Patent ID: 8917748
Filing Date: 2014-12-23
Classification: H01S,H04B

Abstract:
1. A modulated laser comprising: an optical resonator for light to circulate within; a gain medium housed within the optical resonator in the path of the circulating light; a pump for delivering excitation energy to the gain medium above a laser threshold of the optical resonator to bring the circulating light into coherent oscillation; and an output coupler included in the optical resonator in the path of the circulating light, the output coupler responsive to a control signal to selectively allow a fraction of the circulating light to exit the optical resonator as a modulated optical signal, the output coupler having an input port to receive the circulating light into the output coupler, an output-coupled port to emit the modulated optical signal, and a through port complementary to the output-coupled port to retain unemitted light within the optical resonator.