Patent ID: 6018533
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: G02B,H01S

Abstract:
An enhanced power waveguide laser operating at a preselected wavelength comprising:an active multimode optical waveguide having a compound core of an active medium and a cladding of lower index;said compound core having a width and a refractive index profile;said compound core having a preselected dip of its refractive index profile in a central region of known width in said core such that a higher order mode propagating in said waveguide has a sharp peak of its energy field in said central region of said compound core with a major portion of said energy of said higher order mode confined to said central region of said core;said active medium being capable of being pumped by an external power source;a means of providing feedback conditions for higher order modes within said waveguide such that only one single transverse higher order mode having a sharp peak of its energy field in said central region of said core and having said preselected wavelength is generated and amplified;wherein said refractive index profile of said compound core is designed to propagate said one transverse higher order mode, and said refractive index profile of said compound core has a step index profile with said central dip; andwherein said laser has a Q-factor.