US4451766A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radio frequency laser pumping system
Assignee: Raytheon Co
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Filing: 1982-05-03
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Granted: 1984-05-29
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Expires: 2002-05-03
Abstract
Abstract An improved laser power supply is disclosed. The invention is designed to provide the high electric field required for starting a laser in addition to the capability of automatically readjusting after laser action is initiated to provide an optimum impedance match for high efficiency energy transfer. The invention includes variable means for matching the impedance of a laser cavity with a source of RF energy. In addition, means are provided for sensing a change in the impedance of the laser cavity. The sensed change is then utilized to vary the impedance of the matching elements to provide and maintain an optimal coupling between the laser cavity and the RF source.
Inventors
- 👤 Ellwyn R. Angle
- 👤 John L. Wilkerson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 23:15
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/09; H01S3/097; H01S3/0975; H01S3/09702
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
80 words
An improved laser power supply including variable impedance matching means for matching the impedance of a laser cavity with a source of RF energy; means for sensing a change in the impedance of said laser cavity; means for changing the impedance of said variable impedance matching means in response to the sensed change in the impedance of said laser cavity; whereby the RF source is optimally coupled to said laser cavity to enhance start-up and facilitate an optimal energy transfer.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
80 words
An improved laser power supply including variable impedance matching means for matching the impedance of a laser cavity with a source of RF energy; means for sensing a change in the impedance of said laser cavity; means for changing the impedance of said variable impedance matching means in response to the sensed change in the impedance of said laser cavity; whereby the RF source is optimally coupled to said laser cavity to enhance start-up and facilitate an optimal energy transfer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The laser power supply of claim 1 wherein said variable impedance matching means includes a variable capacitor.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The laser power supply of claim 2 wherein said means for sensing a change in the impedance of said laser cavity includes a directional coupler.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
46 words
The laser power supply of claim 3 wherein said means for changing the impedance of said variable impedance matching means includes means for providing an amplified RF isolated DC signal to said variable capacitor corresponding to the sensed change in the impedance of said laser cavity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
102 words
An improved RF laser pumping system for reliably starting and efficiently driving a gas laser, said system comprising: variable impedance matching means for matching the impedance of a laser cavity with a source of RF energy, said matching means including a variable capacitor; means for sensing a change in the impedance of said laser cavity including a directional coupler; means for changing the impedance of said matching means by changing the capacitance of said variable capacitor including means for providing an amplified RF isolated DC signal to said variable capacitor corresponding to the sensed change in the impedances of said laser cavity.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
102 words
An improved RF laser pumping system for reliably starting and efficiently driving a gas laser, said system comprising: variable impedance matching means for matching the impedance of a laser cavity with a source of RF energy, said matching means including a variable capacitor; means for sensing a change in the impedance of said laser cavity including a directional coupler; means for changing the impedance of said matching means by changing the capacitance of said variable capacitor including means for providing an amplified RF isolated DC signal to said variable capacitor corresponding to the sensed change in the impedances of said laser cavity.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
The system of claim 5 wherein said means for matching the impedance of said laser cavity is a tuned circuit further including an inductor and a capacitor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
25 words
The system of claim 6 wherein said means for sensing a change in the impedance of said laser cavity further includes a low pass filter.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 7 wherein said directional coupler includes a one turn inductor.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system of claim 7 wherein means for changing the impedance of said impedance matching means includes an amplifier, an RF choke, and a feedthrough capacitor.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The system of claim 9 wherein said means for sensing a change in the impedance of said laser cavity further includes means for controlling the sensitive and impedance of said low pass filter.
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) | 1987-05-29 | 1987-11-28 | 1988-05-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-05-29 | 1991-11-28 | 1992-05-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-05-29 | 1995-11-28 | 1996-05-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |