Extended lifetime harmonic generator
AssigneeSpectra-Physics Lasers, Inc.
InventorsJames D. Kafka, Alan B. Petersen, Karl Markert
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Abstract
A laser system includes a high reflector and an output coupler that define a laser oscillator, which produces a fundamental beam. A harmonic generator is positioned to receive at least a portion of the fundamental beam and produce a harmonic beam. The harmonic generator is configured to operate at a temperature selected to provide a least amount of change of a selected parameter of the harmonic beam for the longest period of time. Harmonic beam parameters can include the size and location of the harmonic beam waist, and the divergence of the harmonic beam.
Claims32
A laser system comprising:
- a high reflector and an output coupler defining a laser oscillator producing a fundamental beam;
- and
- a harmonic generator positioned to receive at least a portion of the fundamental beam and produce a harmonic beam, the harmonic generator being configured to operate at a temperature selected to provide a least amount of change of a selected parameter of the harmonic beam for the longest period of time.
A method of selecting a temperature of a harmonic generator that is included in a laser system that has a laser oscillator and a harmonic generator producing a harmonic beam, comprising:
- operating the laser system at a constant harmonic beam power;
- measuring a change in at least one beam parameter of the harmonic beam as a function of time for a plurality of temperatures;
- and
- selecting a temperature that provides the least amount of change of a selected parameter of the harmonic beam for the longest period of time.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.