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US 5,263,043 AGranted
Free electron laser utilizing grating coupling
AssigneeTrustees of Dartmouth College
InventorJohn E. Walsh
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Free electron laser apparatus, for producing coherent electromagnetic radiation within a spectral range extending from millimeter to visible wavelengths, includes elements for generating an electron beam and for directing the beam to move over the surface of a diffraction grating, thereby producing electromagnetic radiation. Optical or quasi-optical elements confine the electromagnetic radiation to generate feedback, resulting in stimulated, coherent emission.
Claims15
Laser apparatus for generating coherent electromagnetic laser radiation, said laser apparatus comprising
- resonator means for defining a resonant cavity in which stimulated radiation can propagate to generate coherent electromagnetic laser radiation, said resonator means including
- at least a first diffraction grating means for defining a geometrically periodic coupling structure, and
- means for directing a beam of electrons over said diffraction grating means to excite an electromagnetic field through which said electron beam propagates, said beam of electrons having a beam thickness selected relative to the wavelength of said coherent electromagnetic laser radiation,
- said grating means and said beam directing means being adapted to produce interaction between said beam and said electromagnetic field for generating stimulated radiation,
- so that said stimulated radiation propagates in said resonant cavity to generate coherent electromagnetic laser radiation.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.