solid state gain material, and the second reflective surface may be formed directly on the second face of the solid state gain material. The resultant laser beam comprises two wavelengths each of which is believed to have a single longitudinal mode. In some embodiments the solid state gain material comprises a uniaxial crystal oriented within the optical cavity to provide polarized emissions for the first and second wavelengths.

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San Diego, CA, United States of America

Maurice A Pessot