Laser pulse stretcher method and apparatus
AssigneeUniversities Research Association, Inc.
InventorsJon K. Hawkins, William A. Williams
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The output of an oscillator stage of a laser system is monitored by a photocell which is coupled to a feedback section to control a Pockels Cell and change the light output of the oscillator stage. A synchronizing pulse is generated in timed relation to the initiation of operation of the oscillator stage and is applied to a forward feed section which cooperates with the feedback section to maintain the light output constant for an extended time interval.
Claims20
A laser system including an oscillator stage, control means for initiating operation of said oscillator stage, and a Pockels Cell associated with said oscillator stage to control the intensity of the laser light developed by said oscillator stage, said control means being arranged for supplying a synchronizing pulse in timed relation to the initiation of operation of said oscillator stage, and control apparatus for control of said oscillator stage, the improvements comprising:
- photocell means in said control apparatus for monitoring the output of said oscillator stage, feedback means in said control apparatus coupled to said photocell means of said control apparatus and to said Pockels Cell of said oscillator stage to respond to changes in the light output of said oscillator stage and control said Pockels Cell to change the light output of said oscillator stage in an inverse direction, and feedforward means in said control apparatus responsive to said synchronizing pulse to cooperate with said feedback means in the control of said Pockels Cell and to maintain the light output of said oscillator stage means constant to within certain limits for an extended time interval.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.