Abstract

This invention derives from the question of how to use commonly available arrays of diode lasers to pump simple rod shaped solid state lasers. In 2001 - 2002 we developed and demonstrated pump cavities that would enable diode arrays to pump rods. The diode arrays are formed by stacking several diode laser bars, each typically 1 cm wide, with appropriate spacers. In my lab at CREOL we showed that pump cavities that had been proposed many years ago could be adapted to this problem. Such pump cavities were designed to deliver flashlamp light from linear flashlamps to laser rods. We determined that some of these pump cavities had places where the flashlamp light would be made nearly parallel by the form of the pump cavity. We then reasoned that if we placed the rectangular array of diode lasers in this place and the laser rod where the flashlamp had been then the light from the array would be efficiently delivered to the rod. Examples of such pump cavities, called “D” and roof top cavities are described in the attached copy of a report to our sponsor at that time, Sandia National Laboratories. This report also presents performance data for such cavities.

Document Type

Patent

Patent Number

US 8,320,425

Application Serial Number

12/893,076

Issue Date

11-27-2012

Current Assignee

UCFRF

Assignee at Issuance

UCFRF

College

College of Optics and Photonics

Department

CREOL

Allowance Date

8-8-2012

Filing Date

9-29-2010

Assignee at Filing

UCFRF

Filing Type

Nonprovisional Application Record

Donated

no

Download Patent

Share

COinS