US5226049A — Optical fiber rare earth ion upconversion laser s…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 173 words

An upconversion process for generating sustained, relatively short wavelength, substantially coherent radiation in the optical spectrum from energy supplied by relatively long infrared radiation under ambient operating conditions, comprising the steps of: circulating substantially single band infrared radiation that has a spectrum within the range of approximately 1080 to 1300 nanometers in wavelength into an active lasant material comprising a glass host and an activator comprising a concentration of rare earth activator ions in said host to provide successive transfers of energy from said infrared radiation to said activator ions to raise their energy state from a ground level to a highest level; recirculating radiation that has a wavelength substantially shorter than said infrared radiation from said active lasant material that is produced by the radiative decay of the energy state of said activator ions in said highest level back to said ground level to stimulate development of relatively short wavelength coherent radiation; and extracting at least said a portion of said relatively short wavelength coherent radiation that passes through said lasant material.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 173 words

An upconversion process for generating sustained, relatively short wavelength, substantially coherent radiation in the optical spectrum from energy supplied by relatively long infrared radiation under ambient operating conditions, comprising the steps of: circulating substantially single band infrared radiation that has a spectrum within the range of approximately 1080 to 1300 nanometers in wavelength into an active lasant material comprising a glass host and an activator comprising a concentration of rare earth activator ions in said host to provide successive transfers of energy from said infrared radiation to said activator ions to raise their energy state from a ground level to a highest level; recirculating radiation that has a wavelength substantially shorter than said infrared radiation from said active lasant material that is produced by the radiative decay of the energy state of said activator ions in said highest level back to said ground level to stimulate development of relatively short wavelength coherent radiation; and extracting at least said a portion of said relatively short wavelength coherent radiation that passes through said lasant material.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 21 words

The process set forth in claim 1, further comprising the step of selecting said host from the group comprising optical fibers.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 25 words

The process set forth in claim 1, further comprising the step of selecting said host from the group comprising fluoride, telluride and germanate-containing optical fibers.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 22 words

The process set forth in claim 1, further comprising the step of selecting said host from the group comprising fluoride-containing optical fibers.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 25 words

The process set forth in claim 1, further comprising the step of selecting said activator ions from the group of thulium and holmium activator ions.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 19 words

The process set forth in claim 1, further comprising the step of selecting said activator ions as thulium ions.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 41 words

The process set forth in claim 1, wherein said step of circulating comprises circulation that provides three successive energy transfers from said infrared radiation to said activator ions to increase their energy state from said ground level to said highest level.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 151 words

The process set forth in claim 7, further comprising the step of selecting trivalent thulium ions as said activator ions, and wherein said step of circulating further comprises the steps of: transferring energy in a first energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said thulium ions to raise their energy state to a first intermediate energy level from a ground level; transferring energy in a second energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said thulium ions to raise their state from said first intermediate energy level to a second intermediate energy level that is higher than said first intermediate energy level; and transferring energy in a third energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said thulium ions from said second intermediate energy level to said highest energy level that is higher than said second intermediate level.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 167 words

The process set forth in claim 8, wherein the energy state of said thulium ions is 3 H 6 at said ground level, 3 F 4 at said first intermediate level, 3 H 4 at said second intermediate level, 1 G 4 at said highest level, said first transferring step comprises raising said thulium ions from the 3 H 6 ground level to the 3 H 5 level, wherein at least a portion of said thulium ions non-radiatively decay from the 3 H 5 level to the 3 F 4 level, said second transferring step comprises raising at least a portion of said thulium ions from the 3 F 4 level to the 3 F 3 level, wherein at least a portion of said thulium ions non-radiatively decay from the 3 F 3 level to the 3 H 4 level and said third transferring step comprises raising at least a portion of said thulium ions from the 3 H 4 level to the 1 G 4 level.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 47 words

The process set forth in claim 9, wherein said step of extracting radiation from said lasant material comprises the extraction of radiation resulting from the radiative decay of the energy state of said thulium ions from the 1 G 4 level to the 3 H 6 level.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 24 words

The process set forth in claim 9, wherein said step of extracting radiation comprises extraction of radiation having a wavelength of approximately 480 nanometers.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 47 words

The process set forth in claim 9, wherein said step of extracting radiation from said lasant material comprises the extraction of radiation resulting from the radiative decay of the energy state of said thulium ions from the 1 G 4 level to the 3 F 4 level.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 24 words

The process set forth in claim 9, wherein said step of extracting radiation comprises extraction of radiation having a wavelength of approximately 650 nanometers.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 151 words

The process set forth in claim 7, further comprising the step of selecting trivalent holmium ions as said activator ions, and wherein said step of circulating further comprises the steps of: transferring energy in a first energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said holmium ions to raise their energy state to a first intermediate energy level from a ground level; transferring energy in a second energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said holmium ions to raise their state from said first intermediate energy level to a second intermediate energy level that is higher than said first intermediate energy level; and transferring energy in a third energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said holmium ions from said second intermediate energy level to said highest energy level that is higher than said second intermediate level.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 167 words

The process set forth in claim 14, wherein the energy state of said holmium ions is 5 I 8 at said ground level, 5 I 7 at said first intermediate level, 5 I 5 at said second intermediate level, 5 S 2 at said highest level, said first transferring step comprises raising said holmium ions from the 5 I 8 ground level to the 5 I 6 level, wherein at least a portion of said holmium ions non-radiatively decay from the 5 I 6 level to the 5 I 7 level, said second transferring step comprises raising at least a portion of said holmium ions from the 5 I 7 level to the 5 I 4 level, wherein at least a portion of said holmium ions non-radiatively decay from the 5 I 4 level to the 5 I 5 level and said third transferring step comprises raising at least a portion of said holmium ions from the 5 I 5 level to the 5 S 2 level.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 47 words

The process set forth in claim 15, wherein said step of extracting radiation from said lasant material comprises the extraction of radiation resulting from the radiative decay of the energy state of said holmium ions from the 5 S 2 level to the 5 I 8 level.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 24 words

The process set forth in claim 15, wherein said step of extracting radiation comprises extraction of radiation having a wavelength of approximately 550 nanometers.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 170 words

An upconversion process for amplifying sustained, relatively short wavelength, substantially coherent radiation in the optical spectrum from energy supplied by relatively long infrared radiation under ambient operating conditions, comprising the steps of: circulating substantially single band infrared radiation that has a spectrum within the range of approximately 1080 to 1300 nanometers in wavelength into an active lasant material comprising a glass host and an activator comprising a concentration of rare earth activator ions in said host to provide successive transfers of energy from said infrared radiation to said activator ions to raise their energy state from a ground level to a highest level; injecting relatively coherent radiation that has a wavelength substantially shorter than said infrared radiation into said active lasant material to stimulate production of additional relatively short wavelength coherent radiation that is produced by the radiative decay of the energy state of said activator ions in said highest level back to said ground level; and extracting said relatively short wavelength coherent radiation that passes through said lasant material.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 170 words

An upconversion process for amplifying sustained, relatively short wavelength, substantially coherent radiation in the optical spectrum from energy supplied by relatively long infrared radiation under ambient operating conditions, comprising the steps of: circulating substantially single band infrared radiation that has a spectrum within the range of approximately 1080 to 1300 nanometers in wavelength into an active lasant material comprising a glass host and an activator comprising a concentration of rare earth activator ions in said host to provide successive transfers of energy from said infrared radiation to said activator ions to raise their energy state from a ground level to a highest level; injecting relatively coherent radiation that has a wavelength substantially shorter than said infrared radiation into said active lasant material to stimulate production of additional relatively short wavelength coherent radiation that is produced by the radiative decay of the energy state of said activator ions in said highest level back to said ground level; and extracting said relatively short wavelength coherent radiation that passes through said lasant material.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 21 words

The process set forth in claim 18, further comprising the step of selecting said host from the group comprising optical fibers.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 25 words

The process set forth in claim 18, further comprising the step of selecting said host from the group comprising fluoride, telluride and germanate-containing optical fibers.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 22 words

The process set forth in claim 18, further comprising the step of selecting said host from the group comprising fluoride-containing optical fibers.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 25 words

The process set forth in claim 18, further comprising the step of selecting said activator ions from the group of thulium and holmium activator ions.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 19 words

The process set forth in claim 18, further comprising the step of selecting said activator ions as thulium ions.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 41 words

The process set forth in claim 18, wherein said step of circulating comprises circulation that provides three successive energy transfers from said infrared radiation to said activator ions to increase their energy state from said ground level to said highest level.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 151 words

The process set forth in claim 24, further comprising the step of selecting trivalent thulium ions as said activator ions, and wherein said step of circulating further comprises the steps of: transferring energy in a first energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said thulium ions to raise their energy state to a first intermediate energy level from a ground level; transferring energy in a second energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said thulium ions to raise their state from said first intermediate energy level to a second intermediate energy level that is higher than said first intermediate energy level; and transferring energy in a third energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said thulium ions from said second intermediate energy level to said highest energy level that is higher than said second intermediate level.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 167 words

The process set forth in claim 25, wherein the energy state of said thulium ions is 3 H 6 at said ground level, 3 F 4 at said first intermediate level, 3 H 4 at said second intermediate level, 1 G 4 at said highest level, said first transferring step comprises raising said thulium ions from the 3 H 6 ground level to the 3 H 5 level, wherein at least a portion of said thulium ions non-radiatively decay from the 3 H 5 level to the 3 F 4 level, said second transferring step comprises raising at least a portion of said thulium ions from the 3 F 4 level to the 3 F 3 level, wherein at least a portion of said thulium ions non-radiatively decay from the 3 F 3 level to the 3 H 4 level and said third transferring step comprises raising at least a portion of said thulium ions from the 3 H 4 level to the 1 G 4 level.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 47 words

The process set forth in claim 26, wherein said step of extracting radiation from said lasant material comprises the extraction of radiation resulting from the radiative decay of the energy state of said thulium ions from the 1 G 4 level to the 3 H 6 level.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 24 words

The process set forth in claim 26, wherein said step of extracting radiation comprises extraction of radiation having a wavelength of approximately 480 nanometers.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 47 words

The process set forth in claim 26, wherein said step of extracting radiation from said lasant material comprises the extraction of radiation resulting from the radiative decay of the energy state of said thulium ions from the 1 G 4 level to the 3 F 4 level.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 24 words

The process set forth in claim 26, wherein said step of extracting radiation comprises extraction of radiation having a wavelength of approximately 650 nanometers.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 151 words

The process set forth in claim 24, further comprising the step of selecting travalent holmium ions as said activator ions, and wherein said step of circulating further comprises the steps of: transferring energy in a first energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said holmium ions to raise their energy state to a first intermediate energy level from a ground level; transferring energy in a second energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said holmium ions to raise their state from said first intermediate energy level to a second intermediate energy level that is higher than said first intermediate energy level; and transferring energy in a third energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said holmium ions from said second intermediate energy level to said highest energy level that is higher than said second intermediate level.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 167 words

The process set forth in claim 31, wherein the energy state of said holmium ions is 5 I 5 at said ground level, 5 I 7 at said first intermediate level, 5 I 5 at said second intermediate level, 5 S 2 at said highest level, said first transferring step comprises raising said holmium ions from the 5 I 8 ground level to the 5 I 6 level, wherein at least a portion of said holmium ions non-radiatively decay from the 5 I 6 level to the 5 I 7 level, said second transferring step comprises raising at least a portion of said holmium ions from the 2 I 7 level to the 5 I 4 level, wherein at least a portion of said holmium ions non-radiatively decay from the 5 I 4 level to the 5 I 5 level and said third transferring step comprises raising at least a portion of said holmium ions from the 5 I 5 level to the 5 S 2 level.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 47 words

The process set forth in claim 32, wherein said step of extracting radiation from said lasant material comprises the extraction of radiation resulting from the radiative decay of the energy state of said holmium ions from the 5 S 2 level to the 5 I 8 level.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 24 words

The process set forth in claim 32, wherein said step of extracting radiation comprises extraction of radiation having a wavelength of approximately 550 nanometers.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 176 words

An upconversion system for generating sustained, relatively short wavelength, substantially coherent radiation in the optical spectrum from energy supplied by relatively long infrared radiation under ambient operating conditions, comprising: means for circulating substantially single band infrared radiation that has a spectrum within the range of approximately 1080 to 1300 nanometers in wavelength into an active lasant material comprising a glass host and an activator comprising a concentration of rare earth activator ions in said host to provide successive transfers of energy from said infrared radiation to said activator ions to raise their energy state from a ground level to a highest level; means for recirculating radiation that has a wavelength substantially shorter than said infrared radiation from said active lasant material that is produced by the radiative decay of the energy state of said activator ions in said highest level back to said ground level to stimulate development of relatively short wavelength coherent radiation; and means for extracting at least said a portion of said relatively short wavelength coherent radiation that passes through said lasant material.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 176 words

An upconversion system for generating sustained, relatively short wavelength, substantially coherent radiation in the optical spectrum from energy supplied by relatively long infrared radiation under ambient operating conditions, comprising: means for circulating substantially single band infrared radiation that has a spectrum within the range of approximately 1080 to 1300 nanometers in wavelength into an active lasant material comprising a glass host and an activator comprising a concentration of rare earth activator ions in said host to provide successive transfers of energy from said infrared radiation to said activator ions to raise their energy state from a ground level to a highest level; means for recirculating radiation that has a wavelength substantially shorter than said infrared radiation from said active lasant material that is produced by the radiative decay of the energy state of said activator ions in said highest level back to said ground level to stimulate development of relatively short wavelength coherent radiation; and means for extracting at least said a portion of said relatively short wavelength coherent radiation that passes through said lasant material.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 16 words

The system set forth in claim 35, wherein said means for circulating comprises on optical fiber.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 18 words

The system set forth in claim 35, wherein said means for circulating comprises a thulium-doped fluoride-containing optical fiber.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 18 words

The system set forth in claim 35, wherein said means for circulating comprises a holmium-doped fluoride-containing optical fiber.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 139 words

The system set forth in claim 35, wherein said activator ions comprise thulium ions and said means for circulating transfers energy in a first energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said thulium ions to raise their energy state to a first intermediate energy level from a ground level, transfers energy in a second energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said thulium ions to raise their state from said first intermediate energy level to a second intermediate energy level that is higher than said first intermediate energy level, and transfers energy in a third energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said thulium ions from said second intermediate energy level to said highest energy level that is higher than said second intermediate level.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 167 words

The system set forth in claim 39, wherein the energy state of said thulium ions is 3 H 6 at said ground level, 3 F 4 at said first intermediate level, 3 H 4 at said second intermediate level, 1 G 4 at said highest level, said first energy transfer comprises raising said thulium ions from the 3 H 6 ground level to the 3 H 5 level, wherein at least a portion of said thulium ions non-radiatively decay from the 3 H 5 level to the 3 F 4 level, said second energy transfer comprises raising at least a portion of said thulium ions from the 3 F 4 level to the 3 F 3 level, wherein at least a portion of said thulium ions non-radiatively decay from the 3 F 3 level to the 3 H 4 level and said third energy transfer comprises raising at least a portion of said thulium ions from the 3 H 4 level to the 1 G 4 level.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 48 words

The system set forth in claim 40, wherein said means for extracting radiation from said lasant material comprises means for extraction of radiation resulting from the radiative decay of the energy state of said thulium ions from the 1 G 4 level to the 3 H 6 level.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 26 words

The system set forth in claim 40, wherein said means for extracting radiation comprises means for extraction of radiation having a wavelength of approximately 480 nanometers.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 48 words

The system set forth in claim 40, wherein said means for extracting radiation from said lasant material comprises means for extraction of radiation resulting from the radiative decay of the energy state of said thulium ions from the 1 G 4 level to the 3 F 4 level.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 26 words

The system set forth in claim 40, wherein said means for extracting radiation comprises means for extraction of radiation having a wavelength of approximately 650 nanometers.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 140 words

The system set forth in claim 35, wherein said activator ions are holmium ions, and wherein said means for circulating transfers energy in a first energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said holmium ions to raise their energy state to a first intermediate energy level from a ground level, transfers energy in a second energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said holmium ions to raise their state from said first intermediate energy level to a second intermediate energy level that is higher than said first intermediate energy level and transfers energy in a third energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said holmium ions from said second intermediate energy level to said highest energy level that is higher than said second intermediate level.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 170 words

The system set forth in claim 45, wherein the energy state of said holmium ions is 5 I 8 at said ground level, 5 I 7 at said first intermediate level, 5 I 5 at said second intermediate level, 5 S 2 at said highest level, said first transfer of energy comprises raising said holmium ions from the 5 I 8 ground level to the 5 I 6 level, wherein at least a portion of said holmium ions non-radiatively decay from the 5 I 6 level to the 5 I 7 level, said second transfer of energy comprises raising at least a portion of said holmium ions from the 5 I 7 level to the 5 I 4 level, wherein at least a portion of said holmium ions non-radiatively decay from the 5 I 4 level to the 5 I 5 level and said third transfer of energy comprises raising at least a portion of said holmium ions from the 5 I 5 level to the 5 S 2 level.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 48 words

The system set forth in claim 46, wherein said means for extracting radiation from said lasant material comprises means for extraction of radiation resulting from the radiative decay of the energy state of said holmium ions from the 5 S 2 level to the 5 I 8 level.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 24 words

The system set forth in claim 46, wherein said step of extracting radiation comprises extraction of radiation having a wavelength of approximately 650 nanometers.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 173 words

An upconversion system for amplifying sustained, relatively short wavelength, substantially coherent radiation in the optical spectrum from energy supplied by relatively long infrared radiation under ambient operating conditions, comprising: means for circulating substantially single band infrared radiation that has a spectrum within the range of approximately 1080 to 1300 nanometers in wavelength into an active lasant material comprising a glass host and an activator comprising a concentration of rare earth activator ions in said host to provide successive transfers of energy from said infrared radiation to said activator ions to raise their energy state from a ground level to a highest level; means for injecting relatively coherent radiation that has a wavelength substantially shorter than said infrared radiation into said active lasant material to stimulate production of additional relatively short wavelength coherent radiation that is produced by the radiative decay of the energy state of said activator ions in said highest level back to said ground level; and means for extracting said relatively short wavelength coherent radiation that passes through said lasant material.

Claim 53

Dependent Claim 173 words

An upconversion system for amplifying sustained, relatively short wavelength, substantially coherent radiation in the optical spectrum from energy supplied by relatively long infrared radiation under ambient operating conditions, comprising: means for circulating substantially single band infrared radiation that has a spectrum within the range of approximately 1080 to 1300 nanometers in wavelength into an active lasant material comprising a glass host and an activator comprising a concentration of rare earth activator ions in said host to provide successive transfers of energy from said infrared radiation to said activator ions to raise their energy state from a ground level to a highest level; means for injecting relatively coherent radiation that has a wavelength substantially shorter than said infrared radiation into said active lasant material to stimulate production of additional relatively short wavelength coherent radiation that is produced by the radiative decay of the energy state of said activator ions in said highest level back to said ground level; and means for extracting said relatively short wavelength coherent radiation that passes through said lasant material.

Claim 54

Dependent Claim 16 words

The system set forth in claim 49, wherein said means for circulating comprises an optical fiber.

Claim 55

Dependent Claim 18 words

The system set forth in claim 49, wherein said means for circulating comprises a thulium-doped fluoride-containing optical fiber.

Claim 56

Dependent Claim 18 words

The system set forth in claim 49, wherein said means for circulating comprises a holmium-doped fluoride-containing optical fiber.

Claim 57

Dependent Claim 41 words

The system set forth in claim 49, wherein said means for circulating comprises means for transferring three successive energy transfers from said infrared radiation to said activator ions to increase their energy state from said ground level to said highest level.

Claim 58

Dependent Claim 141 words

The system set forth in claim 53, wherein said activator ions are trivalent thulium ions and wherein said means for circulating transfers energy in a first energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said thulium ions to raise their energy state to a first intermediate energy level from a ground level, transfers energy in a second energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said thulium ions to raise their state from said first intermediate energy level to a second intermediate energy level that is higher than said first intermediate energy level and transfers energy in a third energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said thulium ions from said second intermediate energy level to said highest energy level that is higher than said second intermediate level.

Claim 59

Dependent Claim 167 words

The system set forth in claim 54, wherein the energy state of said thulium ions is 3 H 6 at said ground level, 3 F 4 at said first intermediate level, 3 H 4 at said second intermediate level, 1 G 4 at said highest level, said first energy transfer comprises raising said thulium ions from the 3 H 6 ground level to the 3 H 5 level, wherein at least a portion of said thulium ions non-radiatively decay from the 3 H 5 level to the 3 F 4 level, said second energy transfer comprises raising at least a portion of said thulium ions from the 3 F 4 level to the 3 F 3 level, wherein at least a portion of said thulium ions non-radiatively decay from the 3 F 3 level to the 3 H 4 level and said third energy transfer comprises raising at least a portion of said thulium ions from the 3 H 4 level to the 1 G 4 level.

Claim 60

Dependent Claim 48 words

The system set forth in claim 55, wherein said means for extracting radiation from said lasant material comprises means for extraction of radiation resulting from the radiative decay of the energy state of said thulium ions from the 1 G 4 level to the 3 H 6 level.

Claim 61

Dependent Claim 26 words

The system set forth in claim 55, wherein said means for extracting radiation comprises means for extraction of radiation having a wavelength of approximately 480 nanometers.

Claim 62

Dependent Claim 48 words

The system set forth in claim 55, wherein said means for extracting radiation from said lasant material comprises means for extraction of radiation resulting from the radiative decay of the energy state of said thulium ions from the 1 G 4 level to the 3 F 4 level.

Claim 63

Dependent Claim 26 words

The system set forth in claim 55, wherein said means for extracting radiation comprises means for extraction of radiation having a wavelength of approximately 650 nanometers.

Claim 64

Dependent Claim 141 words

The system set forth in claim 53, wherein said activator ions are trivalent holmium ions and wherein said means for circulating transfers energy in a first energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said holmium ions to raise their energy state to a first intermediate energy level from a ground level transfers energy in a second energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said holmium ions to raise their state from said first intermediate energy level to a second intermediate energy level that is higher than said first intermediate energy level and transfers energy in a third energy transfer from said infrared radiation to at least a portion of said holmium ions from said second intermediate energy level to said highest energy level that is higher than said second intermediate level.

Claim 65

Dependent Claim 167 words

The system set forth in claim 60, wherein the energy state of said holmium ions is 5 I 8 at said ground level, 5 I 7 at said first intermediate level, 5 I 5 at said second intermediate level, 5 S 2 at said highest level, said first energy transfer comprises raising said holmium ions from the 5 I 8 ground level to the 5 I 6 level, wherein at least a portion of said holmium ions non-radiatively decay from the 5 I 6 level to the 5 I 7 level, said second energy transfer comprises raising at least a portion of said holmium ions from the 5 I 7 level to the 5 I 4 level, wherein at least a portion of said holmium ions non-radiatively decay from the 5 I 4 level to the 5 I 5 level and said third energy transfer comprises raising at least a portion of said holmium ions from the 5 I 5 level to the 5 S 2 level.

Claim 66

Dependent Claim 48 words

The system set forth in claim 61, wherein said means for extracting radiation from said lasant material comprises means for extraction of radiation resulting from the radiative decay of the energy state of said holmium ions from the 5 S 2 level to the 5 I 8 level.

Claim 67

Dependent Claim 26 words

The system set forth in claim 61, wherein said means for extracting radiation comprises means for extraction of radiation having a wavelength of approximately 650 nanometers.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1996-07-05	1997-01-04	1997-07-06	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2000-07-05	2001-01-04	2001-07-06	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2004-07-05	2005-01-04	2005-07-06	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Optical fiber rare earth ion upconversion laser system

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