US4468775A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical selector device using a Fizeau wedge for reflection
Assignee: INSTITUT PO ELECTRONICA PRI BAN SOFIA
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Filing: 1981-10-09
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Granted: 1984-08-28
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Expires: 2001-10-09
Abstract
Abstract When a sufficient reflectivity and a low absorption power are given to its dihedron of reflective surfaces, a Fizeau wedge can serve as a directional optical selector which supplies a narrow band of wavelengths in a first direction and the remainder of the incident wavelengths in another direction. A laser with colorant COL can then be defined by the Fizeau wedge CF and an output mirror M 1 , with two diaphragms D interposed. Tuning is variable by relocation of the Fizeau wedge in its plane and relates either to a narrow line or a narrow gap in a wide band. Several lines can also be tuned separately.
Inventors
- 👤 Yves H. Meyer
- 👤 Marin N. Nentchev
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 23:40
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J3/00; G01J3/12; G01J3/26; G02; G02B; G02B5/00; G02B5/04; H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/05; H01S3/08; H01S3/081; H01S3/0811; H01S3/082; H01S3/0823; H01S3/0826; H01S3/083
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 21
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
An optical device of the Fizeau wedge type having two partial reflection surfaces for reflecting a beam of light and defining a reflecting Fizeau wedge, said partial reflecting surfaces being oriented at a small angle with respect to each other such that the distance from one surface to the other surface varies progressively, the reflectivity R of each of said surfaces being greater than 0.6, while the absorptive power of said surfaces is low, thereby enabling said reflecting Fizeau wedge to produce a selective feedback of components of said beam of light.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
An optical device of the Fizeau wedge type having two partial reflection surfaces for reflecting a beam of light and defining a reflecting Fizeau wedge, said partial reflecting surfaces being oriented at a small angle with respect to each other such that the distance from one surface to the other surface varies progressively, the reflectivity R of each of said surfaces being greater than 0.6, while the absorptive power of said surfaces is low, thereby enabling said reflecting Fizeau wedge to produce a selective feedback of components of said beam of light.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 1, in which R is greater than 0.9.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
A device according to claim 2, in which R is close to 0.99.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
86 words
A device according to claim 3, further comprising means for directing a beam of light onto one of said surfaces of said Fizeau wedge with a predetermined angle of incidence, said Fizeau wedge reflecting a first group of wavelengths in a narrow band in a first direction and reflecting a second group of wavelengths surrounding said first group in a second direction wherein, said second direction is the direction of reflection on a mirror corresponding to an anode of reflection equal to said angle of incidence.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 4, wherein said beam incident on said Fizeau wedge is divergent.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
110 words
An optical device of the Fizeau wedge type having two partial reflection surfaces for reflecting a beam of light and defining a reflecting Fizeau wedge, said partial reflecting surfaces being oriented at a small angle with respect to each other such that the distance from one surface to the other surface varies progressively, the reflectivity R of each of said surfaces being greater than 0.6, which the absorptive power of said surfaces is low, thereby enabling said reflecting Fizeau wedge to produce a selective feedback of components of said beam of light; said device forming one of two reflecting walls of a cavity enclosing a laser having an optical axis.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
110 words
An optical device of the Fizeau wedge type having two partial reflection surfaces for reflecting a beam of light and defining a reflecting Fizeau wedge, said partial reflecting surfaces being oriented at a small angle with respect to each other such that the distance from one surface to the other surface varies progressively, the reflectivity R of each of said surfaces being greater than 0.6, which the absorptive power of said surfaces is low, thereby enabling said reflecting Fizeau wedge to produce a selective feedback of components of said beam of light; said device forming one of two reflecting walls of a cavity enclosing a laser having an optical axis.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 6, wherein said laser cavity contains a light amplification laser active medium with colorant.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A device according to claim 7, wherein a perforated diaphragm is interposed between said Fizeau wedge and said light amplification laser active medium.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 8, wherein said Fizeau wedge is oriented to return said first group of wavelengths along said optical axis of said laser cavity.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 9, wherein said Fizeau wedge is arranged so that it directly returns said first group of wavelengths along said optical axis of said laser cavity.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 10, wherein said Fizeau wedge serves as an output mirror for said laser cavity.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
18 words
A device according to claim 11, comprising a diffraction grating opposite said Fizeau wedge in said laser cavity.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 11, further comprising a second Fizeau wedge arranged for transmission of the said laser beam.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
68 words
A device according to claim 13 or claim 1, comprising means which act as an optical selector and are arranged so as to receive said second group of wavelengths reflected along said optical axis, said second selector also being arranged to return another narrow band of wavelengths along said optical axis of said laser cavity, thereby permitting said laser cavity to be tuned separately to two different wavelengths.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 14, wherein said second optical selector includes a diffraction grating.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
16 words
A device according to claim 14, wherein said second optical selector includes a second Fizeau wedge.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
20 words
A device according to claim 14, wherein said second optical selector device comprises another zone of said first Fizeau wedge.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
19 words
A device according to claim 11, comprising a second Fizeau wedge as a reflecting wall in said laser cavity.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
30 words
A device according to claim 8, wherein said Fizeau wedge is oriented so as to return said second group of said wavelengths along said optical axis of said laser cavity.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-08-28 | 1988-02-27 | 1988-08-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-08-28 | 1992-02-27 | 1992-08-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-08-28 | 1996-02-27 | 1996-08-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |