High efficiency transversely pumped solid-state slab laser
AssigneeNational Research Council of Canada
InventorsAlfred J. Alcock, John E. Bernard
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A novel diode bar, side-pumped laser cavity design having high optical to optical conversion efficiency and a high slope efficiency is provided. A slab geometry with a single, high angle of incidence internal reflection permits gain to be accessed near the pump face of a laser material which absorbs strongly at the pump wavelength.
Claims13
A method of generating an optical signal within a laser material having at least one flat pumping surface and having an absorption length at a pumping wavelength approximately equal to the radius of a laser mode of the optical signal comprising the steps of;
- pumping the laser material with a light source directed towards the flat surface to produce gain within the laser material;
- and,
- forming a laser resonator by providing reflecting surfaces positioned so that a beam path of a resonant mode reflects at a grazing angle from the flat pumping surface, the grazing angle being the angle between the reflecting beam and flat pumping surface and being approximately 10 degrees or less with respect to the flat pumping surface so that the beam travels through the region of highest gain as it travels through the laser material, the fold angle being 160 degrees or more.
A method of amplifying an optical signal within an optically-pumped laser material having an absorption coefficient of at least 20 cm.sup.-1 at the pump wavelength and having at least one flat pumping surface and end surfaces, comprising the steps of:
- a) pumping the flat surface with a light source directed towards the flat surface to produce optical gain within the laser material;
- and,
- b) directing the optical signal to reflect internally from the flat pumping surface at a grazing angle .phi. of approximately 10 degrees or less with respect to the flat surface so that the beam travels through the region of highest gain as it travels through the laser material.
A method of amplifying an optical signal within an optically-pumped laser material having an absorption coefficient of at least 20 cm.sup.-1 at the pump wavelength and having at least one flat pumping surface and end surfaces, comprising the steps of:
- a) pumping the flat surface with a light source directed towards the flat surface to produce optical gain within the laser material;
- and,
- b) directing the optical signal to reflect internally from the flat pumping surface at a grazing angle .phi. of approximately 10 degrees or less with respect to the flat surface.
A diode pumped solid state amplification means comprising:
- a block of laser material having an absorption coefficient of at least 20 cm.sup.-1 at the pump wavelength and having at least one flat pumping surface and end surfaces;
- pumping means positioned adjacent to at least one flat surface of the laser material for pumping the laser material with an optical signal directed towards the flat surface to produce optical gain within the laser material;
- and
- laser cavity forming means in the form of reflecting surfaces positioned so that a beam path of a resonant mode reflects at a grazing angle from the flat pumping surface, the grazing angle being the angle between the reflecting beam and flat pumping surface and being approximately 10 degrees or less with respect to the flat pumping surface so that the beam travels through the region of highest gain as it travels through the laser material, the fold angle being 160 degrees or more.
A diode pumped solid state amplification means comprising:
- a block of laser material having an absorption coefficient of at least 20 cm.sup.-1 at the pump wavelength and having at least one flat pumping surface and end surfaces;
- pumping means positioned adjacent to at least one flat surface of the laser material for pumping the laser material with an optical signal directed towards the flat surface to produce optical gain within the laser material;
- and
- laser cavity forming means in the form of reflecting surfaces positioned so that a beam path of a resonant mode reflects at a grazing angle from the flat pumping surface, the grazing angle being the angle between the reflecting beam and flat pumping surface and being approximately 10 degrees or less with respect to the flat pumping surface, the fold angle being 160 degrees or more.
An optically-pumped solid state amplification means comprising:
- a block of laser material having an absorption coefficient of at least 20 cm.sup.-1 at the pump wavelength and having at least one flat pumping surface and end surfaces;
- and,
- pumping means positioned adjacent to at least one flat surface of the laser material for pumping the laser material to produce optical gain within the laser material with an optical signal directed towards the flat surface, so that the angle of reflection within the laser material is approximately 10 degrees or less with respect to the flat pumping surface, so that the beam travels through the region of highest gain as it travels through the laser material, the fold angle being 160 degrees or more.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.