High efficiency mode-matched solid-state laser with transverse pumping
AssigneeSpectra-Physics, Inc.
InventorThomas M. Baer
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A high effieciency pumping scheme mode matches the TEMOO laser mode volume with a plurality of spaced apart laser diode pumping sources positioned along a lateral side of a block of laser material. The cavity resonator within the block is configured in tightly folded zig-zag configuration. Pump radiation from the diode pumping sources is collimated by an optical fiber and the fold angle is selected to mode match the pump radiation to the mode volume. Parasitic oscillation across the laser block are prevented.
Claims25
A mode matched diode pumped solid state laser, comprising:
- a block of laser material having a pair of opposed sides,
- adjustable cavity forming means positioned around the block to define a laser cavity having a tightly folded zig-zag resonator portion within the block between the opposed sides having vertices at an adjustable preselected fold angle,
- a plurality of laser diode pumping sources positioned adjcent to at least one of the opposed sides and substantially aligned with the vertices of the zig-zag portion of the resonator the fold angle being steep, and selected to substantially match the mode volume in the cavity with diverging pump radiation from said laser diode pumping sources.
A method of efficiently pumping a solid state laser by means of a plurality of laser diode pumping sources, comprising:
- forming a block of laser material with two opposed sides,
- forming a laser cavity having a tightly folded zig-zag resonator portion within the block between the opposed sides having vertices at an adjustably steep preselected fold angle,
- positioning the pumping sources adjacent at least one of the opposed sides substantially aligned with the vertices of the zig-zag resonator portion;
- selecting the fold angle to substantially match the mode volume with diverging pump radiation from the pump sources.
A collimated laser diode bar, comprising:
- a laser diode bar having a plurality of separate laser diodes spaced thereon;
- an optical fiber collimating means for collimating output radiation from said laser diode;
- precision spacing means for holding said collimating means in a precision spaced relationship to the diode bar with the diodes at its focus to assist in collimating the outputs of the diodes.
A mode matched diode pumped solid state laser, comprising:
- a block of laser material having a pair of opposed sides,
- cavity forming means positioned around the block to portion within the block between the opposed sides having vertices at a preselected fold angle,
- a plurality of laser diode pumping sources positioned adjacent to at least one of the opposed sides and substantially aligned with the vertices of the zig-zag portion of the resonator,
- means for preventing parasitic oscillations across said pair of opposed sides, the fold angle being steep, and selected to substantially match the mode volume in the cavity with diverging pump radiation from said laser diode pumping sources.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.