Patent US3769608A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3769608A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ultra high frequency mechanical q-switch
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
•
Filing: 1972-05-17
•
Granted: 1973-10-30
•
Expires: 1992-05-17
Abstract
Abstract A Q-switch for use in the optical system of a laser which achieves a high repetition rate by using a central rotating reflector and a single spherical reflector. If the intersection of the axis of rotation and surface of the central reflector is exactly on the center of the spherical reflector, a beam entering on the axis of rotation and focused on the spherical reflector will be constantly retro-reflected while the central reflector rotates about its rotational axis.
Inventors
- 👤 L Vargady
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 21:34
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/10; H01S3/11; H01S3/1123; H01S3/121
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
198 words
A Q-switch for use in the optical system of a laser comprising a laser for producing a laser beam, a housing located adjacent said laser having an opening therein optically aligned with the optical axis of said laser which allows for the passage of said laser beam therethrough, focusing means mounted within said housing in optical alignment with the optical axis of said laser for directing said laser beam to a central reflector, said central reflector being rotatably mounted in the central portion of said housing and being positioned at an angle to both the optical axis of said laser and to the axis of rotation of said central reflector, means for rotating said central reflector, means for retro-reflecting said laser beam including a spherical ring reflector mounted within said housing in optical alignment with said central reflector and the optical axis of said laser and means for interrupting said laser beam as it arrives at said spherical ring reflector, whereby said laser beam is directed by said focusing means to said central reflector and from said central reflector to said retro-reflecting means where it is constantly retro-reflected while said central reflector spins around its axis of rotation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
198 words
A Q-switch for use in the optical system of a laser comprising a laser for producing a laser beam, a housing located adjacent said laser having an opening therein optically aligned with the optical axis of said laser which allows for the passage of said laser beam therethrough, focusing means mounted within said housing in optical alignment with the optical axis of said laser for directing said laser beam to a central reflector, said central reflector being rotatably mounted in the central portion of said housing and being positioned at an angle to both the optical axis of said laser and to the axis of rotation of said central reflector, means for rotating said central reflector, means for retro-reflecting said laser beam including a spherical ring reflector mounted within said housing in optical alignment with said central reflector and the optical axis of said laser and means for interrupting said laser beam as it arrives at said spherical ring reflector, whereby said laser beam is directed by said focusing means to said central reflector and from said central reflector to said retro-reflecting means where it is constantly retro-reflected while said central reflector spins around its axis of rotation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
67 words
A Q-switch for use in the optical system of a laser as defined in claim 13 wherein the intersection of the axis of rotation and the surface of said central reflector is exactly in the center of said spherical reflector and said beam which is directed from said focusing means enters at the axis of rotation of said central reflector before being directed to said spherical reflector.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
A Q-switch for use in the optical system of a laser as defined in claim 2 wherein said spherical reflector is made up of a plurality of reflective strips.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
35 words
A Q-switch for use in the optical system of a laser as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for rotating said central reflector is capable of varying the rotational speed of said central reflector.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
38 words
A Q-switch for use in the optical system of a laser as defined in claim 4 wherein said means for interrupting said laser beam is adjustable thereby changing the dwelling time of said beam on said spherical reflector.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
29 words
A Q-switch for use in the optical system of a laser as defined in claim 5 wherein said spherical ring reflector is made of brass, coated with electrodeless Nickel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
A Q-switch for use in the optical system of a laser as defined in claim 5 wherein said means for interrupting said laser beam comprises a ring shaped mask having a plurality of openings therein and is capable of being moved in the axial direction.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
A Q-switch for use in the optical System of a laser as defined in claim 7 wherein each of said openings vary in width.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
A Q-switch for use in the optical system of a laser as defined in claim 8 wherein said mask is formed of a thin flat spring material.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
A Q-switch for use in the optical system of a laser as defined in claim 9 wherein said openings are triangular in configuration.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-10-29 | 1977-04-30 | 1977-10-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-10-29 | 1981-04-30 | 1981-10-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-10-29 | 1985-04-30 | 1985-10-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |