US3798570A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Laser system incorporating a field effect emitter
Assignee: United States Department of the Army
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Filing: 1973-03-29
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Granted: 1974-03-19
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Expires: 1993-03-29
Abstract
Abstract An improved laser system is provided which increases laser efficiency, reduces power consumption and affords simplified construction. The improved laser, which can include any one of several electric pulsed systems, is capable of operating over an extended energy and duty cycle range. In operation only the electrical energy that contributes to the lasing action is drained from the energy source, thus greatly increasing the efficiency of the overall system. A mechanically biasable field effect electron emitter functions as either an active part of the laser or as an adjustable current controlling device, for controlling the period of lasing action.
Inventors
- 👤 J Hagood
- 👤 C Cason
- 👤 J Shelton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 03:15
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/09; H01S3/097; H01S3/09707; H01J; H01J17/00; H01J2893/00; H01J2893/006
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
103 words
In a laser system having a variable electrical pumping system the improvement comprising: a laser tube having a laser medium therein for providing coherent optical output energy therefrom; an electrical power source for pumping said laser medium to create a population inversion therein by means of an electric discharge; a diode assembly coupled between said laser and said power source for predetermined control of electron flow from said power source to said laser, said diode having a field effect cathode emitter and an anode for developing a potential and a uniform electric field therebetween to control and limit electron flow in said laser.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
103 words
In a laser system having a variable electrical pumping system the improvement comprising: a laser tube having a laser medium therein for providing coherent optical output energy therefrom; an electrical power source for pumping said laser medium to create a population inversion therein by means of an electric discharge; a diode assembly coupled between said laser and said power source for predetermined control of electron flow from said power source to said laser, said diode having a field effect cathode emitter and an anode for developing a potential and a uniform electric field therebetween to control and limit electron flow in said laser.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
111 words
An improved laser system as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising an electron accelerating and collection assembly having an electrode screen along an inner wall of said laser and an electrode plate along an opposing inner wall of said laser for developing a potential and electron flow therebetween, said electrode screen being coupled to the negative side of said pumping power supply and said electrode plate being coupled through said diode assembly to the positive side of said power supply, the emitter of said diode assembly being coupled to the electrode plate and the anode of said diode assembly being coupled to the positive side of said power source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
An improved laser system as set forth in claim 2 and further comprising mechanically adjustable support means supporting said electrode plate within the laser medium for adjusting the distance of separation of said plate from said electrode screen.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
An improved laser system as set forth in claim 2 and further comprising a second power supply, a mechanically biasable diode assembly coupled between said laser medium and said second power supply for predetermined control of electron flow from said power supply to said laser medium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
35 words
An improved laser system as set forth in claim 4 and further comprising an electron window between said laser tube and said mechanically biasable diode assembly for coupling said electron flow into said laser medium.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
84 words
An improved laser system as set forth in claim 5 wherein said mechanically biasable diode assembly has a field effect electron emitter cathode and an accelerating anode foil for conductive electrodes, said foil forming said electron window for passing electron flow from said diode housing into said laser cavity, said foil being coupled to said electrode screen and to the positive output of said second power source, and said field effect cathode emitter being coupled to the negative output of said second power source.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
An improved laser system as set forth in claim 6 and further comprising mechanically biasable means supporting said field effect cathode emitters for adjusting the distance of separation of said emitters from respective anode electrodes and thereby controlling the lower limit of electron flow therebetween.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
80 words
An improved laser system as set forth in claim 1 and further comprising switching means coupled between a negative output of said power source and the cathode emitter of said diode for initiating current flow through the system; and wherein said diode anode is an accelerating anode forming an electron window between said laser tube and said diode assembly for coupling electron flow into said laser medium, said anode window being coupled to the positive output of said power supply.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
71 words
An improved laser system as set forth in claim 8 wherein said electron window is foil which forms a common wall between the diode housing and said laser tube substantially along one side of the laser tube, and further comprising mechanically biasable means supporting said field effect emitter for adjusting the distance of separation of said emitter from said anode window and thereby controlling the lower limit of electron flow therebetween.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3745402A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-03-18 | 1977-09-17 | 1978-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-18 | 1981-09-17 | 1982-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-18 | 1985-09-17 | 1986-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |