Importance

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Abstract

As will be described in more detail hereinafter, an intracavity doubled single longitudinal mode laser is disclosed which provides stable (i.e., low amplitude variation in its output beam intensity), efficient operation in conjunction with a highly advantageous decoupled alignment configuration. An associated method is also disclosed. A lasant material is positioned in the light path of the laser for producing light at a desired fundamental wavelength and possibly other, unwanted wavelengths. Polarizing means is also positioned in the light path for polarizing the desired fundamental wavelength and the unwanted wavelengths of light. In addition to the polarizing means, birefringent means is positioned in the light path on one side of the polarizing means for selectively subjecting the unwanted wavelengths to losses in cooperation with the polarizing means such that the unwanted wavelengths are extinguished while the desired fundamental wavelength is subjected to a level of loss above a lasing threshold so that the desired fundamental wavelength lases. A type I doubling material is adjustably arranged in the light path for producing the doubled frequency light at twice the frequency of the desired fundamental frequency passing therethrough and for adjustment of phase matching which establishes an efficiency at which the doubled light frequency is produced. The birefringent means and the type I doubling material are arranged on opposite sides of the polarizing means along the light path so as to substantially decouple wavelength selection performed by adjusting the birefringent means from the phase matching adjustment performed by adjusting the type I doubling material.

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First Claim