US5166940A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Fiber laser and method of making same
Assignee: Charles Stark Draper Laboratory Inc
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Filing: 1991-06-04
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Granted: 1992-11-24
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Expires: 2011-06-04
Abstract
Abstract A fiber optic laser includes a fiber optic element, and a Bragg grating means in the fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of the element to enhance the narrow band response of the laser and/or increase the loss of unwanted frequencies. A method of making the fiber laser is also disclosed.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard P. Tumminelli
- 👤 Farhad Hakimi
- 👤 Robert P. Dahlgren
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 16:37
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/05; H01S3/06; H01S3/063; H01S3/067; H01S3/0675
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
67 words
In a fiber laser the combination comprising: a fiber optic element; and a Bragg grating means in said fiber optical element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, which period is a function of one half of the wavelength of a preselected lasing frequency for reflecting a narrow band of frequencies at the preselected frequency to establish a resonant cavity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
67 words
In a fiber laser the combination comprising: a fiber optic element; and a Bragg grating means in said fiber optical element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, which period is a function of one half of the wavelength of a preselected lasing frequency for reflecting a narrow band of frequencies at the preselected frequency to establish a resonant cavity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 1 in which said fiber optic element is doped with a rare earth.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 2 in which the rare earth dope is neodymium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 2 in which the rare earth dope is erbium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 1 in which said fiber optic element is a single-mode element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device of claim 1 in which said Bragg grating means includes two spaced Bragg gratings with the resonator cavity between them.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 1 in which said Bragg grating means includes a Bragg grating extending through the resonator cavity.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 1 in which said fiber optic element is germanium-doped.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 8 in which said Bragg grating means is fixed in said element with a photorefractive exposure.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 1 in which said Bragg grating means is integral with said fiber optic element.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1 in which said fiber laser is an oscillating laser.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 1 in which said fiber laser is an amplifying laser.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
59 words
In a fiber laser the combination comprising: a fiber optic element; and Bragg grating means disposed in said fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, said period establishing constructive non-reflective interference to cause loss at a band of wavelengths other than the lasing frequency at a predetermined deflection angle.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
59 words
In a fiber laser the combination comprising: a fiber optic element; and Bragg grating means disposed in said fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, said period establishing constructive non-reflective interference to cause loss at a band of wavelengths other than the lasing frequency at a predetermined deflection angle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 13 in which said fiber optic element is doped with a rare earth.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 14 in which the rare earth dope is neodymium.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 14 in which the rare earth dope is erbium.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device of claim 14 in which said fiber optic element is a single-mode element.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device of claim 13 in which said Bragg grating means includes at least one Bragg grating for coupling out said other laser frequencies.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
62 words
The device of claim 18 in which each said Bragg grating has a period d defined by λ/n l +n 0 cosθ, where n 0 is the index of refraction of the fiber optic element cladding, n l is the index of refraction of the core, λθ is the wavelength of the lasing frequency and θ is the predetermined angle of deflection.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 13 in which said Bragg grating means includes a Bragg grating extending through the resonator cavity.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
13 words
The device of claim 13 in which said fiber optic element is germanium-doped.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 21 in which said Bragg grating means is fixed in said element with a photorefractive exposure.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 13 in which said Bragg grating means is integral with said fiber optic element.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 13 in which said fiber laser is an oscillating laser.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 13 in which said fiber laser is an amplifying laser.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
114 words
In a fiber laser the combination comprising: a fiber optic element; and first Bragg grating means in said fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, which period is equal to one half of the wavelength of a preselected lasing frequency for reflecting a narrow band of frequencies at the preselected frequency to establish a resonant cavity; second Bragg grating means disposed in said fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, said period establishing constructive non-reflective interference to cause loss at a band of wavelengths other than the lasing frequency at a predetermined deflection angle.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
114 words
In a fiber laser the combination comprising: a fiber optic element; and first Bragg grating means in said fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, which period is equal to one half of the wavelength of a preselected lasing frequency for reflecting a narrow band of frequencies at the preselected frequency to establish a resonant cavity; second Bragg grating means disposed in said fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, said period establishing constructive non-reflective interference to cause loss at a band of wavelengths other than the lasing frequency at a predetermined deflection angle.
Claim 30
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of making a fiber optic element for a fiber laser with an integral Bragg grating comprising: doping the fiber optic element of the fiber laser with germanium to make it photorefractively sensitive; and irradiating at least a portion of said fiber optic element with a pattern of ultraviolet radiation to induce a period variation in the refractive index of the fiber optic element core to define a Bragg grating.
Claim 31
Independent Claim
71 words
A method of making a fiber optic element for a fiber laser with an integral Bragg grating comprising: doping the fiber optic element of the fiber laser with germanium to make it photorefractively sensitive; and irradiating at least a portion of said fiber optic element with a pattern of ultraviolet radiation to induce a period variation in the refractive index of the fiber optic element core to define a Bragg grating.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
12 words
A fiber optic element made according to the method of claim 27.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
64 words
A fiber laser comprising: pumping means; and a fiber optic element including Bragg grating means in said element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, which period is a function of one half of the wavelength of a preselected lasing frequency for reflecting a narrow band of frequencies at the preselected frequency to establish a resonant cavity.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
64 words
A fiber laser comprising: pumping means; and a fiber optic element including Bragg grating means in said element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, which period is a function of one half of the wavelength of a preselected lasing frequency for reflecting a narrow band of frequencies at the preselected frequency to establish a resonant cavity.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
59 words
A fiber laser comprising: a pumping means; a fiber optic element; and Bragg grating means disposed in said fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, said period establishing constructive non-reflective interference to cause loss at a band of wavelengths other than the lasing frequency at a predetermined deflection angle.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
59 words
A fiber laser comprising: a pumping means; a fiber optic element; and Bragg grating means disposed in said fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, said period establishing constructive non-reflective interference to cause loss at a band of wavelengths other than the lasing frequency at a predetermined deflection angle.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
113 words
A fiber laser comprising: pumping means; a fiber optic element; first Bragg grating means in said fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, which period is equal to one half of the wavelength of a preselected lasing frequency for reflecting a narrow band of frequencies at the preselected frequency to establish a resonant cavity; and second Bragg grating means disposed in said fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, said period establishing constructive non-reflective interference to cause loss at a band of wavelengths other than the lasing frequency at a predetermined deflection angle.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
113 words
A fiber laser comprising: pumping means; a fiber optic element; first Bragg grating means in said fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, which period is equal to one half of the wavelength of a preselected lasing frequency for reflecting a narrow band of frequencies at the preselected frequency to establish a resonant cavity; and second Bragg grating means disposed in said fiber optic element and defined by a periodic variation in the index of refraction of said element, said period establishing constructive non-reflective interference to cause loss at a band of wavelengths other than the lasing frequency at a predetermined deflection angle.
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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) | 1995-11-24 | 1996-05-25 | 1996-11-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1999-11-24 | 2000-05-25 | 2000-11-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2003-11-24 | 2004-05-25 | 2004-11-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |