Method and device to avoid optical damage of an intracavity optic
OwnerDirk H. Sutter, James D. Kafkainventors
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Abstract
A laser oscillator has a resonator including a high reflector, an output coupler and a gain medium is positioned in the resonator. A diode pump source is provided, the pump source and gain medium create a lensing effect in the resonator. A shutter is positioned in the resonator and is configured to prohibit oscillation in the resonator until the lensing effect is stabilized. In one embodiment, diode-pumped laser oscillators are provided where damage to intracavity elements, such as SESAM'S, is prevented.
Claims55
A laser oscillator, comprising:
- a resonator including a high reflector and an output coupler;
- a gain medium positioned in the resonator
- a diode pump source, the diode pump source and gain medium creating a lensing effect in the resonator;
- and
- a shutter positioned in the resonator, the shutter configured to prohibit oscillation in the resonator until the lensing effect is stabilized.
A method of producing an output from a laser oscillator, comprising:
- providing a resonator that includes, a gain medium and a shutter,
- providing a diode pump source, the diode pump source and gain medium creating a lensing effect in the resonator;
- opening the shutter after the lensing effect stabilizes.
A method of minimizing damage to an optical element, comprising:
- providing a resonator that includes, a gain medium and a shutter,
- providing a diode pump source, the diode pump source and gain medium creating a lensing effect in the resonator;
- closing the shutter while the lensing effect stabilizes.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.