Thermally controlled lenses for lasers

U.S. Patent Number: 5386427

Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling the propagation path of a light beam are disclosed. A lens material having a temperature-dependent index of refraction is positioned in the path of the light beam. A heat source is disposed on one face of the lens material and a heat sink is disposed on the opposite face. A controller regulates the distribution of heat to the heat source and the extraction of heat from the heat sink so that a temperature gradient is formed within the lens material. The temperature gradient creates a refractive-index gradient in the lens material, causing a thermal lensing effect. The device may be used in a laser cavity for controlling laser-beam divergence caused by pump-induced thermal lensing in the gain medium.

Inventors: Zayhowski; John J. (Pepperell, MA)

Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA)

Application Number: 08/195,361

Issued: 1995-01-31

Expired: 2007-01-31

Classes: 372/34 ; 372/101; 372/108; 372/36; 372/38.06; 372/99

Field of search: 372/34,36,29,99,108,101,92,105

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