Patent ID: 6327281
Filing Date: 2001-12-04
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A laser for generating a Nth(N>2) harmonic beam comprising:a laser fundamental beam resonator cavity formed between a first fundamental beam reflective surface and a second fundamental beam reflective surface;a laser medium located between said first and second fundamental beam reflective surfaces for generating a fundamental beam;said laser fundamental beam cavity having a fundamental beam optical axis;a 2nd or 3rd harmonic beam cavity at least partially separate from said laser fundamental beam cavity and at least partially overlapping said laser fundamental beam cavity;said harmonic cavity formed between a first harmonic beam reflective surface and a second harmonic beam reflective surface;said harmonic cavity having a harmonic optical axis;a 2nd or 3rd harmonic nonlinear generator located in said harmonic cavity along said harmonic optical axis for converting at least a portion of said fundamental beam to a 2nd or 3rd harmonic beam;means to direct said fundamental beam into said harmonic cavity along said harmonic optical axis for incidenting on said 2nd or 3rd harmonic generator;a beam separator to remove unconverted fundamental beam from said harmonic cavity;means to direct said separated fundamental beam across said laser medium for amplification;a Nth (N>2) harmonic generator in optical communication with said 2nd or 3rd harmonic generator for conversion of said 2nd or 3rd harmonic beam to a Nth (N>2) harmonic beam;2nd or 3rd harmonic beam directing means to direct said 2nd or 3rd harmonic beam across said Nth(N>2) harmonic nonlinear crystal, to form a Nth(N>2) harmonic beam.