Laser frequency drift control device and method
OwnerNorman T. Seatoninventor
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Abstract
A laser frequency drift control device for an electrically powered, integral electrode and end-mirror, gas laser tube is disclosed. The control device includes a resistance and transistor heater assembly, which is electrically connected to be powered by the discharge current of the laser tube and thermally coupled to an end-mirror to heat the same, a thermal sensor coupled to the end-mirror to be heated for the purpose of obtaining temperature feedback, and a control circuit which varies heating of the end-mirror in accordance with the temperature feedback. LEDs provide visual feedback as to operation of the heater assembly to permit adjustment thereof. A method of controlling temperature variation induced laser frequency drift is also disclosed.
Claims14
A laser frequency drift control device for an electrically powered, gas laser tube, said laser tube having an integral electrode and end reflector with a reflector portion, and said laser tube being operable by a discharge current, said drift control device comprising:
- electrically powered heater means including electrical connection means for electrically coupling of said heater means to said integral electrode and end reflector for powering of said heater means solely by said discharge current passing therethrough, said heater means sensing the temperature of said integral electrode and end reflector and controlling the generation of heat based upon the temperature sensed, and said heater means having thermal connection means for thermal coupling said heater means to said reflector portion of said integral electrode and end reflector for heating thereof.
An electrically powered, integral end-mirror, gas laser tube and regulator device comprising:
- (a) an electrically powered, gas laser tube having an integral anode electrode and end-mirror, an integral cathode electrode and end-mirror, said laser tube being powered by a discharge current;
- and
- (b) a temperature regulator thermally coupled to one of the integral electrodes and end-mirrors for regulation of the temperature thereof and electrically connected in series between a voltage source and one of the integral electrodes and end-mirrors, said temperature regulator being formed to generate heat solely from the laser discharge current, and said regulator being coupled and formed for feedback of temperature sensing input from said one of said integral electrodes and end-mirrors to vary the heat generated by said regulator.
A method of regulating temperature induced frequency drift in an electrically powered, integral electrode and end-mirror, gas laser tube comprising the steps of:
- (a) electrically connecting a temperature regulating heater means to said laser tube for powered operation of said heater means by the discharge current of said laser tube;
- (b) thermally coupling said heater means to an end-mirror of said laser tube for heating of said end-mirror;
- (c) sensing the temperature of said end-mirror;
- and
- (d) controlling the operation of said heater means based upon temperature sensed during said sensing step.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.