Frequency Multiplying (e.g., Harmonic Generator) Patents (Class 372/22)
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Patent number: 8000357Abstract: A compact and efficient ultraviolet laser source based on a optically-pumped solid-state or fiber laser that produces near-infrared output light suitable for nonlinear frequency conversion. The infrared laser output is frequency tripled or quadrupled to produce light in the ultraviolet wavelength range (200 nm to 400 nm). The novel technology is the use of highly efficient periodically poled nonlinear crystals, such as stoichiometric and MgO-doped lithium tantalate and lithium niobate. As opposed to conventional frequency-converted UV laser sources, which have high power consumption, high cost, and low efficiency, the laser sources of this invention utilize high efficiency nonlinear conversion provided by periodically poled materials and allow lower-cost architectures without additional focusing lenses, high power pump diodes, etc.Type: GrantFiled: August 3, 2009Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignee: Spectralus CorporationInventors: Stepan Essaian, Andrei Shchegrov
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Patent number: 7995628Abstract: A method and a system are implemented in the fabrication of a portable high power terahertz beam source that can produce a tunable, high power terahertz beam over the frequency from 0.1 THz to 2.5 THz. The terahertz source employs a recycling pump beam method and a beam quality control device. The beam quality control device may or may not be required for a high power terahertz beam generation. In exemplary embodiments, a lithium niobate (LiNbO3) crystal or a lithium niobate crystal doped with 5% magnesium oxide (LiNbO3:MgO) can be used. Other nonlinear optical crystals, including GaSe can be used in place of the LiNbO3 crystal. Through proper alignment of a pump beam, along with recycling a pump beam, high conversion efficiency is achieved, and a high output power beam is produced at terahertz frequencies.Type: GrantFiled: February 23, 2010Date of Patent: August 9, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventor: Dong Ho Wu
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Patent number: 7991026Abstract: In a branched resonator OPS-laser arrangement, a combination of intra-cavity optical parametric generation and intra-cavity sum-frequency mixing provides output radiation in a range between about 550 nanometers about 700 nanometers from an OPS fundamental wavelength in a range between about 900 nm and about 1100 nm.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2009Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventor: Andrea Caprara
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Patent number: 7988297Abstract: Non-rigidly coupled, overlapping, non-feedback optical systems for spatial filtering of Fourier transform optical patterns and image shape characterization comprises a first optical subsystem that includes a lens for focusing a polarized, coherent beam to a focal point, an image input device that spatially modulates phase positioned between the lens and the focal point, and a spatial filter at the Fourier transform pattern, and a second optical subsystem overlapping the first optical subsystem includes a projection lens and a detector. The second optical subsystem is optically coupled to the first optical subsystem.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2007Date of Patent: August 2, 2011Assignee: Look Dynamics, Inc.Inventor: Rikk Crill
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Patent number: 7983315Abstract: The invention relates to a frequency changing device comprising a laser having a waveguide and a nonlinear optical medium which changes the frequency of the light generated by the laser. It is provided that the waveguide of the laser at least adjacent to the exit facet of the laser runs at an angle with respect to the perpendicular to the exit facet, that the exit facet of the laser and the entrance facet of the nonlinear optical medium are arranged parallel to one another, and that the exit facet of the laser and the entrance facet of the nonlinear optical medium are oriented with respect to one another in such a way that the condition of Snell's law is met, i.e., nlaser sin(?laser)=nnonlinear optical medium sin(?nonlinear optical medium).Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Eagley Ard Photonics GmbHInventors: Joerg Wiedmann, Friedemann Scholz
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Publication number: 20110170173Abstract: A wavelength conversion laser has: an exciting LD1, a solid state laser including a resonator, and a wavelength conversion element 7 disposed in the resonator. The solid state laser includes a first laser medium and a second laser medium as at least two types of laser media, and is configured to oscillate the solid state laser beams of the first emission wavelength and the second emission wavelength in the resonator as a result of the excitation light entering a region 3 configured from the first laser medium, thereafter entering a region 4 configured from the second laser medium, and subsequently entering a region 5 configured from the first laser medium. The wavelength conversion element 7 simultaneously generates a second harmonic and a sum frequency of the first emission wavelength and the second emission wavelength.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Inventors: Tetsuro Mizushima, Tatsuo Itoh, Kenji Nakayama, Koichi Kusukame, Tomoya Sugita
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Patent number: 7978738Abstract: A wavelength converter comprising an arsenic sulfide (As—S) chalcogenide glass fiber coupled to an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) crystal and a laser system using an OPO crystal coupled to an As—S fiber are provided. The OPO receives pump laser radiation from a pump laser and emits laser radiation at a wavelength that is longer than the pump laser radiation. The laser radiation that is emitted from the OPO is input into the As—S fiber, which in turn converts the input wavelength from the OPO to a desired wavelength, for example, a wavelength beyond about 4.4 ?m. In an exemplary embodiment, the OPO comprises a periodically poled lithium niobate (PPLN) crystal. The As—S fiber can include any suitable type of optical fiber, such as a conventional core clad fiber, a photonic crystal fiber, or a microstructured fiber.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2010Date of Patent: July 12, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: Leslie Brandon Shaw, Jasbinder S. Sanghera, Ishwar D. Aggarwal
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Patent number: 7974320Abstract: When the laser light source is caused to standby, the temperatures of semiconductor laser 1 and semiconductor laser 9 are changed by approximately 3° C. from the temperature when the laser light source is always being used. With a temperature change of approximately 3° C., the wavelengths of the laser light generated by semiconductor lasers 1 and 9 change approximately 0.3 nm. This change hardly has any effect at all on optical fiber amplifier 2 and optical fiber amplifier 10, but the conversion efficiencies at the respective wavelength conversion elements of the wavelength conversion optical system change, and, particularly, deep ultraviolet light is hardly generated at all any longer. Therefore, even while the laser light has been made incident to the wavelength conversion optical system, there is no longer damaging of the wavelength conversion elements. Therefore, it is possible to provide a laser light source standby method that is able to shorten the start up time of the laser light source.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 5, 2011Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventors: Akira Tokuhisa, Yasutoshi Takada
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Patent number: 7965440Abstract: A device for generating or receiving electromagnetic radiation in a frequency range from 10 GHz to 100 THz is provided. The device includes a housing and a wave guide fiber leading into the housing. The wave guide fiber is adapted for guiding pulsed laser light with a first central wavelength. Within the housing, a terahertz converter is provided for generating or receiving the electromagnetic radiation in the terahertz range. The device also includes a frequency converter for converting the light exiting from the wave guide fiber to a second central wavelength being arranged between the end of the wave guide fiber and the terahertz converter in such a way that the terahertz converter is impinged by the frequency converted light.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2009Date of Patent: June 21, 2011Assignee: Menlo Systems GmbHInventors: Ronald Holzwarth, Rafal Wilk
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Patent number: 7961763Abstract: Fast on-line electro-optical detection of wafer defects by illuminating with a short light pulse from a repetitively pulsed laser, a section of the wafer while it is moved across the field of view of an imaging system, and imaging the moving wafer onto a focal plane assembly, optically forming a continuous surface of photo-detectors at the focal plane of the optical imaging system. The continuously moving wafer is illuminated by a laser pulse of duration significantly shorter than the pixel dwell time, such that there is effectively no image smear during the wafer motion. The laser pulse has sufficient energy and brightness to impart the necessary illumination to each sequentially inspected field of view required for creating an image of the inspected wafer die. A novel fiber optical illumination delivery system, which is effective in reducing the effects of source coherence is described.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Applied Materials South East Asia Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Dov Furman, Gad Neumann, Mark Wagner, Noam Dotan, Ram Segal, Shai Silberstein
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Patent number: 7961378Abstract: A wavelength conversion light source apparatus includes a fundamental wave light source configured to emit a fundamental wave, a nonlinear crystal configured to convert a wavelength of the fundamental wave by being irradiated with the fundamental wave and making the fundamental wave pass therethrough, and a movement unit configured to place the nonlinear crystal thereon and continuously move the nonlinear crystal within a plane, where a phase matching condition is not violated, so that a passage path of the fundamental wave passing through the nonlinear crystal is changed.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2009Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignees: Megaopto Co., Ltd, Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, NEC CorporationInventors: Shinichi Imai, Yoshiharu Urata
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Patent number: 7961762Abstract: A white light-emitting lamp (1) includes a light-emitting portion (9) which is excited by light emitted from a semiconductor light-emitting element (2) to emit white light. The light-emitting portion (9) contains a blue phosphor, a yellow phosphor and a red phosphor. The yellow phosphor is composed of a europium and manganese-activated alkaline earth silicate phosphor having a composition expressed by (Sr1-x-y-z-u, Bax, Mgy, Euz, Mnu)2SiO4 (0.1?x?0.35, 0.025?y?0.105, 0.025?z?0.25, 0.0005?u?0.02).Type: GrantFiled: February 7, 2008Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignees: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba, Toshiba Materials Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tsutomu Ishii, Yasuhiro Shirakawa, Ryo Sakai, Yasumasa Ooya, Hajime Takeuchi
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Publication number: 20110134944Abstract: A time delay is introduced in the optical path of the light pulse at fundamental wavelength relative to that for the fourth harmonic light pulse in a set up for generating the 5th harmonic, to compensate for at least a portion of the time delay of the fourth harmonic relative to the fundamental wavelength caused by 4HG generation. In one embodiment, this is achieved by introducing a time delay of the fundamental relative to the second harmonic wavelength, such as preferably by means of a timing compensator in the optical paths of the second harmonic and the fundamental wavelength. Preferably, any further delay of the fourth harmonic relative to the fundamental wavelength caused by other optical components can also be compensated for in this manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 8, 2009Publication date: June 9, 2011Applicants: The Arizona Board of Regents on behalf of The University of Arizona, Lasertec CorporationInventors: Yushi Kaneda, Jun Sakuma
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Patent number: 7957434Abstract: Disclosed herein is a light emitting device with improved life characteristics. The light emitting device comprises a circuit board having a recess, a reflection plane and an excitation source disposed in the recess, an overmolding overlying the reflection plane and the excitation source, a surface-inducing film formed on the overmolding, and a light conversion layer overlying the surface-inducing film. Also disclosed herein is a method for fabricating the light emitting device.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eun Joo Jang, Shin Ae Jun, Hyo Sook Jang, Jung Eun Lim
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Patent number: 7953128Abstract: Structures and techniques are disclosed that enable efficient generation of terahertz (THz) radiation capable of surpassing the fundamental quantum limit, as defined by the Manley-Rowe relations. In one particular embodiment, a difference frequency mixing (DFM) crystal stage receives pump radiation and signal radiation, and generates THz radiation. Leftover signal radiation from the DFM stage is then used to pump an optical parametric oscillator (OPO) stage, which is used to generate another mixing signal and more THz radiation. The output signal and the residual pump from the OPO stage can then be used in a subsequent DFM process to generate even more terahertz radiation, and further drives a subsequent OPO stage. Such cascaded OPO, DFM, OPO staging can be repeated to maximize total amount of THz output power.Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2008Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.Inventors: Daniel Creeden, Peter A. Ketteridge
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Patent number: 7953129Abstract: A laser light source device 1, comprising M number of laser light sources, of which frequency is shifted from a fundamental frequency by (m?1)·a·??, a first laser light source section 2 and a first fiber amplifier section 4 for amplifying these laser lights, a first optical multiplexer 6 for approximately coaxially superimposing the laser lights emitted from the first fiber amplifier section 4 and emitting the laser lights, a first wavelength conversion device 9 for multiplying the frequency of the laser lights emitted from the first optical multiplexer 6 by A, M number of laser light sources, of which frequency is shifted from the fundamental frequency by (m?1)·b·??, a second laser light source section 3 and a second fiber amplifier section 5 for amplifying these laser lights, a second optical multiplexer 7 for approximately coaxially superimposing the laser lights emitted from the second fiber amplifier section 5 and emitting the laser lights, a second wavelength conversion device 10 for multiplying the freType: GrantFiled: December 3, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Nikon CorporationInventor: Hitoshi Kawai
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Publication number: 20110122899Abstract: A semiconductor laser includes a semiconductor laser element that emits electromagnetic radiation with at least one fundamental wavelength when in operation, an end mirror, a deflecting mirror reflective as a function of polarization located between the semiconductor laser element and the end mirror, and at least one optically nonlinear crystal configured for type II frequency conversion of the fundamental wavelength and which satisfies a ?/2 condition for the fundamental wavelength.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2009Publication date: May 26, 2011Applicant: OSRAM OPTO SEMICONDUCTORS GMBHInventors: Michael Kühnelt, Peter Brick, Stephan Lutgen
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Patent number: 7948673Abstract: An optical wavelength conversion element includes a cesium-lithium-borate crystal processed into a 10-mm long optical element cut in an orientation that allows a fourth harmonic of a Nd:YAG laser to be generated. A transmittance (Ta) at 3589 cm?1 in an infrared transmission spectrum of the optical element is used as an index that indicates a content of water impurities in the crystal and is independent of a polarization direction. An actual measurement of the transmittance Ta is at least 1%, without taking into account loss at an optically polished surface of the crystal. A wavelength conversion device, a ultraviolet laser irradiation apparatus, a laser processing system, and a method of manufacturing an optical wavelength conversion element are also described.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2008Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignees: Osaka University, Mitsubishi Electric CorporationInventors: Masashi Yoshimura, Takatomo Sasaki, Yusuke Mori, Muneyuki Nishioka, Tomotaka Katsura, Tetsuo Kojima, Junichi Nishimae
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Patent number: 7944958Abstract: A light emitting device including a waveguide having an electrically pumped gain region, a saturable absorber, a nonlinear crystal, an inclined mirror, and a light-concentrating structure. Light pulses emitted from the gain region are reflected by the inclined mirror and focused by the light-concentrating structure into the nonlinear crystal in order to generate frequency-converted light pulses. The gain region, the saturable absorber, the light-concentrating structure and the inclined mirror are implemented on or in a common substrate. The resulting structure is stable and compact, and allows on-wafer testing of produced emitters. The folded structure allows easy alignment of the nonlinear crystal.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 2008Date of Patent: May 17, 2011Assignee: EpiCrystals OyInventors: Janne Konttinen, Pietari Tuomisto, Tomi Jouhti
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Publication number: 20110103413Abstract: The present application discloses various embodiments and methods of producing a quasi-CW UV laser system having the pulse duration and bandwidth to optimize harmonic conversion while producing a UV output configured to satisfy the constraints imposed by the optical system in optical communication therewith. More specifically, in one embodiment the present application discloses a method of optimizing at least one characteristic of the output of a laser system and includes providing a laser system having at least one spectral modification element in optical communication therewith, determining at least one optical characteristic of the output of the laser system for a given application, selecting the bandwidth of the output of the laser system to provide the determined characteristic, and adjusting the spectral modification element to provide the selected bandwidth.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 18, 2008Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: Newport CorporationInventors: James D. Kafka, David E. Spence
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Patent number: 7936800Abstract: A light source device includes a plurality of light emission sections disposed in parallel with an interval, wherein the interval for the light emission sections near each end portion in an array of the light emission sections is narrower than the interval near a center portion in the array.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2008Date of Patent: May 3, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Masatoshi Yonekubo
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Patent number: 7929583Abstract: A system and method for optical frequency conversion having asymmetric output include a coherent light apparatus. The coherent light apparatus includes a coherent light source that produces a first coherent light, a frequency converter optically coupled to the coherent light source, and a coupling optic optically coupled between the coherent light source and the frequency converter. The frequency converter converts the first coherent light to a second coherent light at a second frequency and includes an asymmetric frequency converter (AFC) that nonlinearly converts the first coherent light to the second coherent light with the frequency conversion being more efficient in a first direction than in a second direction. A resonant cavity formed about the AFC circulates the first coherent light and transmits the second coherent light propagating in the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventor: Gregory A. Magel
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Patent number: 7920766Abstract: An optical frequency converter that uses a nonlinear optical process to transfer energy between a surface-plasmon (SP) wave that is guided along an electrically conducting strip and a light beam that is guided along an optical waveguide whose core is adjacent to the electrically conducting strip. The optical frequency converter has a periodic structure that spatially modulates the nonlinear susceptibility of the waveguide core with a spatial period that is related to a momentum mismatch in the nonlinear optical process. The spatial modulation provides quasi-phase matching for the SP wave and the light beam and enables efficient energy transfer between them.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Alcatel-Lucent USA Inc.Inventors: Girsh Blumberg, Aref Chowdhury
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Patent number: 7920606Abstract: Fundamental-wavelength pulses from a fiber a laser are divided into two portions and the two portions are separately amplified. One of the amplified fundamental-wavelength pulse-portions is frequency-doubled. The frequency doubled portion is sum-frequency mixed with the other amplified fundamental wavelength pulse-portions to provide third-harmonic radiation pulses.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Andrei Starodoumov, Norman Hodgson, Dmitri Simanovski, R. Russel Austin
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Patent number: 7920607Abstract: A wavelength conversion apparatus capable of keeping high wavelength conversion efficiency for a longer time than ever before is provided. A wavelength conversion apparatus includes: a wavelength conversion section including a nonlinear optical crystal, and performing wavelength conversion of incident laser light by allowing the incident laser light to pass through the nonlinear optical crystal; and a relative position control section, when wavelength conversion is performed by the wavelength conversion section, relatively displacing the incident position of the incident laser light in an incident plane into which the incident laser light enters of the nonlinear optical crystal in a direction including a projection direction component of a +C axis to the incident plane in the nonlinear optical crystal or a direction orthogonal to the projection direction component.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2009Date of Patent: April 5, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Ryo Furutachi, Tetsuro Kuwayama, Hisashi Masuda
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Patent number: 7916383Abstract: A wavelength conversion device includes a supporting body, a wavelength conversion substrate of a Z-plate of a ferroelectric single crystal with a periodic domain inversion structure formed therein and having a thickness “T” of 10 ?m or more and 100 ?m or less, a buffer layer provided on a bottom face of the wavelength conversion substrate, and an organic resin adhesive layer adhering the supporting body and buffer layer with a thickness of 0.6 ?m or more and 2.0 ?m or less.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: March 29, 2011Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Yoshino
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Patent number: 7912101Abstract: A method is provided for controlling second harmonic efficiency of laser beam interactions. A laser system generates two laser beams (e.g., a laser beam with two polarizations) for incidence on a nonlinear crystal having a preferred direction of propagation. Prior to incidence on the crystal, the beams are optically processed based on the crystal's beam separation characteristics to thereby control a position in the crystal along the preferred direction of propagation at which the beams interact.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Norman P. Barnes, Brian M. Walsh, Donald J. Reichle
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Patent number: 7912102Abstract: Fundamental laser light having a wavelength of 1,064 nm, for example, is generated by a solid-state laser medium. The fundamental laser light is reflected by a flat mirror and amplified again passing through a Q-switch, a solid-state laser medium, a Q-switch, a Q-switch, a solid-state laser medium, and a Q-switch. The fundamental laser light furthermore reflects from a flat mirror, passes through a flat mirror for second-harmonic resonance, passes through a lens, then reflects from a flat mirror for laser light separation, and enters a nonlinear optical crystal for the third harmonic and a nonlinear optical crystal for the second harmonic. A solid-state laser generator can thereby be obtained in which second-harmonic laser light obtained in an intermediate stage can be used with good efficiency and be converted, for example, to third-harmonic laser light and higher-harmonic laser light with higher efficiency and higher output.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Omron Laserfront, Inc.Inventors: Hiroyuki Morita, Keiko Morita, legal representative
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Patent number: 7911683Abstract: A harmonic wave oscillating system includes a solid-state laser oscillator, a converting waveguide converting a wavelength of a laser light oscillated from the solid-state laser oscillator to oscillate a harmonic wave, an incident-side end face of the laser light, an emitting-side end face of the harmonic wave, a first side face and a second side face. The emitting-side end face includes a polished surface 6 formed on the side of the first side face 1a and a light scattering surface formed on the side of the second side face 1b. The first side face 1a and polished surface 6 are intersected at an obtuse angle ?, and the second side face 1b and light scattering surface 5 are intersected at an obtuse or right angle ?.Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Yoshino
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Patent number: 7911682Abstract: A nonlinear optical crystal having a chemical formula of YiLajAlkB16O48, where 2.8?i?3.2, 0.8?j?1.2, i and j sum to about four, and k is about 12 is provided. The nonlinear optical crystal is useful for nonlinear optical applications including frequency conversion. Nonlinear optical crystals in a specific embodiment are characterized by UV blocking materials (e.g., some transition metals and lanthanides) at concentrations of less than 1,000 parts per million, providing high transmittance over portions of the UV spectrum (e.g., 175-360 nm).Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2009Date of Patent: March 22, 2011Assignee: Deep Photonics CorporationInventor: Theodore Alekel
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Patent number: 7907653Abstract: In the surface emitting laser, low threshold electric current and high-power output are achieved while maintaining single mode characteristics. The surface emitting laser comprises a layered structure formed on a GaAs substrate 10 is comprised of: a semiconductor lower DBR mirror 12, a cladding layer 14, a n-type contact layer 16, an active layer 18, an electric current constricting layer 20, a p-type cladding layer 22, a p-type contact layer 24, a phase adjusting layer 36 and a dielectric upper DBR mirror 28. The surface emitting laser should be formed such that the diameter X (?m) of the opening diameter of the previously mentioned electric current constricting layer 20 and diameter Y (?m) of the phase adjusting layer satisfy the following relation: X+1.9??Y?X+5.0? (wherein ? indicates oscillation wavelength (?m) of the surface emitting laser).Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2009Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Norihiro Iwai, Keishi Takaki, Suguru Imai
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Patent number: 7907656Abstract: A harmonic frequency conversion module is disclosed including a polarization maintaining (PM) fiber optical link for providing an output stabilized from power fluctuation by the inclusion of one or more polarizers in the PM fiber optical link. Removing polarization distortions removes noise which has a significant negative effect on the output of harmonic frequency conversion elements. It has been found that the noise in frequency converted light has additional components, caused by mode interaction during conversion. In accordance with the present invention, we are able to remove the spikes in this noise, making it more stable and less dependent on external conditions. If the PM optical fiber route consists of multiple elements creating polarization distortions, a polarizer should be inserted between the most distorting element and the output of the fiber system. If many elements contribute to polarization distortions, several polarizers can be inserted into the system.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2007Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: JDS Uniphase CorporationInventors: Boris Kharlamov, Vincent Issier, Andy Miller
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Patent number: 7907647Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical element for converting light of prescribed wavelength emitted from a light source into light of wavelength different from the prescribed wavelength for outputting. A first crystal part (20) and a second crystal part (21) having respective surfaces opposed to each other whose coefficients of linear expansion are different by 5 ppm or more are optically polished so that the surfaces opposed to each other include crystallographic axes. An acrylic adhesive whose glass transition point is 75° C. or lower is applied to the adhesive surface of the first crystal part (20) or the second crystal part (21) to stick the first crystal part (20) and the second crystal part (21) to each other. The adhesive is irradiated with light to cure the adhesive and form an adhesive layer (22) having a refractive index of 1.52 or lower. Then, the first crystal part and the second crystal part stuck to each other are cut into a desired size to form the optical element.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Koichiro Kezuka, Hiroto Sasaki
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Patent number: 7903706Abstract: Various embodiments of a multi-laser system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the multi-laser system includes a plurality of lasers, a plurality of laser beams, a beam positioning system, beam focusing optics, a thermally stable enclosure and a temperature controller. The thermally stable enclosure is configured to thermally and mechanically couple to a flow cell. The thermally stable enclosure substantially comprises a material with high thermal conductivity. The thermally stable enclosure can have a relatively small volume.Type: GrantFiled: April 3, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Inventors: John O'Shaughnessy, David E. Hargis, Steven Lee Miller, Mark Lin
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Patent number: 7903701Abstract: Lasers configured for intracavity harmonic generation of second and higher order harmonic laser beam energy include mode-matching optics, such as a curved mirror, for recycling an unused portion of an intermediate harmonic laser beam energy (e.g., second harmonic laser beam energy) to improve higher order harmonic laser beam energy generation efficiency (e.g., third or higher order harmonic laser beam energy generation efficiency) without sacrificing beam quality of the higher order harmonic laser beam energy. The curved mirror may be positioned out of a resonant laser cavity of the laser. A radius of curvature and a position of the curved mirror are selected so that a beam radius and a beam divergence of the recycled second harmonic laser beam energy are essentially the same as a beam radius and a beam divergence of incoming second harmonic laser beam energy everywhere along a beam path of the incoming second harmonic laser beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 27, 2009Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Electro Scientific Industries, Inc.Inventors: Fuzheng Zhou, Jufen Hua, legal representative, Haiwen Wang, Chung-Po Huang
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Patent number: 7903325Abstract: Since the absorption of a fundamental wave by a fiber increases if it is tried to obtain a wavelength conversion light of watt-class high output, the fiber length needs to be shortened. However, since oscillation efficiency conversely decreases if the fiber length is shortened, it is difficult to obtain a high-output fundamental wave. Thus, by reflecting an excitation light incident on the fiber in the fiber, the excitation light is efficiently absorbed to amplify the fundamental wave with a high gain. Further, by shortening the fiber length, the absorption of the fundamental wave is also reduced to improve a fundamental wave output. Consequently, a wavelength converter capable of ensuring a stable high output up to watt-class is achieved.Type: GrantFiled: February 2, 2007Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Furuya, Kiminori Mizuuchi, Kazuhisa Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7898730Abstract: Apparatus and methods for second harmonic generation with a waveguide. In one embodiment, a method includes the steps of providing a waveguide, wherein the waveguide has a substrate, and a polydomain epitaxial thin film on the substrate, wherein the polydomain epitaxial thin film defines a plane and has a first surface and a second, opposite surface defining a body portion of the polydomain epitaxial thin film therebetween with a film thickness, l, and wherein the polydomain epitaxial thin film has a coherence length, lc, and exposing the waveguide to an incident photon beam with a wavelength and a focal point such that the incident photon beam is incident to the plane of the polydomain epitaxial thin film with an angle ? that is formed between the incident beam and the plane of the polydomain epitaxial thin film and satisfies the condition of 0<?<90, wherein the polydomain epitaxial thin film is formed with the following condition satisfied: l<lc.Type: GrantFiled: September 17, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Northwestern UniversityInventors: Bruce W. Wessels, Pao T. Lin
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Patent number: 7899094Abstract: A laser light source device includes: a light source; an external resonator; a wavelength conversion element converting the wavelength of part of incident light having the first wavelength into the second wavelength which is different from the first wavelength; and an optical-path conversion element causing the light that has been converted into light of the second wavelength in the process of traveling to the light source due to reflection from the external resonator to be separated into a second optical-path different from the first optical-path, and emitting a second laser light of the second wavelength. In the laser light source device, and the height of the wavelength conversion element is greater than a distance between an optical-axis of the first laser light on an end face of the wavelength conversion element which is close to the external resonator and an optical-axis of the second laser light.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2009Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Shunji Kamijima, Keiko Kumagai
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Patent number: 7898731Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems, and apparatus of improved fiber-based optical parametric oscillators (FOPOs). These oscillators can be used in the creation of short pulsed laser radiation, which are useful in numerous applications, such as characterization of materials and molecules. A relationship between fiber length and performance is realized, where shorter lengths counterintuitively provide greater power and width of output bands. This relationship is used to develop improved FOPOs. For example, fibers of 10 cm or less may be used to obtain superior performance in terms of wavelength tunability (e.g. bandwidth of 200 nm and greater) and output power (e.g. pulse power of 1 nJ). Other realized relationships between length and wavelength position of output bands are also used to select the wavelength range output from the FOPO. The diameter of the fiber may be selected to provide positioning (e.g. a centering) of the range of attainable output wavelengths.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Jay E. Sharping, Mark Foster, Alexander Gaeta
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Patent number: 7899105Abstract: Apparatus and methods of controlling a frequency-converted diode laser system are disclosed. The diode laser systems can include embodiments of thermally coupled elements facilitating temperature stabilization. Aspects of some methods include monitoring the output of a stabilized diode laser system to reduce noise of the output laser beam. Other aspects of some methods include adjusting the temperature of a frequency converter based on noise in the output beam, and/or the current provided to drive the diode laser. Systems incorporating such control aspects, and others, are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2006Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: CVI Laser, LLCInventors: David E. Hargis, Neil E. Vadnais, John O'Shaughnessy, Eric B. Takeuchi, Scott Paterson
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Patent number: 7899093Abstract: Methods, apparatus and systems for an up-converter resonant cavity light emitting diode device includes a semiconductor light source, an up-converter to form the light emitter with up-converting materials and an electrical source coupled with the semiconductor light source for providing electrical energy to the semiconductor light source to provide a desired wavelength emitted light. The semiconductor light source is a resonant cavity light emitting diode or laser that emits an approximately 975 nm wavelength to provide electrical and optical confinement to the semiconductor light source to form an up-converting resonant cavity light emitting diode (UC/RCLED). Rows and columns of electrodes provide active matrix addressing of plural sets of UC/RCLEDs for display devices.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2008Date of Patent: March 1, 2011Assignee: University of Central Florida Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Michael Bass, Dennis G. Deppe
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Publication number: 20110044359Abstract: An external cavity laser source is provided comprising an external laser cavity, a tunable distributed Bragg reflector (DBR), a DBR tuning element, an output reflector, a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA), a frequency-selective optical coupler/reflector, and a wavelength conversion device. The tunable DBR, the DBR tuning element, the SOA, and the output reflector are configured to generate a fundamental laser signal characterized by a fundamental bandwidth that is narrower than the QPM bandwidth of the wavelength conversion device and can be tuned to a fundamental center wavelength within the QPM bandwidth. The frequency-selective optical coupler/reflector is configured for substantially non-reflective two-way transmission of optical signals at the fundamental center wavelength and is further configured for substantially complete reflection of wavelength-converted optical signals generated by the wavelength conversion device.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 18, 2009Publication date: February 24, 2011Inventors: Douglas Llewellyn Butler, Martin Hai Hu, Anping Liu
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Patent number: 7894126Abstract: The invention relates to a broadband Terahertz (THz) radiation generation and detection system and method. THz radiation is generated by optical rectification of an ultrashort pump pulse of a first wavelength having a duration in the picosecond- or sub-picosecond range in a first nonlinear optical crystal. The THz radiation is detected by electro-optic sampling or another appropriate method of a probe beam having a second wavelength in a second nonlinear optical crystal. According to the invention, at least one of the following conditions is fulfilled: a) the first wavelength is different from the second wavelength; b) the material of the first nonlinear optical crystal is different from the material of the second nonlinear optical crystal.Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2007Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: ETH ZurichInventors: Peter Gunter, Arno Schneider
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Patent number: 7889422Abstract: A two-dimensional image display device using a Yb-doped clad pump fiber which is a rare-earth-doped fiber as a laser activation substance, whereby a peak of a fluorescence spectrum can be significantly increased as compared with a case of using an oxide crystal, and a variation width of an oscillation wavelength can be increased. Further, since the rare-earth-doped fiber is used as a fiber amplifier without providing laser mirrors at both ends thereof, control for a resonator length, which has been required in a conventional device (wherein an oxide crystal is used as a laser medium), is dispensed with, and thereby high-speed wavelength control is achieved, resulting in reduction in speckle noise when it is mounted on a two-dimensional image display device.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: February 15, 2011Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Furuya, Tetsuro Mizushima, Kiminori Mizuuchi, Kazuhisa Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7885298Abstract: A system for producing frequency converted light includes a first seed laser operable to provide a first laser signal and a second seed laser operable to provide a second laser signal. The system also includes an optical combiner optically coupled to the first seed laser and the second seed laser. The optical combiner is operative to combine the first laser signal and the second laser signal into a combined laser signal. The system further includes a power amplifier optically coupled to the optical combiner. An intensity of both the first laser signal and the second laser signal are increased by the power amplifier. The system additionally includes a harmonic converter optically coupled to the power amplifier.Type: GrantFiled: January 15, 2009Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Deep Photonics CorporationInventor: Michael J. Munroe
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Patent number: 7881566Abstract: An improved laser source for use in a distributed temperature sensing (DTS) system (and DTS systems employing the same) includes a laser device and drive circuitry that cooperate to emit an optical pulse train at a characteristic wavelength between 1050 nm and 1090 nm. An optical amplifier, which is operably coupled to the laser device, is adapted to amplify the optical pulse train for output over the optical fiber sensor of the DTS system. In the preferred embodiment, the laser device operates at 1064 nm and outputs the optical pulse train via an optical fiber pigtail that is integral to its housing. The optical power of the optical pulse train generated by the laser source is greater than 100 mW, and preferably greater than 1 W, at a preferred pulse repetition frequency range between 1 and 50 kHz, and at a preferred pulse width range between 2 and 100 ns.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Gareth P. Lees, Arthur H. Hartog, Peter C. Wait
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Patent number: 7881349Abstract: An optically pumped semiconductor-laser (OPS-laser) resonator includes an arrangement for delivering optical pump radiation on an OPS-chip to cause fundamental radiation to circulate in the resonator. The resonator includes second and third-harmonic generating crystals and is arranged deliver third-harmonic radiation. The resonator also includes a stop positioned and configured to stabilize the laser output. The pump radiation arrangement delivers the pump radiation at an angle to the resonator axis and includes wedged GRIN lens arranged such that the pump radiation forms a circular spot on the OPS chip. The third harmonic generating crystal acts as a polarizer for the fundamental radiation and angularly separates fundamental and third harmonic beams.Type: GrantFiled: January 29, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Coherent, Inc.Inventors: Christopher Ihli, Qi-Ze Shu, Andrea Caprara, Juan L. Chilla
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Publication number: 20110019704Abstract: A laser beam source device includes: a light source which emits light having fundamental wavelength; a wavelength conversion element which converts the light having fundamental wavelength into light having conversion wavelength; a resonance element which transmits first light converted into the conversion wavelength light and reflects light not converted; an optical path conversion element which releases second light contained in the light reflected by the resonance element and converted into the conversion wavelength light in the same direction as the direction of the first light, and releases the light not converted toward the light source; and a supporting member. The resonance element is disposed in such a position that one end surface of the resonance element on the second light side is shifted to the supporting member from one end surface of the wavelength conversion element on the second light side.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATIONInventor: Akira EGAWA
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Patent number: 7875146Abstract: It is provided a chip having a supporting substrate, a wavelength conversion layer, a base adhesive layer made of an organic resin, an upper-side substrate provided on an upper surface side of the wavelength conversion layer, and an upper-side adhesive layer made of an organic resin for adhering the wavelength conversion layer to the upper-side substrate. The wavelength conversion layer has an optical waveguide with a periodic domain inversion structure provided therein. The chip is heat treated. Anti-reflection films are formed on an incident side end face and projection side end face of the optical waveguide, respectively.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2009Date of Patent: January 25, 2011Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.Inventor: Takashi Yoshino
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Publication number: 20110013653Abstract: A radiation source that provides high order harmonic radiation (HHG radiation) in an UV or XUV wavelength range comprising a resonant cavity that guides laser light pulses that includes at least two cavity mirrors, a first non-linear medium that provides the HHG radiation by harmonic generation based on an interaction of the laser light pulses with the first non-linear medium, wherein the first non-linear medium is arranged in the resonant cavity in an environment of reduced pressure, and a second non-linear medium arranged in the resonant cavity and adapted for at least one of amplifying the laser light pulses and phase locking longitudinal modes of the laser light pulses in the resonant cavity.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2009Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicants: MAX-PLANCK-GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER WISSENSCHAFTEN E.V., LUDWIG-MAXIMILIANS-UNIVERSITAT MuenchenInventors: Ferenc Krausz, Jens Rauschenberger, Alexander Apolonskiy