Laser with multiple gain elements

Claim 2

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively; and first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission.

Claim 3

The laser according to claim 1 in which each of said plurality of end elements is a coating on the face of a distinct one of said first and second gain elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation.

Claim 4

The laser according to claim 2 in which at least one of said first and second gain elements is rotatable for tuning optical emission.

Claim 5

The laser according to claim 2 in which said prism has Brewster cut optical faces for creating a polarized resonator mode of radiation within said laser resonator cavity and is oriented for minimum deviation of radiation.

Claim 6

The laser according to claim 2 in which either of said first and second gain elements includes a host material doped with activator ions.

Claim 7

The laser according to claim 5 in which said host material is comprised of YAG and said activator ions are comprised of Nd 3+ ions to produce emission at about 1.06μ.

Claim 8

The laser according to claim 2 in which said resonator is configured for containing a collimated region of radiation and other regions of radiation each focused to a small waist of radiation within each of said first and second gain elements.

Claim 9

The laser according to claim 2 in which said first and second optical radiation sources are each comprised of a laser for emitting a cw pumping beam.

Claim 10

The laser according to claim 8 in which each said laser for emitting is comprised of a laser diode.

Claim 11

The laser according to claim 8 in which said first and second optical radiation sources each include an optical element for matching said pumping beam to said resonator cavity mode of radiation in each of said first and second gain elements.

Claim 12

The laser according to claim 2 in which said first and second optical radiation sources are each comprised of a laser for emitting a pulsed pumping beam.

Claim 13

The laser according to claim 11 in which each said laser for emitting is comprised of a laser diode.

Claim 14

The laser according to claim 2 further including: a sum frequency generator disposed to contain a waist of radiation within said resonator cavity for producing sum frequency generation.

Claim 15

The laser according to claim 13 in which said sum frequency generator is comprised of a KPT crystal.

Claim 16

The laser according to claim 2 in which said fold mirror is rotatable to enable tuning of optical emission.

Claim 17

The laser according to claim 2 in which said prism and a third one of said plurality of end elements are arranged to define a third resonant path that is resonant for light at a third one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission.

Claim 18

The laser according to claim 16 further comprising: a third gain element disposed in said third path for emitting light at said third one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and a third optical radiation source for optically exciting said third gain element in an end pumping mode.

Claim 19

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and a line narrower disposed in said resonator cavity for narrowing the linewidth of one or more wavelengths of optical emission.

Claim 20

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and a line narrower disposed in said resonator cavity for narrowing the linewidth of one or more wavelengths of optical emission.

Claim 21

The laser according to claim 18 in which said line narrower is comprised of at least one etalon plate.

Claim 22

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and an oscillation suppressor disposed in said resonator cavity for suppressing oscillation of one or more wavelengths of optical emission.

Claim 23

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and an oscillation suppressor disposed in said resonator cavity for suppressing oscillation of one or more wavelengths of optical emission.

Claim 24

The laser according to claim 20 in which said oscillation suppressor is comprised of an electrooptic crystal.

Claim 25

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; and first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, said prism assuring that all wavelengths of optical emission may be simultaneously changed to other wavelengths of optical emission and maintain a constant separation between the wavelengths of optical emission.

Claim 26

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; and first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, said prism assuring that all wavelengths of optical emission may be simultaneously changed to other wavelengths of optical emission and maintain a constant separation between the wavelengths of optical emission.

Claim 27

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end element defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; and first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second laser gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, either of said first and second gain elements including a host material doped with activator ions being comprised of about 0.3% to 100% Cr 3+ ions by weight, said host material being one of the group consisting of alexandrite, LiCAF, LiSAF, LiSGAF and mixtures thereof.

Claim 28

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end element defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; and first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second laser gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, either of said first and second gain elements including a host material doped with activator ions being comprised of about 0.3% to 100% Cr 3+ ions by weight, said host material being one of the group consisting of alexandrite, LiCAF, LiSAF, LiSGAF and mixtures thereof.

Claim 29

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; and first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, said one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission being 1.06μ and said second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission being 808 nm.

Claim 30

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; and first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, said one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission being 1.06μ and said second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission being 808 nm.

Claim 31

The laser according to claim 24 further including: a non-critically phased match KTP crystal disposed to contain a waist of radiation within said resonator cavity to produce the sum frequency of said one and second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission at approximately 459 nm.

Claim 32

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; and first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, at least one of said first and second gain elements being shaped in the form of a prism containing at least one internal reflecting surface.

Claim 33

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; and first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, at least one of said first and second gain elements being shaped in the form of a prism containing at least one internal reflecting surface.

Claim 34

A laser for producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonant mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second cylindrical laser rods disposed in said first and second paths respectively; first and second flash lamps disposed adjacent to said first and second cylindrical laser rods respectively for optically exciting them in a side pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and a line narrower disposed in said resonator cavity for narrowing the linewidth of one or more wavelengths of optical emission.

Claim 35

A laser for producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonant mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second cylindrical laser rods disposed in said first and second paths respectively; first and second flash lamps disposed adjacent to said first and second cylindrical laser rods respectively for optically exciting them in a side pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and a line narrower disposed in said resonator cavity for narrowing the linewidth of one or more wavelengths of optical emission.

Claim 36

A laser for producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second cylindrical laser rods disposed in said first and second paths respectively; first and second flash lamps disposed adjacent to said first and second cylindrical laser rods respectively for optically exciting them in a side pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and an oscillation suppressor disposed in said resonator cavity for suppressing oscillation of one or more wavelengths of optical emission.

Claim 37

A laser for producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second cylindrical laser rods disposed in said first and second paths respectively; first and second flash lamps disposed adjacent to said first and second cylindrical laser rods respectively for optically exciting them in a side pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and an oscillation suppressor disposed in said resonator cavity for suppressing oscillation of one or more wavelengths of optical emission.

Claim 38

A laser for producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second cylindrical laser rods disposed in said first and second paths respectively; first and second flash lamps disposed adjacent to said first and second cylindrical laser rod respectively for optically exciting them in a side pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and a sum frequency generator disposed within said resonator cavity for producing sum frequency generation, said one and second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission being 808 nm and 1.06μ respectively, and said sum frequency generator producing optical emission at a wavelength of approximately 459 nm.

Claim 39

A laser for producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second cylindrical laser rods disposed in said first and second paths respectively; first and second flash lamps disposed adjacent to said first and second cylindrical laser rod respectively for optically exciting them in a side pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and a sum frequency generator disposed within said resonator cavity for producing sum frequency generation, said one and second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission being 808 nm and 1.06μ respectively, and said sum frequency generator producing optical emission at a wavelength of approximately 459 nm.

Claim 40

The laser according to claim 29 in which said sum frequency generator is comprised of a KTP crystal cut for Type II room temperature non-critically phase matched sum frequency generation.

Claim 41

A laser for producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second cylindrical laser rods disposed in said first and second paths respectively; and first and second flash lamps disposed adjacent to said first and second cylindrical laser rod respectively for optically exciting them in a side pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, said fold mirror being rotatable to enable tuning of optical emission.

Claim 42

A laser for producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second cylindrical laser rods disposed in said first and second paths respectively; and first and second flash lamps disposed adjacent to said first and second cylindrical laser rod respectively for optically exciting them in a side pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, said fold mirror being rotatable to enable tuning of optical emission.

Claim 43

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output couple reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements being defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements being defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and a non-critically phased match KTP crystal disposed to contain a wrist of radiation within said resonator cavity, said KTP crystal producing the sum frequency of approximately 459 nm from said one and second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission at 1.06μ and 808 nm respectively, one of said first and second gain elements being comprised of Nd:YAG and the other being comprised of Cr:LiSGAF.

Claim 44

A laser producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output couple reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation in said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements being defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements being defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second laser gain elements disposed in said first and second paths respectively, each having a coating on a face thereof comprised of a distinct one of said plurality of end elements for reflecting said resonator mode of radiation; first and second optical radiation sources for optically exciting said first and second gain elements respectively in an end pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; and a non-critically phased match KTP crystal disposed to contain a wrist of radiation within said resonator cavity, said KTP crystal producing the sum frequency of approximately 459 nm from said one and second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission at 1.06μ and 808 nm respectively, one of said first and second gain elements being comprised of Nd:YAG and the other being comprised of Cr:LiSGAF.

Claim 45

A laser for producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation is said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second cylindrical laser rods disposed in said first and second paths respectively; and first and second flash lamps disposed adjacent to said first and second cylindrical laser rods respectively for optically exciting them in a side pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, one of said first and second gain elements being comprised of Nd:YAG and the other being comprised of

Claim 46

A laser for producing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths comprising: a laser resonator defining a resonator cavity, said resonator including a plurality of highly reflective end elements, at least one highly reflective concave fold mirror, and an output coupler reflective element forming a reflective path for resonator mode of radiation is said resonator cavity; a prism disposed in said resonator cavity for dispersing optical emission at a plurality of wavelengths, said prism and one of said plurality of end elements defining a first path that is resonant for light at one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, and said prism and a second one of said plurality of end elements defining a second resonant path that is resonant for light at a second one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission; first and second cylindrical laser rods disposed in said first and second paths respectively; and first and second flash lamps disposed adjacent to said first and second cylindrical laser rods respectively for optically exciting them in a side pumping mode to each emit light at a different one of said plurality of wavelengths of optical emission, one of said first and second gain elements being comprised of Nd:YAG and the other being comprised of