Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An active mirror amplifier (AMA) laser module incorporating an optically transparent, rigid substrate having a plurality of cooling passages has one surface thereof disposed against a laser gain medium disk. The substrate also has a plurality of microchannels disposed near or at an outer surface thereof which is in contact with an outer surface of the disk. A cooling medium is circulated through the flow passages and the cooling microchannels to help keep the disk cool during use of the laser. This allows the laser module to operate at significantly increased power without overheating. In one preferred embodiment the disk is attached to the substrate using a pressure differential between a front surface of the disk and the pressure of the coolant. This eliminates attachment-induced thermal stresses of prior art designs and allows the laser to operate at increased power without fracturing the substrate. Pre-forming the laser medium to achieve a generally flat condition when lasing in an unrestrained condition is also disclosed, which also reduces thermal attachment stresses and allows the laser to operate at a higher power without fracturing the substrate. A preferred implementation of the laser module in constructing a power amplifier is also disclosed, as is the use of multiple optical pump sources and optical fibers for delivering the optical energy to the laser module.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim