Christopher J Horvath

US Patent:

60815434, Jun 27, 2000

Filed:

May 14, 1998

Appl. No.:

9/079334

Inventors:

Xinbing Liu - Beaverton OR
Alan Braun - Paris, FR
Christopher Horvath - Irvine CA

Assignee:

The Regents of the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

H01S 308

US Classification:

372102

Abstract:

The invention provides a compact, combined stretcher-compressor assembly which utilizes a single grating element. The single grating element is preferably a holographic transmission grating element. The grating element has first and second surfaces which are opposed major surfaces with a thickness between the surfaces. The grating pattern is patterned in or on the grating element. The grating element is arranged in the assembly to receive a beam for stretching laser pulses in a stretcher beam path, and in the same arrangement, to receive a beam for compressing laser beam pulses in a compressor beam path. The stretcher and compressor beam paths pass through the single grating element. Respective reflecting means are arranged to provide a desired number of passes through the grating element by the stretcher beam path, and through the grating element by the compressor beam path.