Abstract: An optically pumped, in particular diode-pumped, continuous solid-state laser produces a primary laser beam whose frequency is converted into the visible or ultraviolet spectral range by means of one or more downstream passive resonators with non-linear crystals. At relatively low cost and complication it is provided that precisely two longitudinal laser modes of approximately equal amplitude are excited in the laser resonator. That achieves a high level of efficiency for the overall system and a very low noise level of the resulting frequency-converted laser beam. In one embodiment of the invention the frequency-converted radiation contains three or more adjacent frequencies. In another embodiment of the invention the frequency-converted laser radiation contains only one single frequency and therefore corresponds to the radiation of a monomode laser.

Abstract: The invention concerns an optical resonant frequency converter comprising two mirrors and a non-linear crystal in a ring resonator arrangement for converting laser radiation into frequency-doubled radiation. Because of the refractive effect of the prism-shaped, non-linear crystal two mirrors are sufficient to form a ring resonator with a total of three optical elements. A suitable choice of the orientation of the crystal axes in relation to the laser beam direction reduces scatter in the crystal. In one embodiment the entry surface of the crystal is at the Brewster angle while the exit surface is perpendicular to the beam and has an antireflection coating. In another embodiment the converted beam is coupled out through a polarisation beam splitter layer on one of the crystal surfaces. In a further embodiment the crystal surfaces are cylindrically curved. That produces an elliptical beam profile in the crystal, which reduces the walk-off effect.

Abstract: A sieve has a fine wire mesh retained by a ring and two annular casings detachably linked to each other by clamping elements for clamping the wire mesh. The edge of the flat wire mesh is firmly secured to a wire ring. The first annular casing ends in a rounded end flange and the second annular casing surrounds the rounded end flange with a radial annular step for clamping of the wire ring. The wire mesh may be gently mounted into, and out of, the sieve so that the wire mesh is not damaged.