US3660673A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical parametric device
Assignee: Boeing North American Inc
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Filing: 1970-04-16
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Granted: 1972-05-02
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Expires: 1990-04-16
Abstract
Abstract An optical parametric device is described which may be used as an amplifier, oscillator, or frequency converter, and which is operable in the infrared or visible spectral regions. The device utilizes a dielectric optical waveguide or tuned cavity, which structure may comprise the depletion layer of a semiconductor junction, the dielectric material of which exhibits nonlinear susceptibility. An intense, appropriately oriented, optical pump induces a non-linear electric polarization in the material of the dielectric structure. Traveling wave or discrete circuit parametric interaction occurs within the structure between the pump and an input signal. Under appropriate conditions, oscillation, amplification, and/or frequency conversion may be obtained.
Inventors
- 👤 Dean B Anderson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 00:27
CPC Classifications
H; H03; H03D; H03D9/00; G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/35; G02F1/39; G02F1/395; H10; H10N; H10N70/00; H10N70/10
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
57 words
A device comprising: a wavebinding structure having a depletion layer of a p-n junction capable of simultaneously supporting a plurality of modes at parametrically related frequencies, said structure exhibiting nonlinear susceptibility characteristics and affecting parametric interaction between laser-type waves introduced into said structure at said parametrically related frequencies for propagation thereof at a substantially common phase velocity.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
57 words
A device comprising: a wavebinding structure having a depletion layer of a p-n junction capable of simultaneously supporting a plurality of modes at parametrically related frequencies, said structure exhibiting nonlinear susceptibility characteristics and affecting parametric interaction between laser-type waves introduced into said structure at said parametrically related frequencies for propagation thereof at a substantially common phase velocity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
The device as stated in claim 1, including: means for varying the cross-section of said depletion layer to control tuning of said device.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device as stated in claim 1, wherein: said wavebinding structure comprises cavity means, said cavity means providing for simultaneous resonance of said parametrically related frequencies.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
81 words
The device as stated in claim 4, wherein said said cavity means comprises: said p-n junction depletion layer waveguide having a width approximately one-half wavelength of the highest of said parametrically related frequencies; biasing means for controlling the thickness of said depletion layer by varying the bias voltage thereof which is applied to said layer; and reflective means disposed on each end of said cavity means, said reflective means partially transmitting light over at least one of said parametrically related frequencies.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device as stated in claim 12, wherein: said reflective means comprises means for introducing different amounts of phase shift for light which is reflected at different frequencies.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
33 words
The device as stated in claim 1, wherein: said wavebinding structure has a width approximately one-half wavelength of the highest of said parametrically related frequencies and a thickness no greater than the width.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device as stated in claim 1: said device including biasing means for varying the cross-section of said depletion layer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device as stated in claim 1, including: antireflective means disposed at the ends of said wavebinding structure.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
93 words
The device as stated in claim 1, wherein said wavebinding structure is a waveguide of substantially rectangular cross-section, including: a laser pump source, having a pumping frequency of omega p and an orientation appropriate for inducing nonlinear polarization in said waveguide; and means for introducing pumping action and a signal into said waveguide in modes appropriate for propagation therein, said signal having at least one frequency selected from the frequencies omega 1, omega 2 and omega 3, wherein omega p omega 1 + omega 2, and omega 3 omega p + omega 1.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device as stated in claim 9, including: means for separating light emerging from said device to obtain an output at one of the stated omega 1, omega 2, and omega 3, and omega p frequencies.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device As stated in claim 8, wherein: said means for introducing comprises a mode converter.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1975-05-02 | 1975-11-01 | 1976-05-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-05-02 | 1979-11-01 | 1980-05-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-05-02 | 1983-11-01 | 1984-05-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |