Patent ID: 6144484
Filing Date: 2000-11-07
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A continuous wave laser amplifier, comprisinga pump source for emitting laser light at a pump wavelength .lambda..sub.p, a crystal placed in a laser cavity and configured to emit laser light at an output wavelength .lambda..sub.o, said laser light of said pump source being directed into the crystal,at least one optical element position to couple a laser seed beam along an input path into the crystal so that the crystal amplifies power of the laser seed beam into an amplified beam at said output wavelength .lambda..sub.p,an output coupler for coupling at least a portion of said amplified beam out of the cavity thereby removing energy, andwherein said crystal includes an end of non-lasing material forming a passive thermal reservoir to stabilize operation when output power is low, thereby preventing overheating and crystal damage.