Patent US4021754A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4021754A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Variable curvature optics for lasers
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1976-02-17
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Granted: 1977-05-03
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Expires: 1996-02-17
Abstract
Abstract Focus correction in a laser to compensate for thermal lensing effects in the laser rod is achieved by applying a system of loads to the H.R. mirror of the laser cavity to develop a deformation thereof that counteracts optical path distortion of the laser rod occasioned by the thermal lensing effects therein.
Inventors
- 👤 Angelo A. Colao
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 14:33
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/05; H01S3/08; H01S3/086
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
A laser, comprising: a crystalline laser rod; a pair of mirrors; said laser rod being bounded by said mirrors and in optical alignment therewith forming a laser cavity therebetween; pumping means for pumping said laser rod; and means associated with one of said pair of mirrors for providing an out-of-plane deformation of said mirror at least during the time of lasing action of the laser.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
65 words
A laser, comprising: a crystalline laser rod; a pair of mirrors; said laser rod being bounded by said mirrors and in optical alignment therewith forming a laser cavity therebetween; pumping means for pumping said laser rod; and means associated with one of said pair of mirrors for providing an out-of-plane deformation of said mirror at least during the time of lasing action of the laser.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
A laser as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for providing an out-of-plane deformation of said mirror includes means for applying a load thereto.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
A laser as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for applying a load to said mirror includes means for applying an edge moment to said mirror.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
56 words
A laser as defined in claim 3 wherein said means for applying an edge moment to said mirror includes: a ring having bevelled edges; means for mounting said mirror in said ring; and first and second mating nutlike members arranged about said ring and having bevelled surfaces which cooperate with the bevelled surfaces of said ring.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
A laser as defined in claim 4 wherein said ring is slotted.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
30 words
A laser as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for applying a load to said mirror includes means for establishing a pressure differential on either side of said mirror.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
A laser as defined in claim 2 wherein said means for applying a load to said mirror includes first and second mating members having respectively, first and second surfaces which mate with the sides of said mirror such that relative rotation of said members produces a load on either side of said mirror.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
A laser as defined in claim 7 further including means for establishing a pressure differential on either side of said mirror.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of compensating for thermal lensing effects in a laser rod contained with a cavity bounded by a pair of mirrors, comprising the steps of: providing means for applying a load on one of the pair of mirrors to deform same; observing the beam emitted by the laser; and adjusting the load applied to the mirror to minimize beam divergence during lasing action by deforming the mirror to compensate for deformation of the laser rod.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
76 words
A method of compensating for thermal lensing effects in a laser rod contained with a cavity bounded by a pair of mirrors, comprising the steps of: providing means for applying a load on one of the pair of mirrors to deform same; observing the beam emitted by the laser; and adjusting the load applied to the mirror to minimize beam divergence during lasing action by deforming the mirror to compensate for deformation of the laser rod.
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) | 1980-05-02 | 1980-11-01 | 1981-05-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-05-02 | 1984-11-01 | 1985-05-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-05-02 | 1988-11-01 | 1989-05-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |