US5448579A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Polarization independent picosecond fiber laser
Assignee: Keysight Technologies Inc
•
Filing: 1993-12-09
•
Granted: 1995-09-05
•
Expires: 2013-12-09
Abstract
Abstract A polarization insensitive fiber laser. A pair of 45 degree Faraday rotators are positioned on either end of the fiber gain source. The resulting laser is insensitive to external perturbations with respect to known entrance and exit polarization states of the laser light. Modelocking, both passive and active, is possible. Configuration wherein the fiber is a combination of polarization preserving and Erbium-doped, and a saturable absorber is included provide a self-starting, polarization insensitive modelocked laser.
Inventors
- 👤 Kok W. Chang
- 👤 David K. Donald
- 👤 Hong Lin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 16:01
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S3/00; H01S3/05; H01S3/06; H01S3/063; H01S3/067; H01S3/06708; H01S3/06712; H01S3/10; H01S3/11; H01S3/1106; H01S3/1112; H01S3/1115; H01S3/14; H01S3/16; H01S3/1601; H01S3/1603; H01S3/1608
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
A fiber laser comprising: first and second reflecting surfaces defining an optical path therebetween; pulse means in the optical path adjacent to the second reflector; a first Faraday rotator in the optical path adjacent the first reflector; a second Faraday rotator in the optical path adjacent the pulse means; an optical amplifier consisting of a combination of single mode fiber and doped fiber with environment dependent birefringence between the Faraday rotators; a pump laser coupled to the optical amplifier to provide gain through the excitation of the doped fiber; and an output coupler coupled to the optical amplifier which provides laser light an exit path from the cavity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
A fiber laser comprising: first and second reflecting surfaces defining an optical path therebetween; pulse means in the optical path adjacent to the second reflector; a first Faraday rotator in the optical path adjacent the first reflector; a second Faraday rotator in the optical path adjacent the pulse means; an optical amplifier consisting of a combination of single mode fiber and doped fiber with environment dependent birefringence between the Faraday rotators; a pump laser coupled to the optical amplifier to provide gain through the excitation of the doped fiber; and an output coupler coupled to the optical amplifier which provides laser light an exit path from the cavity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A laser as in claim 1, further comprising a polarizer disposed in the optical path between the pulse means and the second Faraday rotator.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A laser as in claim 2, wherein the optical amplifier consists of polarization preserving fiber adjacent to the second Faraday rotator and doped fiber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
A laser as in claim 3, further comprising a quarter wave plate which is inserted between the polarizer and the second Faraday rotator in order to adjust the amount of light feedback into the laser cavity.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
A laser as in claim 3, wherein the linear polarizer polarization axis is aligned with the birefringent axis of the polarization preserving fiber.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A laser as in claim 1, further comprising a pair of lenses in the optical path and positioned on either end of the optical amplifier.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
13 words
A laser as in claim 1, wherein the optical amplifier includes Er-doped fiber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A laser as in claim 1, wherein the pulse means is a semi-conductor amplifier.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
A laser as in claim 1, wherein the pulse means is a saturable absorber.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A laser as in claim 1, wherein the pulse means is an electro absorption modulator.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
16 words
A laser as in claim 1, wherein the pulse means is a LiNbO 3 phase modulator.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
14 words
A laser as in claim 1, further comprising a filter in the optical path.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
A laser as in claim 12, where the doped fiber is Erbium doped fiber.
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) | 1998-09-04 | 1999-03-06 | 1999-09-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-09-04 | 2003-03-06 | 2003-09-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-09-04 | 2007-03-06 | 2007-09-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |