Abstract: A multistage optical amplifier pumping system with built-in redundant reliability for lightwave communication system provides plural levels of redundancy. A first level of redundancy deals with redundancy in the form of plural primary laser diode sources for pumping a single fiber laser pump source. A second level of redundancy deals with redundancy of a plurality of fiber laser pump sources for pumping a plurality of serially connected injection signal fiber amplifiers forming the multistage amplifier system. If one of fiber pump sources should fail, increased pumping power is available from the remaining fiber pump sources via their respectively connected amplifier stages. A third level of redundancy deals with redundancy in the employment of multiple single mode laser emitters on the same chip or bar sufficiently segmented and/or electrical isolated so as not to interfere with operation of or cause failure to adjacent or neighboring emitters on the same chip or bar.

Abstract: A power system for a laser source comprises a plurality of semiconductor lasers or at least one laser array with plurality of independently, electrically addressable emitters. A power supply is independently connected to each of the laser emitters. A fuse device is associated with each of the laser emitters so that an electrical short of any one emitter of a laser will not cause a short to or change the power supplied to other emitters of the laser source.

Abstract: An optical amplifier pumping system with built-in redundant reliability for lightwave communication system provides plural levels of redundancy. A first level of redundancy deals with redundancy in the form of plural primary laser diode sources in the lightwave communication system. A second level of redundancy deals with redundancy of multiple single mode laser emitters on the same chip or bar sufficiently segmented so as not to interfere with operation of or cause failure to adjacent or neighboring emitters on the same chip or bar. A third level of redundancy deals with redundancy of a plurality of fiber pump sources for pumping a plurality of serially connected injection signal fiber amplifiers.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for curing epoxy adhesive between the slider head and load/gimbal suspension assemblies of a disk drive access actuator employing a concentrated pulsed heat source rather than conventional, broadly applied heat source as employed in the past, such as oven heating or UV exposure. The laser source power is delivered via an optical fiber to the slider air-bearing surface (ABS) of the slider head assembly so that with this approach, the time for curing can be minimized and accurately controlled without causing damage to the assembly, and the overall curing step in the manufacturing process is reduced in time of application. Apparatus in the form of a fixture, such as an anvil element, provides a convenient gauge and support for alignment of the laser output beam with the slider ABS to which the heat for curing is to be applied as well as provide for its heat sinking.

Abstract: An optical amplifier pumping system with built-in redundant reliability for lightwave communication system provides plural levels of redundancy. A first level of redundancy deals with redundancy in the form of plural primary laser diode sources in the lightwave communication system. A second level of redundancy deals with redundancy of multiple single mode laser emitters on the same chip or bar sufficiently segmented so as not to interfere with operation of or cause failure to adjacent or neighboring emitters on the same chip or bar. A third level of deals with redundancy of a plurality of fiber pump sources for pumping a plurality of serially connected injection signal fiber amplifiers.

Abstract: A system and method for distributing an output beam from a laser system on a body which provides for a uniform fluence level throughout an entire treatment region. A first structure receives the laser beam and aims it along a propagation axis. A scanner scans the propagation axis of the laser beam at a controlled scan velocity, so that the laser beam essentially continuously scans a treatment pattern on the body. The treatment pattern can consist of an essentially straight line, or a ring, or other pattern which can be easily fitted together with other patterns to fill in a treatment area.The method includes the steps of:supplying a laser beam,directing a laser beam along a propagation axis to the body, andscanning the propagation axis of the laser beam at a controlled scanned velocity, so that the laser beam essentially continuously scans the treatment pattern on the body.

Abstract: A laser system provides output wavelengths at near 1.06 and near 1.44 micron from an Nd:YAG gain medium, along with a frequency doubled output of the 1.06 micron line. This system is based on a laser resonator with a plurality of turning mirrors, each transmissive at a selective subset of the characteristic wavelengths of Nd:YAG and reflective at a selected output wavelength. The mechanism is coupled with the turning mirrors for selectively positioning one of the plurality of turning mirrors in the optical path, directing the beam on an output coupler having a fixed position with respect to a string of components for delivering the output beam to a surgical site. Also, the mechanism can selectively remove the turning mirror from the optical path. In this case, the beam is supplied to a frequency doubling alternate resonator design and output at the second harmonic of the 1.06 micron line is generated.

Abstract: Power output and power conversion efficiency of an intracavity non-linear optical laser is substantially increased by reducing the effect of thermal focussing per unit of pump energy enabling a stable resonator cavity at high input powers by utilizing a closely coupled reflector, multi-gain media configuration, and various pump source filters and/or semiconductor laser diode pumping.

Abstract: A mechanism for distributing the output beam from a laser system in a treatment pattern that comprises a plurality of optical fibers, having input ends and output ends. At the input ends, the fibers are secured in a scan configuration for receiving an output beam from a laser. At the output ends, the fibers are configured in a treatment configuration for distributing the output beam in a treatment pattern. A scanner coupled with the laser system directs the beam in a scan pattern at the input ends of the fibers which matches the scan configuration. The treatment configuration secures the output ends of the optical fibers so that the output end of one optical fiber sequentially receiving the beam from the scanner is non-adjacent the output end of a next optical fiber sequentially receiving the beam from the scanner.

Abstract: A laser system using non-linear crystals for second harmonic generation and solid state gain media is operated under data processor control so that a plurality of pump power modes are available. The data processor modulates the pump power in a low power mode, and supplies continuous pump power in combination with Q-switching in a high power mode. Alternatively, modulation may be used in both low power and high power modes, with the parameters of the modulation adjusted under program control. Second harmonic generation without a Q-switch in high power modes can be achieved as well. The data processing control of pump power allows optimization of pump energy consumption and the generation of waste heat so that the laser resonator may be air-cooled in many environments. Also other design objectives can be achieved for specific laser applications using the program controlled data processor to drive the pump power source.

Abstract: A laser system generates suitable laser power for use in photodynamic therapy, and particularly photodynamic therapy using dyes which undergo desired photodynamic reactions at 659 mm, i.e., Purpurin. The laser system generates a red output power of greater than 4 watts. For the therapeutic applications, a means for delivering the red beam to therapeutic sites is provided. The laser system provides for a frequency doubled solid-state laser system in which the non-linear birefringent crystal used to provide frequency doubling is mounted adjacent a flat mirror whereby losses due to walkoff of the beam caused by the crystal are minimized. The laser resonant cavity defined by one flat and one other mirror, which may be stabilized by means, such as thermal lensing in the solid-state gain medium, inside the cavity. A frequency doubled Nd:YAG rod in such cavity tuned to 1.319 microns with a KTP frequency doubling crystal for generates an output beam at 0.

Abstract: Intra-cavity generation of second and higher harmonic frequency laser radiation is improved by inclusion of a lens or multiple-lens arrangement that focuses electromagnetic radiation emitted by the active laser medium on a wavelength conversion means within the cavity or on removal means to remove the second or higher harmonic radiation from the cavity.

Abstract: Intra-cavity generation of second and higher harmonic frequency laser radiation is improved by inclusion of a lens or multiple-lens arrangement that focuses electromagnetic radiation emitted by the active laser medium on a wavelength conversion means within the cavity or on removal means to remove the second or higher harmonic radiation from the cavity.