US 4,229,711 AGranted

Metal dihalide photodissociation cyclic laser

AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy

InventorsErhard J. Schimitschek, John E. Celto, John A. Trias

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Abstract

A pulsed laser produces emitted laser energy by photodissociation of metal dihalide and cyclic recombination. A metal dihalide selected from sub-group II-B of the periodic table of elements is contained within an elongated sealed enclosure. Ultraviolet photons supplied from another laser employed as an excitation pump causes dissociation of the metal dihalide for achieving the ultimate laser action. An inert buffer gas is included within the enclosure for aiding photon energy transfer uniformity and to provide vibrational relaxation of the lasing medium in its electronic states. Two reflective surfaces, one of which is only partially reflective, are aligned with the principal axis of the laser assembly for producing an optical resonator for the emitted laser energy.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A pulsed, wavelength tunable, laser producing emitted laser energy by photon impact dissociation of metal dihalides and their cyclic recombination comprising:

a sealed enclosure;
a metal dihalide selected from sub-group II-B of the periodic table of elements and contained within said enclosure;
a source of photon energy disposed in proximity to said sealed enclosure for focusing a photon energy beam on said metal dihalide and for causing dissociation of said metal dihalide;
a heat source for maintaining said metal dihalide in a vaporized state;
an inert buffer gas contained within said sealed enclosure;
and
a reflective surface and a partially reflective surface disposed in alignment with the principal axis of said sealed enclosure for producing optical resonance of the emitted laser energy;
such that following said dissociation of said metal dihalide by said photon energy beam, cyclic recombination of said dissociated metal dihalide occurs to produce said metal dihalide.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.