Patent ID: 8897332
Filing Date: 2014-11-25
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
1. A light amplification structure providing a preferred optical mode, comprising: a.) an optical cavity structure for providing preferred optical modes, the optical cavity structure comprising an annular reflector; b.) a gain region positioned within the cavity structure, the gain region positioned to provide optical energy to the optical mode; and, c.) pump sources positioned to pump the gain region, the pump sources positioned in a pattern selected for providing energy to the preferred optical modes, the preferred optical mode provided in accordance with a cycled characteristic of power provided to the pump sources, such that a first preferred optical mode is provided by means of a first cycled characteristic of the power, such that a second preferred optical mode is provided by means of a second cycled characteristic of the power, the first mode and the second mode characterized by a direction of propagation in the first mode spatially displaced from a direction of propagation in the second mode, the direction of propagation spatially displaced by means of a frequency difference between the first cycled characteristic and the second cycled characteristic; d.) out-coupling means disposed to couple radiation out of the gain region, wherein a level of out-coupled radiation is effectively switched by switching between the first mode and the second mode.