Abstract: A synchronously pumped mode-locked semiconductor laser having an actively mode-locked optical pump source and an external resonant cavity. The resonant cavity is bounded by a pair of spaced-apart reflective elements. One of the reflective elements is partially transmissive and mounted for translational movement. The semiconductor crystal is mounted upon the other reflective element and both are mounted within a temperature controlled, vacuum environment while being capable of being moved in three dimensions. Appropriate laser pumping and adjustment of the translational movement of one of the reflective elements of the laser produces an output from the laser in the form of pulses of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A Dewar cooling chamber having a mounting assembly therein capable of supporting a semiconductor platelet for translational movement in the x, y axes and tilting movement about the z axis. Cooling of the semiconductor platelet continually takes place even while the platelet is being moved in three dimensions. This cooling is accomplished by means of a flexible, conductive loop of material which interconnects a coolant source to a clamp surrounding the platelet. The clamp fixedly secures the semiconductor platelet to the mounting assembly. The cooling chamber is capable of maintaining the semiconductor platelet at liquid nitrogen temperatures and is therefore extremely useful within a semiconductor laser system.