Frequency stabilized solid state laser includes window of transparent and thermally conductive material to cool optically pumped material

摘要

The solid state laser (10) comprises a cavity (102) which is defined by an entry mirror (103) and an exit mirror (104). A window (105) lies is in contact with the entry mirror, and is made from a material with a thermal conductivity which is greater than that of the active element (101). This facilitates dissipation of the thermal energy produced in the active material during pumping. The solid state laser (10) comprises a cavity (102) which is defined by an entry mirror (103) and an exit mirror (104). Inside the cavity is an element of active material (101) for optical pumping. The entry mirror (103) is arranged on one of the faces (101a) of the active material and forms a cavity between two planes, in conjunction with the exit mirror (104). A system is provided for cooling the solid state laser, in order to ensure that the cavity remains stable. This is provided by a window (105) which is in contact with the entry mirror, made from a material which is transparent to the wavelength of the pump signal, with a thermal conductivity which is greater than that of the active element (101). This facilitates dissipation of the thermal energy produced in the active material during pumping. The window may be made of sapphire or AIN.