Patents by Inventor Lanny Laughman
Lanny Laughman has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 11848530Abstract: A radio-frequency excited carbon dioxide (CO2) or carbon monoxide (CO) gas laser includes two electrodes, which have passivated surfaces, within a sealed housing. Features in a ceramic slab or a ceramic cylinder located between the electrodes define a gain volume. Surfaces of the ceramic slab or the ceramic cylinder are separated from the passivated surfaces of the electrodes by small gaps to prevent abrasion thereof. Reducing compressive forces that secure these components within the housing further reduces abrasion, thereby extending the operational lifetime of the gas laser.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2021Date of Patent: December 19, 2023Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Leon A. Newman, Michael Leigh Ermold, James Hyland, Thomas V. Hennessey, Jr., Lanny Laughman
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Publication number: 20210242650Abstract: A radio-frequency excited carbon dioxide (CO2) or carbon monoxide (CO) gas laser includes two electrodes, which have passivated surfaces, within a sealed housing. Features in a ceramic slab or a ceramic cylinder located between the electrodes define a gain volume. Surfaces of the ceramic slab or the ceramic cylinder are separated from the passivated surfaces of the electrodes by small gaps to prevent abrasion thereof. Reducing compressive forces that secure these components within the housing further reduces abrasion, thereby extending the operational lifetime of the gas laser.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2021Publication date: August 5, 2021Applicant: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Leon A. NEWMAN, Michael Leigh ERMOLD, James HYLAND, Thomas V. HENNESSEY, JR., Lanny LAUGHMAN
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Patent number: 10274806Abstract: Laser-drilling apparatus includes a gas-discharge for laser emitting laser-radiation pulses, and two acousto-optic modulators (AOMs). The laser radiation pulses are characterized as having two temporal central portions between temporal leading and trailing edge portions. The AOMs are arranged to spatially separate the central temporal portions of the pulses from each other and from the leading and trailing edge portions of the pulses.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2016Date of Patent: April 30, 2019Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Gongxue Hua, Eric R. Mueller, Lanny Laughman
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Publication number: 20170131617Abstract: Laser-drilling apparatus includes a gas-discharge for laser emitting laser-radiation pulses, and two acousto-optic modulators (AOMs). The laser radiation pulses are characterized as having two temporal central portions between temporal leading and trailing edge portions. The AOMs are arranged to spatially separate the central temporal portions of the pulses from each other and from the leading and trailing edge portions of the pulses.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 31, 2016Publication date: May 11, 2017Inventors: Gongxue HUA, Eric R. MUELLER, Lanny LAUGHMAN
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Patent number: 8290017Abstract: A carbon-dioxide (CO2) gas-discharge slab laser includes elongated discharge-electrodes in a sealed enclosure. Radio Frequency (RF) power is supplied to the electrodes via an impedance matching network and a co-axial electrical low inductance transmission line feed-through sealed to the enclosure. The feed-trough includes two spring contacts which are configured to be spring compression push-fit in grooves in edges of the discharge-electrodes. A central conductor of the feed-through is fluid cooled. A capacitor of the impedance matching network is assembled on the central conductor as an integral part of the feed-trough.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2011Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Leon A. Newman, Vernon A. Seguin, Lanny Laughman, Adrian Papanide
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Patent number: 8265116Abstract: A carbon-dioxide (CO2) gas-discharge slab laser includes elongated discharge-electrodes in a sealed enclosure. Radio Frequency (RF) power is supplied to the electrodes via an impedance matching network and a co-axial electrical low inductance transmission line feed-through sealed to the enclosure. The feed-trough includes two spring contacts which are configured to be spring compression push-fit in grooves in edges of the discharge-electrodes. A central conductor of the feed-through is fluid cooled. A capacitor of the impedance matching network is assembled on the central conductor as an integral part of the feed-trough.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Leon A. Newman, Vernon A. Seguin, Lanny Laughman, Adrian Papanide
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Patent number: 8201954Abstract: A mirror assembly for a carbon dioxide (CO2) slab laser resonator includes a center section having a rectangular cross-section and a pair of thermal balancing bars. A concave reflecting surface formed on a front edge of a center section. The side-bars are attached to either side of the center section and extend forward of the reflective surface. Dimensions of the center section and side bars are selected to position the thermal neutral plane of the assembly close to the reflective surface. This minimizes changes the radius of curvature of the reflective surface due to heating by circulating radiation in the resonator.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2009Date of Patent: June 19, 2012Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Adrian Papanide, Leon A. Newman, Lanny Laughman
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Patent number: 8116346Abstract: A CO2 gas discharge laser includes a housing enclosing spaced-apart electrodes and a lasing gas. A laser resonator extends between the spaced-apart electrodes. An RF power supply provides RF power for creating a discharge in the lasing gas, causing laser radiation to be delivered by the laser resonator. The power of the output radiation is directly dependent on the RF power provided to the electrodes and inversely dependent of the temperature of the gas discharge. A signal representative of the discharge-temperature is used to adjust the RF power supplied to the electrodes such that the power of the output radiation is about constant.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2010Date of Patent: February 14, 2012Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Gongxue Hua, Lanny Laughman
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Publication number: 20120033703Abstract: A carbon-dioxide (CO2) gas-discharge slab laser includes elongated discharge-electrodes in a sealed enclosure. Radio Frequency (RF) power is supplied to the electrodes via an impedance matching network and a co-axial electrical low inductance transmission line feed-through sealed to the enclosure. The feed-trough includes two spring contacts which are configured to be spring compression push-fit in grooves in edges of the discharge-electrodes. A central conductor of the feed-through is fluid cooled. A capacitor of the impedance matching network is assembled on the central conductor as an integral part of the feed-trough.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 19, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Leon A. NEWMAN, Vernon A. Seguin, Lanny Laughman, Adrian Papanide
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Publication number: 20110182319Abstract: A CO2 gas discharge laser includes a housing enclosing spaced-apart electrodes and a lasing gas. A laser resonator extends between the spaced-apart electrodes. An RF power supply provides RF power for creating a discharge in the lasing gas, causing laser radiation to be delivered by the laser resonator. The power of the output radiation is directly dependent on the RF power provided to the electrodes and inversely dependent of the temperature of the gas discharge. A signal representative of the discharge-temperature is used to adjust the RF power supplied to the electrodes such that the power of the output radiation is about constant.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 1, 2010Publication date: July 28, 2011Applicant: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Gongxue HUA, Lanny Laughman
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Patent number: 7965757Abstract: A laser mirror assembly is disclosed with improved pointing stability. An elongated mirror includes a concave reflecting portion. A pair of elongated planar portions extend parallel to the concave reflecting portion on either side thereof. The planar portions are stepped down from the reflecting portion. The mirror is formed from copper. A pair of stainless steel strips are connected to planar portions. The bimetallic effect between the copper mirror and the stainless steel strips operates to counteract the warping of the mirror due to differential heating effects which arise during operation. In an alternate embodiment, a pair of aluminum strips are mounted on the rear surface of the mirror.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Leon A. Newman, Vernon A. Seguin, Lanny Laughman, Adrian Papanide
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Patent number: 7756186Abstract: Through the use of a relatively inexpensive third mirror on a novel folded hybrid unstable resonator configuration, the optimum output coupling for a given laser design can be explored quickly and easily with a minimum of intracavity mirror alignment. No changes in either the radii of curvature of the three cavity optics or their spacing are required for this exploration. In addition to providing techniques for purposefully and systematically introducing mirror edge effects or avoiding edges effects altogether, the invention provides that output beams of different width can be advantageously explored in a relatively simple and straightforward manner. The invention provides that higher geometric magnification cavity designs may be made compatible with low diffraction output coupling in a configuration that uses only three totally reflecting optics.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Peter P. Chenausky, Lanny Laughman, Eric R. Mueller, Leon A. Newman, Vernon A. Seguin, Christian J. Shackleton
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Publication number: 20100172042Abstract: A mirror assembly for a carbon dioxide (CO2) slab laser resonator includes a center section having a rectangular cross-section and a pair of thermal balancing bars. A concave reflecting surface formed on a front edge of a center section. The side-bars are attached to either side of the center section and extend forward of the reflective surface. Dimensions of the center section and side bars are selected to position the thermal neutral plane of the assembly close to the reflective surface. This minimizes changes the radius of curvature of the reflective surface due to heating by circulating radiation in the resonator.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2009Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Adrian PAPANIDE, Leon A. Newman, Lanny Laughman
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Publication number: 20100118901Abstract: A carbon-dioxide (CO2) gas-discharge slab laser includes elongated discharge-electrodes in a sealed enclosure. Radio Frequency (RF) power is supplied to the electrodes via an impedance matching network and a co-axial electrical low inductance transmission line feed-through sealed to the enclosure. The feed-trough includes two spring contacts which are configured to be spring compression push-fit in grooves in edges of the discharge-electrodes. A central conductor of the feed-through is fluid cooled. A capacitor of the impedance matching network is assembled on the central conductor as an integral part of the feed-trough.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2009Publication date: May 13, 2010Applicant: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Leon A. Newman, Vernon A. Seguin, Lanny Laughman, Adrian Papanide
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Publication number: 20100103974Abstract: A laser mirror assembly is disclosed with improved pointing stability. An elongated mirror includes a concave reflecting portion. A pair of elongated planar portions extend parallel to the concave reflecting portion on either side thereof. The planar portions are stepped down from the reflecting portion. The mirror is formed from copper. A pair of stainless steel strips are connected to planar portions. The bimetallic effect between the copper mirror and the stainless steel strips operates to counteract the warping of the mirror due to differential heating effects which arise during operation. In an alternate embodiment, a pair of aluminum strips are mounted on the rear surface of the mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 31, 2009Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Leon A. NEWMAN, Vernon A. Seguin, Lanny Laughman, Adrian Papanide
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Patent number: 7664159Abstract: A laser mirror assembly is disclosed with improved pointing stability. An elongated mirror includes a concave reflecting portion. A pair of elongated planar portions extend parallel to the concave reflecting portion on either side thereof. The planar portions are stepped down from the reflecting portion. The mirror is formed from copper. A pair of stainless steel strips are connected to planar portions. The bimetallic effect between the copper mirror and the stainless steel strips operates to counteract the warping of the mirror due to differential heating effects which arise during operation. In an alternate embodiment, a pair of aluminum strips are mounted on the rear surface of the mirror.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: February 16, 2010Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Leon A. Newman, Vernon A. Seguin, Lanny Laughman, Adrian Papanide
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Publication number: 20090034577Abstract: A laser mirror assembly is disclosed with improved pointing stability. An elongated mirror includes a concave reflecting portion. A pair of elongated planar portions extend parallel to the concave reflecting portion on either side thereof. The planar portions are stepped down from the reflecting portion. The mirror is formed from copper. A pair of stainless steel strips are connected to planar portions. The bimetallic effect between the copper mirror and the stainless steel strips operates to counteract the warping of the mirror due to differential heating effects which arise during operation. In an alternate embodiment, a pair of aluminum strips are mounted on the rear surface of the mirror.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Leon A. Newman, Vernon A. Seguin, Lanny Laughman, Adrian Papanide
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Patent number: 7453918Abstract: An improved laser system includes a sealed-off, RF excited, diffusion cooled, high pressure, short pulsed, high peak power waveguide and slab CO2 laser that avoids problems typically associated with obtaining a diffused discharge at high gas pressures, without arcing and without corona, while maintaining the unsaturated gain and gas temperature experienced at low pressures and scaling to higher pressures. Such a system has a long operating life-time, and is capable of operation at high gas pressures to obtain relative fast rise and fall time pulses. The system emits relatively short pulse widths, with pulse energies up to and exceeding 30 mJ, with reasonably high pulse repetition rates. The system also has a low pulsed RF power duty cycle, thereby enabling the generation of high peak power pulses, as well as reasonable average power and reasonably high peak powers.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Lanny Laughman, Vernon Seguin, Peter P. Chenausky, Robert Henschke, Eric R. Mueller
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Publication number: 20080205475Abstract: Through the use of a relatively inexpensive third mirror on a novel folded hybrid unstable resonator configuration, the optimum output coupling for a given laser design can be explored quickly and easily with a minimum of intracavity mirror alignment. No changes in either the radii of curvature of the three cavity optics or their spacing are required for this exploration. In addition to providing techniques for purposefully and systematically introducing mirror edge effects or avoiding edges effects altogether, the invention provides that output beams of different width can be advantageously explored in a relatively simple and straightforward manner. The invention provides that higher geometric magnification cavity designs may be made compatible with low diffraction output coupling in a configuration that uses only three totally reflecting optics.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Inventors: Peter P. Chenausky, Lanny Laughman, Eric R. Mueller, Leon A. Newman, Vernon A. Seguin, Christian J. Shackleton
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Patent number: 7280569Abstract: Various electro-optical modulator module designs are presented, which can provide for uniform, symmetric, and efficient heat removal for mode-locking, Q-switching, and/or cavity dumping operations. Heat can be uniformly extracted from an EO crystal without imposing undue stress, thereby preventing birefringence and laser beam degradation. A liquid-cooling approach can be used for high-duty operations, such as mode-locking operations. Efficient heat removal can prevent thermal run-away from electrical heating of the crystal due to the large drop in the electrical resistance of CdTe with increasing temperature when operated above 50° C. RF or video arcing and subsequent damage to the EO crystal can be prevented by surrounding the crystal with a low dielectric constant material that lowers the capacitance coupling to ground, while still maintaining good thermal cooling.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: October 9, 2007Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Lanny Laughman, Thomas V. Hennessey, Jr., Joseph S. Smucz, Vernon A. Seguin, Raymond Michaud