Devices for producing coherent electromagnetic radiation

Abstract

Abstract <PICT:0966455/C4-C5/1> <PICT:0966455/C4-C5/2> <PICT:0966455/C4-C5/3> <PICT:0966455/C4-C5/4> The active element 16 of a laser is excited by two light sources 14, 15 such as Xenon flash tubes associated with elliptical specular reflectors as shown in Figs. 1 and 2. Three, four or more sources may be used as shown in Figs. 3, 4. The active material of element 16 may be a solid such as a ruby, calcium fluoride with 0.05% uranium or 0.05% samarium, calcium tungstate with 0.10% neodymium or quantities of praseodymium, thulium or holmium, strontium molybdate with quantities of neodymium, luminescent glasses, or it may be a fluid such as tetrachlorosemiquinone, caesium vapour or a mixture of helium and neon contained in transparent tubes. The element 16 can be coated with material acting as a filter so that substantially monochromatic light is admitted into the interior of the element. The ends of the element 16 can have a convex shape and can be coated with mirror-like material. A coating of sapphire can be used for heat dissipation. A conical port 22 for the emitted radiation can be provided. For cooling purposes dry nitrogen is pumped through the cavity formed by the reflectors, the nitrogen being supplied to inlets 28 and exhausted through outlets 29. Liquid nitrogen flowing in chamber 23 provides a sink for heat flowing from the end of element 16. A similar heat sink may be provided at the other end of the element.

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