×

Rod laser with optical pumping from a source having a narrow emitting area

  • US 5,033,058 A
  • Filed: 01/03/1990
  • Issued: 07/16/1991
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/04/1989
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A rod laser with optical pumping from a source having a narrow emitting area, the laser comprising:

  • an elongate laser rod having a longitudinal axis defining radial and circumferential directions in transverse planes, the material of the rod absorbing pumping light in order to amplify longitudinally propagating light to be amplified;

    at least one pumping source having an emitting area of small circumferential width emitting a substantially radial pumping beam of said pumping light from said emitting area such that said pumping beam forms an angle of divergence at least initially in one of said transverse planes; and

    a cylindrical reflector surrounding said rod and including at least one window to pass said pumping beam and constituting a light trap in which a fraction of said light, not absorbed during a first passage through said rod, is returned towards said rod for a subsequent pass; and

    wherein said reflector forms with said rod an annular gap, said annular gap having a gap width in a radial direction, said emitting area of said pumping source being disposed outside said reflector and facing said window such that said rod is contained substantially within said pumping beam thereby producing a laser which has enhanced pumping uniformness and which minimizes pumping losses.

View all claims
  • 1 Assignment
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×