US 5,375,132 A · Solid state laser with interleaved output

Abstract

A pulsed solid state laser system is disclosed which utilizes a plurality of individual laser rods which are sequentially pumped and whose beans are combined into a single interleaved output bean. The individual laser rods are pumped at an average power level which is below that for maximum output power from each rod, thereby obviating the need for refrigeration cooling. A compact optical system is disclosed which permits a constant beam size even at different pump levels and other advantages. A compact cooling system is also disclosed.

Claims9

Dependent claims

A solid state laser apparatus comprising:

a plurality of holmium doped laser rods;
means for sequentially optically pumping each of said plurality of holmium doped laser rods at an average power level below that which maximizes the laser output from each of said holmium doped laser rods;
said sequentially optically pumping occurs at a repetition rate which is less than a thermal relaxation time of said plurality of holmium doped laser rods;
optical means for interleaving the outputs from each of said holmium doped laser rods into a pulsed output beam;
and
means for liquid cooling said plurality of holmium doped laser rods, without refrigeration, at ambient temperature or above.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Solid state laser with interleaved output

Life of this patent

Solid state laser with interleaved output

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims9