Patent ID: 6295160
Filing Date: 2001-09-25
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
An optical parametric oscillator for converting wavelength of a laser pump beam into a signal beam and an idler beam, said oscillator comprising:A) a resonance cavity defined by:1) a knife edge right angle prism defining a right angle knife edge and configured to serve as a maximum reflector for said idler beam, said signal beam and said pump beam, and2) an output coupler;B) at least one non-linear crystal positioned within said resonance cavity;C) a pump beam deflector positioned to deflect the pump beam into the resonance cavity, through said at least one non-linear crystal and in a direction toward said right angle knife edge;wherein said pump beam is deflected into said resonance cavity, passes through said at least one non-linear crystal along a path defining a first path and a first direction, is retro-reflected by said right angle prism, passing a second time, along said first path in a second direction opposite said first direction, through said at least one non-linear crystal, and is converted at least partially into said signal and idler beams on both passes through said at least one non-linear crystal.