Abstract A Q-switch for a solid-state laser system is provided by a gasfilled flash lamp within the optical feedback path of the laser system. One embodiment utilizes the opaque region of an ionized flash lamp to interrupt the optical feedback path during the early portion of the laser rod pumping cycle. Feedback is restored by deionizing the flash lamp. A second embodiment utilizes an auxiliary feedback loop to control the rate at which the intensity of the laser radiation within the feedback system increases. An ionized flash lamp having a light saturable characteristic is included in the primary feedback loop. The auxiliary feedback loop is adjusted such that the ionized flash lamp optically saturates at a predetermined time. Saturation of the flash lamp increases feedback, thereby causing the flash lamp to function as a Qswitch element.
A Q-switched pulse pumped laser system comprising: a. an optical cavity; b. a laser flash tube mounted in the optical cavity for optically pumping and Q-switching the laser; c. a laser rod mounted in the optical cavity responsive to the output of the laser flash tube for generating stimulated emission energy pulses; and d. an optical feedback means for feeding back the stimulated emission energy through the laser rod and laser flash tube.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
A Q-switched pulse pumped laser system comprising: a. an optical cavity; b. a laser flash tube mounted in the optical cavity for optically pumping and Q-switching the laser; c. a laser rod mounted in the optical cavity responsive to the output of the laser flash tube for generating stimulated emission energy pulses; and d. an optical feedback means for feeding back the stimulated emission energy through the laser rod and laser flash tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
47 words
A laser system according to claim 1 wherein said optical feedback means includes reflector means positioned in the feedback path between the laser rod and the laser flash tube for directing the stimulated emission energy received from the laser rod through the laser flash tube for Q-switching.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
48 words
A laser system according to claim 2 wherein said optical feedback means further includes a partially reflecting means in the feedback path between the laser rod and the laser flash tube for selective feedback of spontaneous emission energy to the laser rod for controlling the timing of Q-switching.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
A laser system according to claim 1 wherein said cavity includes a highly reflective inner surface.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
A laser system according to claim 4 wherein said highly reflective inner surface comprises a high polished coating of silver.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
31 words
A laser system according to claim 5 wherein said cavity inner surface is elliptically shaped and said laser flash tube and laser rod are mounted at the face of the foci.