Abstract: Asymmetry of output beams from a laser diode bar is significantly reduced by internally reflecting the beams from an array of roof prisms positioned and oriented to rotate the cross-sectional shape of each beam by 90°. An elongated retro prism is positioned to received all of the reflected beams and to redirect them away from the laser diode bar.

Abstract: A laser device employs a laser slab having an ionic layer and a nonionic layer, joined through an optical-quality interface. The laser slab has a trapezoidal cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the optical-quality interface. Thermal conductivity away from the ionic layer is enhanced through the thinness of the ionic layer and through the use of a heatsink attached to the ionic layer. Optical power input through the nonionic layer and into the ionic layer is further increased through the use of the trapezoidal cross section.

Abstract: A laser oscillator (10) including a reflective mirror (14) and an output coupler mirror (24). Two gain media (16, 22) are disposed between the reflective mirror (14) and the output coupler mirror (24) and each are pumped with energy to produce laser oscillation between the reflective mirror (14) and the output coupler mirror (24). Each of the two gain media (16, 22) has a focal strength during operation that is formed by thermal and mechanical stress. The laser oscillator (10) also includes a lens system (18) disposed between the two solid state gain media (16, 22) and has a focal strength about equal to or greater than a product of the focal strength of the two media (16, 22). A polarization rotator (20) is also included in the laser oscillator and is disposed between the two gain media (16, 22).

Abstract: A laser oscillator (10) including a reflective mirror (14) and an output coupler mirror (24). Two gain media (16, 22) are disposed between the reflective mirror (14) and the output coupler mirror (24) and each are pumped with energy to produce laser oscillation between the reflective mirror (14) and the output coupler mirror (24). Each of the two gain media (16, 22) has a focal strength during operation that is formed by thermal and mechanical stress. The laser oscillator (10) also includes a lens system (18) disposed between the two solid state gain media (16, 22) and has a focal strength about equal to or greater than a product of the focal strength of the two media (16, 22). A polarization rotator (20) is also included in the laser oscillator and is disposed between the two gain media (16, 22).

Abstract: A laser device employs a laser slab having an ionic layer and a nonionic layer, joined through an optical-quality interface. The laser slab has a trapezoidal cross-section in a direction perpendicular to the optical-quality interface. Thermal conductivity away from the ionic layer is enhanced through the thinness of the ionic layer and through the use of a heatsink attached to the ionic layer. Optical power input through the nonionic layer and into the ionic layer is further increased through the use of the trapezoidal cross section.

Abstract: There is provided by this invention a laser cavity for producing a periodic output pulse and a passive Q-switch for use therein. The laser cavity is typically comprised of a lasing medium, a pair of reflecting elements, and a passive Q-switch. The Q-switch is composed of inorganic, solid-state materials which do not degrade through use. Exemplary materials include a Q-switch constructed from a host material having a tetrahedral site, such as GSAG (Gd.sub.3 Sc.sub.2 Al.sub.3 O.sub.12), GIGG (Gd.sub.3 In.sub.2 Ga.sub.3 O.sub.12), YAG (Y.sub.3 Al.sub.5 O.sub.12), or Mg.sub.2 SiO.sub.4 into which tetravalent chromium (Cr.sup.4+) is introduced as a dopant material. The passive Q-switch composed of such materials effectively modulates laser output having a wavelength within the range of 850 nanometers to 1250 nanometers.

Abstract: A satellite defends itself by having a plurality of corner cube retroreflectors with shutters, each having a laser light sensor. It is assumed that the attacker first must obtain positional and range information with a pulsed laser. When one of the sensors detects these low power laser pulses, it causes the shutter of the corner cube array to open and return the pulses with sufficient strength to saturate or damage the attack sensors.

Abstract: In cavity dumped state lasers the relaxation oscillations caused by cavity dumping are stabilized and damped out by placing a non-linear second-harmonic generation crystal inside the optical cavity of the laser and phase-matching it to produce a doubled frequency component of approximately 0.1% that of the circulating power. The degree of damping depends on the conversion percentage, which may be varied by temperature controlling the frequency doubling crystal. A conventional antireflection coating is placed on the crystal to minimize losses.