초록 ▼

A transverse pumping system for a laser rod uses symmetrically arranged banks of laser diodes which create overlapping patterns of illumination inside the rod. Cooling is provided by a symmetrically constructed circulation system which directs a turbulent flow of cooling water against the laser rod

A transverse pumping system for a laser rod uses symmetrically arranged banks of laser diodes which create overlapping patterns of illumination inside the rod. Cooling is provided by a symmetrically constructed circulation system which directs a turbulent flow of cooling water against the laser rod and against a heat sink for the diode banks. Cooling water for the laser rod flows through a glass tube surrounding the rod. This enables the cooling water to perform an auxiliary function in focussing the illumination generated by the pumping diodes.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for pumping a cylindrical laser rod extending along a rod axis for a rod length at a constant rod diameter, said apparatus comprising:(a) a hollow, transparent tube extending along a tube axis for a tube length approximately equal to said rod length, said tube h

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] Apparatus for pumping a cylindrical laser rod extending along a rod axis for a rod length at a constant rod diameter, said apparatus comprising:(a) a hollow, transparent tube extending along a tube axis for a tube length approximately equal to said rod length, said tube having an inside diameter slightly larger than said rod diameter and an outside diameter slightly larger than said inside diameter;(b) Support means for supporting said laser rod inside said tube such that said tube axis is coincident with said rod axis, thereby defining an uniform crossection annular passage between said laser rod and said tube;(c) a multiplicity of laser diodes directed toward said laser rod and arranged closely adjacent said tube in a plurality of symmetrically positioned banks extending parallel to said tube axis and said rod axis;(d) means for applying electrical power to said laser diodes, so that said laser diodes generate beams of illumination which pass through said tube and said annular passage for side pumping said laser rod; and(e) circulation means for cooling said laser rod by circulating a flow of a cooling fluid through said annular passage.