US3791738A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Ring laser utilizing an optical retardation plate to prevent beam locking
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1973-04-11
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Granted: 1974-02-12
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Expires: 1993-04-11
Abstract
Abstract Ring laser beam locking is substantially eliminated by inserting an optical retardation plate into the circulating laser beams. The retardation plate is positioned with its optical axis perpendicular to the laser beams and is located at a point of minimum distance from the ring laser center of rotation. Further laser beam decoupling is achieved by mechanically vibrating the retardation plate.
Inventors
- 👤 R Newburgh
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 04:36
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/05; H01S3/08; H01S3/081; H01S3/083; G; G01; G01C; G01C19/00; G01C19/58; G01C19/64; G01C19/66; G01C19/68; G01C19/70
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
54 words
The combination of a ring laser having means for radiating and circulating proximate clockwise and counterclockwise laser beams around the ring laser center of rotation and a device for preventing beam locking therein, said device for preventing beam locking comprising a single birefringent optical retardation member disposed in intercepting relationship with said laser beams.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
54 words
The combination of a ring laser having means for radiating and circulating proximate clockwise and counterclockwise laser beams around the ring laser center of rotation and a device for preventing beam locking therein, said device for preventing beam locking comprising a single birefringent optical retardation member disposed in intercepting relationship with said laser beams.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
32 words
The combination of a ring laser and device for preventing beam locking defined in claim 1 wherein the optical axis of said retardation member is in perpendicular relationship to said laser beams.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
The combination of a ring laser and device for preventing beam locking defined in claim 2 wherein said retardation member is disposed at a point of minimum distance from the ring laser center of rotation.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
40 words
The combination of a ring laser and device for preventing beam locking defined in claim 3 wherein said retardation member comprises a calcite plate having a thickness that is not less than 1 centimeter and not greater than ten centimeters.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The combination of a ring laser and device for preventing beam locking defined in claim 4 including means for vibrating said retardation member.
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) | 1977-02-11 | 1977-08-13 | 1978-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-11 | 1981-08-13 | 1982-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-11 | 1985-08-13 | 1986-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |