Patents by Inventor Peter A. Budni

Peter A. Budni 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).

  • Publication number: 20230198217
    Abstract: The system and method for a scalable optically pumped CO2 laser. The optically pumped CO2 laser having a Tm fiber laser configured to pump a Q-switched Ho laser that is configured to pump a molecular isotopologue mix of CO2 above atmospheric pressure, to produce a broadband, high energy, tunable output beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2021
    Publication date: June 22, 2023
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory T. HOHENSEE, Peter A. BUDNI, Robert N. CAMPBELL, John S. LOVELL
  • Publication number: 20220173568
    Abstract: The system and method of using an ultra-short pulse mid and long wave infrared laser. The system is seeded with a 2 ?m laser source having a pulse duration in the femtosecond range. The beam is stretched, to increase the pulse duration, and the beam is amplified, to increase an energy level of the laser beam. Both mid wave IR and long wave IR seed beams are first generated, and then amplified via one or more optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification stages. A compressor may be used to compress one or more of the output beams to achieve high peak power and controllable pulse duration in the output beams. The output beams may then be used to create atmospheric or material effects at km range.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Publication date: June 2, 2022
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Budni, Alan R. Enman, Yannick C. Morel
  • Patent number: 11349276
    Abstract: The system and method of using an ultra-short pulse mid and long wave infrared laser. The system is seeded with a 2 ?m laser source having a pulse duration in the femtosecond range. The beam is stretched, to increase the pulse duration, and the beam is amplified, to increase an energy level of the laser beam. Both mid wave IR and long wave IR seed beams are first generated, and then amplified via one or more optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification stages. A compressor may be used to compress one or more of the output beams to achieve high peak power and controllable pulse duration in the output beams. The output beams may then be used to create atmospheric or material effects at km range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Budni, Alan R. Enman, Yannick C. Morel
  • Patent number: 11201448
    Abstract: The system and method of producing a first path comprising a pulse stretcher for a mid-wave infrared (MWIR) signal, an optical parametric chirped-pulse amplification (OPCPA) amplifier, and a MWIR compressor for producing a first beam in a MWIR portion of the spectrum and a second path comprising a pulse stretcher for a long wave infrared (LWIR) signal, an OPCPA amplifier, and a LWIR compressor for producing a second beam in a LWIR portion of the spectrum. Each beam, on its own, is configured to produce laser-matter interactions at long range (100s of meters), having nonlinear effects and favoring supercontinuum generation spanning multiple octaves, that is temporally and spatially overlapped with the fundamental laser beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Yannick Morel, Peter Budni, Peter Ketteridge, Michael Lemons, Kevin T Werner
  • Patent number: 10859503
    Abstract: The system and method for enhancing and suppressing radio frequency (RF) emissions in a laser induced plasma system using a second laser. A first igniter laser is used at short pulse widths and a second heater laser is used at longer pulse widths. By varying the energy of the heater laser and/or the timing of the arrival of the heater laser with respect to the igniter laser suppression and/or enhancement of the radio frequency (RF) emission from the induced plasma system is possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Yannick C. Morel, Peter A. Budni, Peter A. Ketteridge, Michael L. Lemons
  • Publication number: 20200191721
    Abstract: The system and method for enhancing and suppressing radio frequency (RF) emissions in a laser induced plasma system using a second laser. A first igniter laser is used at short pulse widths and a second heater laser is used at longer pulse widths. By varying the energy of the heater laser and/or the timing of the arrival of the heater laser with respect to the igniter laser suppression and/or enhancement of the radio frequency (RF) emission from the induced plasma system is possible.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Yannick C. MOREL, Peter A. BUDNI, Peter A. KETTERIDGE, Michael L. LEMONS
  • Publication number: 20190155126
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for a multiwavelength laser source and a method of driving the multiwavelength laser source. The multiwavelength laser source includes: a plurality of seed lasers to generate a corresponding plurality of seed beams having a corresponding plurality of distinct seed wavelengths; a laser combiner to receive and combine the seed beams into a single first beam; an optical amplifier to amplify the first beam; and a single fixed nonlinear converter to convert and output the amplified first beam as a multiwavelength second beam including the seed wavelengths and one or more new wavelengths distinct from and generated from the seed wavelengths. In some embodiments, the nonlinear converter is an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) or an optical parametric generator (OPG). In some other embodiments, the nonlinear converter is a sum frequency generator (SFG), a difference frequency generator (DFG), or an optical parametric amplifier (OPA).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Publication date: May 23, 2019
    Applicant: BAE SYSTEMS Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard A. Pomeranz, Peter A. Budni
  • Patent number: 10274809
    Abstract: Techniques are provided for a multiwavelength laser source and a method of driving the multiwavelength laser source. The multiwavelength laser source includes: a plurality of seed lasers to generate a corresponding plurality of seed beams having a corresponding plurality of distinct seed wavelengths; a laser combiner to receive and combine the seed beams into a single first beam; an optical amplifier to amplify the first beam; and a single fixed nonlinear converter to convert and output the amplified first beam as a multiwavelength second beam including the seed wavelengths and one or more new wavelengths distinct from and generated from the seed wavelengths. In some embodiments, the nonlinear converter is an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) or an optical parametric generator (OPG). In some other embodiments, the nonlinear converter is a sum frequency generator (SFG), a difference frequency generator (DFG), or an optical parametric amplifier (OPA).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard A. Pomeranz, Peter A. Budni
  • Patent number: 10104756
    Abstract: The system and method for creating plasma flares in air by using an ultra-short pulse laser (USPL) that generates plasma filaments with a short lifetime (in nanoseconds), and by heating these plasma filaments with intense microwave (RF) radiation to induce robust air breakdown, resulting in long lifetime (up to milliseconds) plasma flares in the atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Chia-Lie Chang, Peter A. Budni
  • Patent number: 9407059
    Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for providing a laser system. In one specific example embodiment, the system includes a thulium-doped fiber laser coupled by silica glass fiber to a remote optical converter (ROC) including a Ho:YAG laser and, optionally, an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) utilizing in germanium phosphide (ZnGeP2; ZGP) or orientation-patterned gallium arsenide (OPGaAs). The fiber laser may emit a low-peak-power, continuous wave pump signal that pumps the Ho:YAG laser, which in turn emits a higher-peak-power, pulsed signal. When included, the OPO can be used to convert the resultant, pulsed signal to a longer wavelength (e.g., about 2-5 ?m, or greater). In some cases, distributed architecture and reduced weight/bulk may be realized while eliminating the need to actively cool the ROC for operation, for example, over a broad temperature range (e.g., ?55-125° C.). Also, methods of preparing high-peak-power, pulsed signals using such systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2016
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard A. Pomeranz, Joseph M. Owen, Michael J. Shaw, David P. Kelly, Philip R. Staver, Peter A. Budni, John C. Wikman
  • Publication number: 20150171590
    Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for providing a laser system. In one specific example embodiment, the system includes a thulium-doped fiber laser coupled by silica glass fiber to a remote optical converter (ROC) including a Ho:YAG laser and, optionally, an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) utilizing in germanium phosphide (ZnGeP2, ZGP) or orientation-patterned gallium arsenide (OPGaAs). The fiber laser may emit a low-peak-power, continuous wave pump signal that pumps the Ho:YAG laser, which in turn emits a higher-peak-power, pulsed signal. When included, the OPO can be used to convert the resultant, pulsed signal to a longer wavelength (e.g., about 2-5 ?m, or greater). In some cases, distributed architecture and reduced weight/bulk may be realized while eliminating the need to actively cool the ROC for operation, for example, over a broad temperature range (e.g., ?55-125° C.). Also, methods of preparing high-peak-power, pulsed signals using such systems are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2015
    Publication date: June 18, 2015
    Inventors: Leonard A. Pomeranz, Joseph M. Owen, Michael J. Shaw, David P. Kelly, Philip R. Staver, Peter A. Budni, John C. Wikman
  • Patent number: 8995494
    Abstract: Techniques and architecture are disclosed for providing a laser system. In one specific example embodiment, the system includes a thulium-doped fiber laser coupled by silica glass fiber to a remote optical converter (ROC) including a Ho:YAG laser and, optionally, an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) utilizing zinc germanium phosphide (ZnGeP2; ZGP) or orientation-patterned gallium arsenide (OPGaAs). The fiber laser may emit a low-peak-power, continuous wave pump signal that pumps the Ho:YAG laser, which in turn emits a higher-peak-power, pulsed signal. When included, the OPO can be used to convert the resultant, pulsed signal to a longer wavelength (e.g., about 2-5 ?m, or greater). In some cases, distributed architecture and reduced weight/bulk may be realized while eliminating the need to actively cool the ROC for operation, for example, over a broad temperature range (e.g., ?55-125° C.). Also, methods of preparing high-peak-power, pulsed signals using such systems are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard A Pomeranz, Joseph M Owen, Michael J. Shaw, David P. Kelly, Philip R. Staver, Peter A. Budni, John C. Wikman
  • Patent number: 8717668
    Abstract: A combined large mode area, fiber cable amplifier and laser beam transport fiber cable is disclosed that transports laser beams output from a compact, high power, solid state laser to remote locations while improving the beam quality and amplifying the beam to compensate for losses in the fiber cable. The fiber cable is clad and is cladding pumped to compensate for the losses in the fiber cable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel J Creeden, Peter A Budni, Robert C Guyer
  • Patent number: 8665918
    Abstract: A system is provided for providing high power, wavelength tunable, laser radiation, the system comprising: a plurality of seeder sources, each the source of the plurality having a different seeder wavelength; a Ytterbium doped amplifier chain, receiving radiation from the plurality of seeder sources and at least one pump source; a second harmonic generator communicating with the Ytterbium doped amplifier chain, the second harmonic generator comprising converting radiation of the seeder wavelength into radiation of a second harmonic wavelength; and wherein the second harmonic generator comprises a crystal having a plurality of grating segments, wherein each grating segment converts radiation of a different wavelength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Creeden, Peter A. Budni, Peter A. Ketteridge
  • Patent number: 8194310
    Abstract: An all fiber mid-IR pulse generator is disclosed that may be used to drive an external non-linear converter. The generator comprises fiber laser oscillator and fiber amplifier elements wherein diode lasers are used to cladding pump the different fiber elements depending on different configurations of the pulse generator. Gain switching of the fiber lasers precludes the need for discrete devices such as Q-switches to generate pulses. The fiber laser and fiber amplifier elements are all fused together, along with fiber isolators and reflective gratings, so there is no free space coupling, and there are no optical elements except as may be needed to couple the output of the generator to a non-linear converter. The all fiber implementation has a single transverse mode at the lowest order mode of operation which results in a nearly diffraction limited output which causes non-linear converters to operate more efficiently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A Ketteridge, Peter A Budni, Daniel J Creeden
  • Publication number: 20100238958
    Abstract: A system is provided for providing high power, wavelength tunable, laser radiation, the system comprising: a plurality of seeder sources, each the source of the plurality having a different seeder wavelength; a Ytterbium doped amplifier chain, receiving radiation from the plurality of seeder sources and at least one pump source; a second harmonic generator communicating with the Ytterbium doped amplifier chain, the second harmonic generator comprising converting radiation of the seeder wavelength into radiation of a second harmonic wavelength; and wherein the second harmonic generator comprises a crystal having a plurality of grating segments, wherein each grating segment converts radiation of a different wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Applicant: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc
    Inventors: Daniel Creeden, Peter A. Budni, Peter A. Ketteridge
  • Patent number: 7495824
    Abstract: An integrated broad spectral band waveguide optical parametric oscillator (OPO) is disclosed. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a single pump laser is used to drive multiple oscillator (OPO) channels. The waveguide OPO is preferably made of orientation patterned gallium arsenide. The pump laser can be, for example, a fiber laser, a diode laser or a solid-state laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Budni, Scott D. Setzler
  • Patent number: 7286587
    Abstract: A Ho:YAG crystal laser is disclosed which is doped with less than 2% holmium to reduce the lasing threshold and up-conversion, thereby increasing the operating efficiency of the laser. The laser does not need sensitizer ions so energy mismatches introduced by the sensitizer ions ale eliminated to the thereby increase the efficiency of the laser while minimizing detrimental thermal loading in the laser caused by up-conversion loss processes. The Ho:YAG crystal laser is directly pumped by a Thulium fiber laser at 1.9 ?m at the holmium 5I7 to 5I8 transition to produce an output at 2.1 ?m yielding a very low quantum defect. The laser is embodied as a thulium fiber laser pumped oscillator or an amplifier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventor: Peter A. Budni
  • Patent number: 7170909
    Abstract: A directly pumped, un-sensitized, holmium, quasi-two level fiber laser is disclosed that is doped with Holmium active ions between 0.1 and 2.0 percent by atomic weight. This yields greater energy efficiency from the laser because up-conversion losses are minimized, mismatches created by sensitizer ions are eliminated by having no sensitizer ions, and thermal loading of the fiber medium of the laser is thereby reduced. In addition, the pump ratio of the fiber laser is 0.9 which yields a very low quantum defect. The low doping percentage of holmium active ions also eliminates any absorption of its own energy because the power of the diode pumping source is sufficient to cause the laser to reach transparency.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Bae Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Budni, Peter A. Ketteridge
  • Publication number: 20070002905
    Abstract: A directly pumped, un-sensitized, holmium, quasi-two level fiber laser is disclosed that is doped with Holmium active ions between 0.1 and 2.0 percent by atomic weight. This yields greater energy efficiency from the laser because up-conversion losses are minimized, mismatches created by sensitizer ions are eliminated by having no sensitizer ions, and thermal loading of the fiber medium of the laser is thereby reduced. In addition, the pump ratio of the fiber laser is 0.9 which yields a very low quantum defect. The low doping percentage of holmium active ions also eliminates any absorption of its own energy because the power of the diode pumping source is sufficient to cause the laser to reach transparency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2004
    Publication date: January 4, 2007
    Inventors: Peter Budni, Peter Ketteridge