US3975692A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Control of laser output characteristics by fluid streams
Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp
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Filing: 1975-02-28
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Granted: 1976-08-17
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Expires: 1995-02-28
Abstract
Abstract A method and means for controlling the output characteristics of a laser in which the optical axis of the laser output, either within the optical cavity of said laser or outside of said cavity, is transected with a fluid stream. The laser output may either be transected with a fluidic jet such as a jet of gas to modulate the output characteristics or the laser beam positioned by means of a directed flow of liquid across the optical axis thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Alexander Mego, Jr.
- 👤 John D. Feichtner
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 12:16
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/10; H01S3/106; H01S3/1061; H01S3/11; H01S3/1123; H01S3/113
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
44 words
A method for modulating a laser output, said method comprising: selectively transecting the optical axis of the laser with a fluid stream, said stream having a plurality of refractive index gradients thereacross, and said stream flowing such that said gradients are changing with time.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
44 words
A method for modulating a laser output, said method comprising: selectively transecting the optical axis of the laser with a fluid stream, said stream having a plurality of refractive index gradients thereacross, and said stream flowing such that said gradients are changing with time.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein the axis of said laser output is transected within the optical cavity of said laser.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as set forth in claim 2 wherein said fluid stream is unconfined with respect to the medium into which said fluid stream flows.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as set forth in claim 2 wherein refractive gradients are created by transecting the optical axis of said output with a fluid jet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
A method as set forth in claim 4 wherein said fluid is a gas.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
A method as set forth in claim 5 including periodically transecting said laser output by pulsating said gas jet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
33 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fluid is a liquid and including the additional step of containing said fluid within at least one flow channel transecting said optical axis.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
A method as set forth in claim 7 wherein said liquid is contained within a flow channel positioned within the optical cavity of said laser.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said stream is directed from a nozzle.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said stream is directed from a nozzle into a fluid medium.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
96 words
A means for modulating a laser output to provide continually variable output characteristics of a laser having an optical cavity comprising a pair of feedback mirrors positioned along the optical axis of said cavity and a lasing means positioned between said mirrors said modulating means comprising a means for transecting the optical axis with a fluid stream, said means positioned within said optical cavity between said lasing means and one of said mirrors, and said stream having a plurality of refractive index gradients thereacross, and said stream flowing such that said gradients are changing with time.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
96 words
A means for modulating a laser output to provide continually variable output characteristics of a laser having an optical cavity comprising a pair of feedback mirrors positioned along the optical axis of said cavity and a lasing means positioned between said mirrors said modulating means comprising a means for transecting the optical axis with a fluid stream, said means positioned within said optical cavity between said lasing means and one of said mirrors, and said stream having a plurality of refractive index gradients thereacross, and said stream flowing such that said gradients are changing with time.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
A means as set forth in claim 11 wherein said modulating means consists of a fluid nozzle adapted for controlled connection with a source of fluid.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
A means as set forth in claim 12 wherein said fluid nozzle is connected to a fluidic oscillator, said fluidic oscillator being connected to a source of pressurized fluid.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
31 words
A means as set forth in claim 11 wherein said modulating means comprises a transparent channel positioned to transect said optical axis and adapted for connection to a source of fluid.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
A means as set forth in claim 11 wherein said fluid stream is unconfined with respect to the medium into which said fluid stream flows.
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) | 1979-08-17 | 1980-02-16 | 1980-08-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-08-17 | 1984-02-16 | 1984-08-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-08-17 | 1988-02-16 | 1988-08-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |