US4416013A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Distributed feedback laser employing the stark effect
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1981-11-30
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Granted: 1983-11-15
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Expires: 2001-11-30
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus and method for producing distributed feedback in a laser. Electrodes, formed on opposite sides of a waveguide cavity, form a spatially periodic electric field in an amplification medium which exhibits the Stark effect. The field induces a modulation in the laser gain function of the medium which produces laser feedback.
Inventors
- 👤 Mary S. Tobin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 12:46
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/05; H01S3/06; H01S3/063; H01S3/0632; H01S3/0635
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
64 words
A distributed feedback (DFB) laser comprising: an amplification medium for amplifying light at the lasing frequency, said amplification medium being of the type which exhibits the Stark effect; means for pumping said medium to generate a population inversion therein, and means for producing a spatially varying electric field in said amplification medium of sufficient intensity that an induced Stark effect will produce laser feedback.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
64 words
A distributed feedback (DFB) laser comprising: an amplification medium for amplifying light at the lasing frequency, said amplification medium being of the type which exhibits the Stark effect; means for pumping said medium to generate a population inversion therein, and means for producing a spatially varying electric field in said amplification medium of sufficient intensity that an induced Stark effect will produce laser feedback.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The DFB laser recited in claim 1, wherein: said amplification medium is a gas.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The DFB laser recited in claim 2, further comprising: a hollow waveguide within which said amplification medium is confined.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The DFB laser recited in claim 3, wherein said electric-field-producing means comprises: electrode means positioned inside of said waveguide means for producing said electric field within said amplification medium; and means for energizing said electrode means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
The DFB laser recited in claim 4, wherein said electrode means comprises: a plurality of metal strips located on opposing interior surfaces of said waveguide and spaced from each other in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of light propogation through said waveguide.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The DFB laser recited in claim 5, wherein: said metal strips are separated by a distance equal to 1/2 nλ, where n is a positive integer and λ is the wavelength of the lasing light.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
55 words
A method of lasing comprising: inducing a population inversion in an amplification medium for amplifying light at the lasing frequency, said amplification medium being of the type which exhibits the Stark effect; and producing a spatially varying electric field in said amplification medium of sufficient intensity that an induced Stark effect will produce laser feedback.
Claim 9
Independent Claim
55 words
A method of lasing comprising: inducing a population inversion in an amplification medium for amplifying light at the lasing frequency, said amplification medium being of the type which exhibits the Stark effect; and producing a spatially varying electric field in said amplification medium of sufficient intensity that an induced Stark effect will produce laser feedback.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method recited in claim 7, wherein: said amplification medium is a gas.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
56 words
The method recited in claim 7 or 8, wherein: said electric field is periodically varying in a direction substantially parallel to the propogation of laser light in said amplification medium and wherein the period of the spatial variation is 1/2 nλ, where n is a positive integer and λ is the wavelength of the lasing light.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-11-14 | 1987-05-16 | 1987-11-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-11-14 | 1991-05-16 | 1991-11-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-11-14 | 1995-05-16 | 1995-11-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |