Patent ID: 7978746
Filing Date: 2011-07-12
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
1. An unstable laser disk resonator for providing a near diffraction limited output laser signal, comprising: an optical cavity having an optical axis; end mirrors disposed at opposite ends of the optical axis, including a primary mirror and a feedback mirror, for providing unstable resonator oscillation of a laser signal propagating between them; and laser disks disposed jointly with associated reflecting mirrors, sequentially along the optical axis, the laser disks and reflecting mirrors each having a concave spherical mirror surface which in combination provide one or more 1:1 imaging systems between the feedback mirror and the primary mirror, each 1:1 imaging system providing full self imaging of each laser disk signal onto each adjoining laser disk, and at least one of the one or more 1:1 imaging systems comprises a first laser disk and a reflecting mirror that arc positioned to be substantially confocal.