US4461005A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
High peak power, high PRF laser system
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1980-10-27
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Granted: 1984-07-17
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Expires: 2000-10-27
Abstract
Abstract A laser system and method is disclosed which is capable of producing high peak power, high pulse rates, and narrow pulses. The invention comprises an acousto-optic shutter and a frustrated total internal reflectance Q-switch in a unique configuration which allows maximum power to be obtained from the laser device while still achieving high pulse rate and narrow pulse width.
Inventors
- 👤 Ernest M. Ward
- 👤 Eugene L. Curry
- 👤 Richard J. Newton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 16:03
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/10; H01S3/11; H01S3/1123; H01S3/117
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
99 words
Method for producing high peak power narrow pulses by means of a laser apparatus, comprising the sequential steps of exciting and holding a laser medium of the apparatus for a finite time above an energy threshold required for the laser medium to emit a laser wave, permitting the laser medium to emit a laser wave, oscillating said wave within the laser apparatus for a finite time by repeatedly reflecting 100 percent of the wave back through the laser medium, and rapidly terminating said oscillation, allowing said apparatus to emit a pulse of high peak power and very short duration.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
99 words
Method for producing high peak power narrow pulses by means of a laser apparatus, comprising the sequential steps of exciting and holding a laser medium of the apparatus for a finite time above an energy threshold required for the laser medium to emit a laser wave, permitting the laser medium to emit a laser wave, oscillating said wave within the laser apparatus for a finite time by repeatedly reflecting 100 percent of the wave back through the laser medium, and rapidly terminating said oscillation, allowing said apparatus to emit a pulse of high peak power and very short duration.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
28 words
Method as in claim 1, wherein said oscillating is carried on for a time sufficient to deplete substantially all of the available energy from the excited laser medium.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
Method as in claim 1 or 2, wherein 100 percent of the energy emitted by said laser medium is contained within the laser apparatus until said oscillation is terminated, thereby producing a pulse of high peak power.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
Method as in claim 1 wherein said wave is oscillated between mirrors which are 100 percent reflective.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
85 words
Method as in claim 1 or 4 wherein a switching means is located along the optical path of the oscillating wave, said switching means being switchable from a totally reflective state to a totally transmissive state, wherein said switching means is maintained in a totally reflective state during oscillation of said wave thereby facilitating such oscillation, and wherein said switching means is rapidly switched to a transmissive state, thereby interrupting said oscillation and causing emission of a high peak power pulse from said laser apparatus.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
91 words
Apparatus for producing high peak power narrow laser pulses, comprising, a laser medium, means for exciting the laser medium to emit a laser wave, means facilitating oscillation of the entire laser wave through said medium, shutter means for preventing said oscillation when said shutter means is in a closed condition preventing passage of said wave therethrough, and for permitting said oscillation when in an open condition allowing passage of said wave therethrough, and means for rapidly terminating said oscillation and for emitting a narrow width, high power pulse from said apparatus.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
91 words
Apparatus for producing high peak power narrow laser pulses, comprising, a laser medium, means for exciting the laser medium to emit a laser wave, means facilitating oscillation of the entire laser wave through said medium, shutter means for preventing said oscillation when said shutter means is in a closed condition preventing passage of said wave therethrough, and for permitting said oscillation when in an open condition allowing passage of said wave therethrough, and means for rapidly terminating said oscillation and for emitting a narrow width, high power pulse from said apparatus.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
Apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said means facilitating oscillation of said wave comprises at least two 100 percent reflective mirrors.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as in claim 6 or 7, comprising a frustrated total internal reflectance device in the path of oscillation of said wave.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
35 words
Apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said means for rapidly terminating oscillation and for emitting a laser pulse comprises an optical device which is switchable from a totally reflective state to a totally transmissive state.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus as in claim 9, wherein said optical device comprises a frustrated total internal reflectance device which reflects 100 percent of said oscillating wave when said device is in a reflective state, and which may be rapidly switched to said totally transmissive state, whereby a narrow width, high power pulse is emitted from the apparatus.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as in claim 6, wherein said shutter means comprises an acousto-optical modulator.
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) | 1987-07-17 | 1988-01-16 | 1988-07-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-07-17 | 1992-01-16 | 1992-07-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-07-17 | 1996-01-16 | 1996-07-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |