Compact solid-state laser with nonlinear frequency conversion using periodically poled materials
AssigneeSpectralus Corporation
InventorsStepan Essaian, Andrei Shchegrov
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Abstract
A compact optically-pumped solid-state laser designed for efficient nonlinear intracavity frequency conversion into desired wavelengths using periodically poled nonlinear crystals. These crystals contain dopants such as MgO or ZnO and/or have a specified degree of stoichiometry that ensures high reliability. The laser includes a solid-state gain media chip, such as Nd:YVO4, which also provides polarization control of the laser; and a periodically poled nonlinear crystal chip such as PPMgOLN or PPZnOLT for efficient frequency doubling of the fundamental infrared laser beam into the visible wavelength range. The described designs are especially advantageous for obtaining low-cost green and blue laser sources.
Claims28
A microchip laser for providing a frequency doubled visible or near-ultraviolet output, the microchip laser comprising:
- a semiconductor diode pump laser providing a pump beam at a select wavelength, and
- a microchip laser cavity disposed to receive the pump beam, the laser cavity comprising:
- two mirrors, each mirror defined by a coated surface;
- a solid-state gain element pumped by the semiconductor diode pump laser and disposed between the two mirrors;
- and
- a bulk, periodically poled nonlinear frequency doubling crystal disposed between the two mirrors, the crystal having a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to about 1 mm and comprising material selected from the group consisting of:
- periodically poled MgO-doped LiNbO3, periodically poled MgO-doped LiTaO3, periodically poled ZnO-doped LiNbO3, periodically poled ZnO-doped LiTaO3, periodically poled stoichiometric LiNbO3, periodically poled stoichiometric LiTaO3;
- wherein the gain element and the frequency doubling crystal are formed together as a monolithic assembly.
A microchip laser for providing a frequency doubled output, the microchip laser comprising:
- a diode pump laser providing a pump beam at a select wavelength, and
- a microchip laser cavity disposed to receive the pump beam, the laser cavity comprising:
- two mirrors;
- a solid-state gain element pumped by the diode pump laser and disposed between the two mirrors;
- and
- a bulk, periodically poled nonlinear frequency doubling crystal disposed between the two mirrors, the crystal having a thickness in the range of 0.5 mm to about 1 mm and comprising material selected from the group consisting of:
- periodically poled MgO-doped LiNbO3, periodically poled MgO-doped LiTaO3, periodically poled ZnO-doped LiNbO3, periodically poled ZnO-doped LiTaO3, periodically poled stoichiometric LiNbO3, periodically poled stoichiometric LiTaO3;
- wherein the gain element and the frequency doubling crystal form together a monolithic assembly achieved by direct bonding.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.