Laser pumped by X-band microwaves

摘要

A laser device pumped by RF microwaves at frequencies in the range of 8 to 12 GHz (X-band). An optical cavity containing a lasing medium is located within an RF cavity resonant at a frequency in the X-band. X-band RF energy is supplied from an RF source to a waveguide. A coupling plate, forming a common wall between the waveguide and the RF cavity, couples the RF energy from the waveguide into the cavity to produce a standing wave pattern therein which excites the lasing medium. Various coupling plate designs are disclosed. In an alternative embodiment, a plurality of separate optical cavities containing separate lasing media are located within the RF cavity and are commonly excited by the microwave energy.