US3675152A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Compensator for a radial refractive-index gradient in a disc laser
Assignee: American Optical Corp
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Filing: 1970-06-24
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Granted: 1972-07-04
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Expires: 1990-06-24
Abstract
Abstract A disc laser structure of all-glass support construction. A segmented neodymium-doped glass laser rod is supported in a glass tubing and is designed to permit fluid coolant flow within the tubing and amongst the rod segments. The non-laserable glass supporting means consists of samarium-doped cladding glass to reduce interference by ''''off axis'''' spontaneously emitted light. The fluid coolant has an index of refraction which matches that of the laser glass to achieve a high efficiency. The absence of metallic supporting means minimizes the chance of metallic decomposition under the influence of pump light. Compensation for a radial refractive index gradient is provided by figuring (creating a non-zero optical power in) one or more of the glass discs.
Inventors
- 👤 Charles Gilbert Young
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 09:17
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/02; H01S3/04; H01S3/042; H01S3/05; H01S3/06; H01S3/07; H01S3/09; H01S3/091; H01S3/0915; H01S3/092; H01S3/093; H01S3/025; H01S3/0407; H01S3/0602; H01S3/0604; H01S3/08; H01S3/08072
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
88 words
In laser structure capable of emitting laser energy in the form of a beam, said laser structure including linear support means for supporting said structure and for containing tortuous flow of coolant fluid about a segmented laser rod, and optical pump means for exciting said rod, the improvement comprising a lens formed from substantially at least one entire surface of at least one of the segments of said rod having optical power sufficient to compensate for the optical influence of a thermally induced radial index of refraction gradient.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
88 words
In laser structure capable of emitting laser energy in the form of a beam, said laser structure including linear support means for supporting said structure and for containing tortuous flow of coolant fluid about a segmented laser rod, and optical pump means for exciting said rod, the improvement comprising a lens formed from substantially at least one entire surface of at least one of the segments of said rod having optical power sufficient to compensate for the optical influence of a thermally induced radial index of refraction gradient.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
Laser structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said lens has a net negative-correction to compensate for said gradient causing divergence of said beam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
15 words
LaseR structure as recited in claim 2 wherein said lens is one of said segments.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
15 words
Laser structure as recited in claim 2 wherein said lens is a plurality of segments.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
Laser structure as recited in claim 4 wherein each segment of said plurality of segments possesses optical power.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
24 words
Laser structure as recited in claim 1 wherein said lens has a net positive-correction to compensate for said gradient causing convergence of said beam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
Laser structure as recited in claim 6 wherein said lens is formed of one of said segments.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
Laser structure is recited in claim 6 wherein said lens is comprised of a plurality of said segments.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
Laser structure as recited in claim 8 wherein each segment possesses optical power.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
Laser structure as recited in claim 1 and wherein said lens has a spherical surface.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
15 words
Laser structure as recited in claim 1 and wherein said lens has an aspherical surface.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
Laser structure as recited in claim 1 and wherein said lens has a cylindrical surface.
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) | 1975-07-04 | 1976-01-03 | 1976-07-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-04 | 1980-01-03 | 1980-07-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-04 | 1984-01-03 | 1984-07-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |