Spectra-physics Gmbh

Norman Hodgson

Hanna J Hoffman

David R Dudley

Lukas Gruber

Joerge Angstenberger

Oliver Mehl

A diode end-pumped solid state laser is provided which produces improved power output, long term stability and improved conversion efficiency from the pumping power, high as well as low power operation while maintaining certain desirable common characteristics such as TEMoperation, circular outputs, readily aligned systems and compatibility with long lifetime for all components. The invention intracavity conversion to second, third and higher harmonics in several different spectral regimes. The invention also addresses the aspects of design flexibility, seeking in certain embodiments to provide a single platform for providing several harmonic beams.

Diode pumped laser with intracavity harmonics

A method and system are described aimed at substantially increasing the lifetime of sensitive optical elements subjected to high power laser radiation. The lifetime enhancement is accomplished by spatially distributing the laser beam spots both globally and locally according to algorithms that are custom tailored to the subject element as well as the system and application needs. The methods of the invention are particularly well-suited to non-linear crystals used to convert radiation from high repetition rate, diode-pumped laser systems into the UV spectral range, where lifetime requirements are particularly challenging. The methods of the invention further enable effective utilization of available experimental data characterizing the element's performance in combination with a stored library of preferred spot scanning patterns that may be executed on the surface of the element according to the selected algorithm.

Growing community of inventors

San Francisco, CA, United States of America

Norman Hodgson