Daniel R Hall

US Patent:

7495848, Feb 24, 2009

Filed:

Jul 24, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/626291

Inventors:

Daniel F. Hall - Torrance CA, US
Jason K. Miura - Lomita CA, US
James M. Zamel - St. Charles MO, US

Assignee:

Northrop Grumman Corporation - Los Angeles CA

International Classification:

G02B 7/02

US Classification:

359819, 359811, 359812

Abstract:

An optical bench is cast from a single piece of material and provided with a number of optical component supports which extend upwardly from a base. The optical component supports are integral with the base , increasing their rigidity. The bench may be cast with additional material in strategic areas to allow for future optimization of the bench —for example, the mounting of specific optical components throughout the bench. Further, the bench may be provided with regions , and of varying rigidity by placing support struts closer together in areas where greater rigidity is required. Apertures may be provided in the bench to enable the routing of conduits through the bench.

US Patent:

58810889, Mar 9, 1999

Filed:

Jan 8, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/780246

Inventors:

James M. Zamel - Hermosa Beach CA
Daniel F. Hall - Torrance CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

H01S 308

US Classification:

372 92

Abstract:

An optic cell 20 for use in the cavity of a high-power laser comprises an optic housing 22 which defines a first laser beam aperture 26. An optic element 32 such as a mirror or lens is disposed within the optic housing. A first indium layer 30 is between and in abutting contact with the optic housing and the optic element. An optic cover 40 defines a second laser beam aperture 46 therethrough substantially in alignment with the first laser beam aperture to form a window 47 of the optic element through which a laser beam passes. A second indium layer 48 is between and in abutting contact with the optic element and the optic cover. The optic housing and the optic cover are typically formed of aluminum or copper to passively cool the optic element. The first and second laser beam apertures are configured to minimize the heat transfer distance between the optic element and the optic housing and optic cover, and to allow the laser beam to pass through the optic element without striking metal portions of the optic cell. An optic cell mount 61 removably clamps the optic cell in the laser cavity, and includes cooling elements 56, 76 for cooling the optic cell to control the optic element temperature.