Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed herein to provide monoblock lasers that may provide improved performance and/or reduce manufacturing costs. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a monoblock laser includes a gain block to generate the light at the first wavelength and a Q switch to receive and polarize the light from the gain block and provide pulsed light that is polarized and at the first wavelength, with the monoblock laser configured in an internal OPO configuration. The monoblock laser may include a film between the gain block and a common substrate and/or include various techniques for aligning various optical elements within the monoblock laser.

Abstract: A laser resonator has a support disposed on its axis, to support an adjustable element rotatable with respect to the axis. An HR mirror reflects light, which passes through gain element means and partially through an OC mirror to provide a laser output. The adjustable element is fixed in rotation upon reaching a pre-selected laser output. One embodiment features a support comprising a recess in the substrate of the resonator, and one of the mirrors is formed on the spherically shaped bottom of the adjustable element. Alternatively, the adjustable element comprises a first Risley wedge pair rotatable within a V-block shaped support. Alternatively, a recess in the substrate supports the HR mirror and a Risley wedge pair. Both embodiments and their variations apply to two stage resonators, which then include a second support, appropriately placed wavelength shifting means and other optional optical elements.

Abstract: In an internal OPO, a substrate comprising a thin film lies along an axis and a first mirror reflects first wavelength light. A gain medium lases and polarizes light entering therein and a Q-switch attenuates and transmits first wavelength light. An HR/HT mirror passes first wavelength light and reflects a second wavelength light, and an OPO rod converts a portion of the first wavelength light into second wavelength light. An output coupler (OC) reflects first wavelength light and passes a portion of second wavelength light, the first wavelength reflecting between the first mirror, the OC and through the gain medium and the Q-switch. The second wavelength light reflects between the HR/HT mirror and OC and through the OPO rod. The invention applies to external OPO as well. The thin film reflects the light towards the gain medium, permitting a lower power lightsource and increasing the efficiency of the gain medium.

Abstract: An optical power limiter is designed for use with high gain optical systems by providing intensity reduction by the use of a non-linear fluid. As the intensity of light increases in the fluid, the index of refraction becomes non-linear very rapidly. This results in a plasma being formed within the fluid. Picosecond reaction time is provided. Recovery time of less than a microsecond is required for the system to return to its starting point.

Abstract: Optical devices which reduce the risk of damage by high energy laser pulses re made by applying particles to the surface of optical components. The particles serve as plasma initiation sites. The particles are made of material capable of producing large numbers of free electrons when illuminated above a preselected power level. Above the preselected power level, transmittance or reflectance of the optical component is limited by the plasma created by the free electrons.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring optical coupling coefficients is disclosed using the thermal expansion of a sample to reduce an externally applied tensile load of predetermined magnitude. The sample is illuminated with a known amount of incident energy. The absorption of this energy expands the sample which reduces the tension in the sample. The measurement of the tension reduction permits a direct calculation of the coupling coefficient .alpha., through use of the known parameters of a sample.