US5216689A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Slab laser with enhanced lifetime
Assignee: Coherent Inc
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Filing: 1992-02-19
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Granted: 1993-06-01
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Expires: 2012-02-19
Abstract
Abstract A CO 2 slab laser is disclosed having a pair of spaced apart electrodes defining a rectangular discharge region. RF energy is fed through the electrodes to excite the CO 2 gas. A pair of mirrors are located adjacent the electrodes to define the resonant cavity. A recombinant surface is placed between the ends of the electrodes and the mirrors to quench oxidizing species generated by the discharge before they reach the mirrors. In this manner, the degradation of the mirrors is reduced so that the high power performance of the laser can be maintained. The recombinant surfaces can be defined by forming extension regions at the end of the electrodes between which the discharge is minimized. Alternatively, a mirror shield having a beam transmitting aperture can be used to quench the oxidizing species.
Inventors
- 👤 Phillip J. Gardner
- 👤 Donald E. Smith
- 👤 Joseph L. Dallarosa
- 👤 Wayne S. Mefferd
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 19:51
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/02; H01S3/04; H01S3/041; H01S3/03; H01S3/0315; H01S3/034; H01S3/0346; H01S3/038; H01S3/05; H01S3/08; H01S3/086; H01S3/09; H01S3/097; H01S3/0971; H01S3/09713; H01S3/0975; H01S3/14; H01S3/22; H01S3/223; H01S3/2232
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
A laser comprising: a pair of elongated electrodes, said electrodes being spaced apart and configured to define a discharge region therebetween; a lasing gas located between said electrodes; means for energizing the electrodes to excite the gas and generate a gas discharge that includes oxidizing species; a pair of mirrors located adjacent the ends of said electrodes and defining the resonator; and recombinant surface means located between the ends of the electrodes and the mirror wherein said ends of said electrodes are provided with extension members between which the excitation of the gas is substantially reduced and wherein said extension members define said recombinant surface means; said recombinant surface means quenching the oxidizing species generated in the discharge before reaching the mirrors to thereby reduce mirror degradation.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
A laser comprising: a pair of elongated electrodes, said electrodes being spaced apart and configured to define a discharge region therebetween; a lasing gas located between said electrodes; means for energizing the electrodes to excite the gas and generate a gas discharge that includes oxidizing species; a pair of mirrors located adjacent the ends of said electrodes and defining the resonator; and recombinant surface means located between the ends of the electrodes and the mirror wherein said ends of said electrodes are provided with extension members between which the excitation of the gas is substantially reduced and wherein said extension members define said recombinant surface means; said recombinant surface means quenching the oxidizing species generated in the discharge before reaching the mirrors to thereby reduce mirror degradation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
23 words
A laser as recited in claim 1 wherein said extension members are defined by recessed shelves formed in the ends of said electrodes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A laser as recited in claim 1 wherein said extension members are formed from a ceramic material.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
A laser as recited in claim 3 wherein said ceramic extension members are configures to define recessed shelves.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
A laser as recited in claim 1 further including a pair of ceramic plates formed on the opposed surfaces of said electrodes, said plates extending beyond the ends of said electrodes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
136 words
A laser comprising: a pair of elongated electrodes, said electrodes being spaced apart and configured to define a discharge region therebetween; a lasing gas located between said electrodes; means for energizing the electrodes to excite the gas and generate a gas discharge that includes oxidizing species; a pair of mirrors located adjacent the ends of said electrodes and defining a resonator for producing a laser beam; and a a pair of shield members located between the ends of the pair of electrodes and the associated mirror, said shield members having an aperture formed therein and aligned with the mirror, said aperture being of sufficient dimensions so as not to substantially interact with said laser beam, said shield member quenching the oxidizing species generated in the discharge before reaching the mirrors to there by reduce minor degration.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
136 words
A laser comprising: a pair of elongated electrodes, said electrodes being spaced apart and configured to define a discharge region therebetween; a lasing gas located between said electrodes; means for energizing the electrodes to excite the gas and generate a gas discharge that includes oxidizing species; a pair of mirrors located adjacent the ends of said electrodes and defining a resonator for producing a laser beam; and a a pair of shield members located between the ends of the pair of electrodes and the associated mirror, said shield members having an aperture formed therein and aligned with the mirror, said aperture being of sufficient dimensions so as not to substantially interact with said laser beam, said shield member quenching the oxidizing species generated in the discharge before reaching the mirrors to there by reduce minor degration.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
A laser as recited in claim 6 wherein said shield member is oriented perpendicular to the axis of the resonator.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
15 words
A laser as recited in claim 6 wherein said shield member is formed from metal.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A laser as recited in claim 6 wherein said shield member is formed from ceramic.
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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) | 1996-05-31 | 1996-11-30 | 1997-06-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2000-05-31 | 2000-11-30 | 2001-06-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2004-05-31 | 2004-11-30 | 2005-06-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |