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.
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.