Patent ID: 7075958
Filing Date: 2006-07-11
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
1. A method of monitoring an optical output beam from a solid state laser transmitted through a waveguide, such method comprising the steps of: providing a planar substrate that divides the optical output beam into a first portion and a second portion, said substrate defined by opposing planar surfaces and a substrate edge that together define a substrate volume that is transparent to the optical beam from the solid state laser; disposing the waveguide on a first side of the opposing planar surfaces of the planar substrate; disposing the solid state laser on a second side of the opposing planar surfaces of the planar substrate, such that the optical beam from the solid state laser enters the planar substrate through the second side of the planar substrate, the first portion of the optical beam travels directly through the planar substrate substantially orthogonal to the opposing planar surfaces and enters the waveguide by passing through the first side of the planar substrate and the second portion of the optical beam is reflected between the opposing planar surfaces of the planar substrate and passes out of the substrate through the substrate edge; and disposing an optical detector proximate the edge of the planar substrate to detect the second portion of the optical beam.