Ka Leung Wong

US Patent:

6344921, Feb 5, 2002

Filed:

Feb 22, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/253949

Inventors:

Almantas Galvanauskas - Ann Arbor MI 48105
Donald J. Harter - Ann Arbor MI 48105
Ka K. Wong - Ann Arbor MI 48105
Martin E. Fermann - Ann Arbor MI 48105

International Classification:

G02F 1365

US Classification:

359332, 359328, 359330, 359333

Abstract:

A high gain optical parametric amplifier is implemented in a LiNbO waveguide fabricated by a combination of periodic electric field poling and proton exchange techniques. The device is capable of amplification in the whole transmission window of silica optical fibers with gains up to 90 dB. The high nonlinearity and resultant high gain of the waveguide-amplifier permits the use of essentially standard power (milliwatt to 10 watt) fiber laser pump sources.

US Patent:

6549547, Apr 15, 2003

Filed:

Sep 21, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/956920

Inventors:

Almantas Galvanauskas - Ann Arbor MI
Ka K. Wong - Ann Arbor MI
Donald J. Harter - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Imra America, Inc. - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G02B 635

US Classification:

372 25, 372 30

Abstract:

A multiple-wavelength ultrashort-pulse laser system includes a laser generator producing ultrashort pulses at a fixed wavelength, and at least one and preferably a plurality of wavelength-conversion channels. Preferably, a fiber laser system is used for generating single-wavelength, ultrashort pulses. An optical split switch matrix directs the pulses from the laser generator into at least one of the wavelength conversion channels. An optical combining switch matrix is disposed downstream of the wavelength-conversion channels and combines outputs from separate wavelength-conversion channels into a single output channel. Preferably, waveguides formed in a ferroelectric substrate by titanium indiffusion (TI) and/or proton exchange (PE) form the wavelength-conversion channels and the splitting and combining matrices. Use of the waveguide allows efficient optical parametric generation to occur in the wavelength-conversion channels at pulse energies achievable with a mode-locked laser source. The multiple-wavelength laser system can replace a plurality of different, single-wavelength laser systems.

US Patent:

63340119, Dec 25, 2001

Filed:

May 26, 2000

Appl. No.:

9/578490

Inventors:

Almantas Galvanauskas - Ann Arbor MI
Ka K. Wong - Ann Arbor MI
Donald J. Harter - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

IMRA America, Inc. - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G02B 635
G02F 1365

US Classification:

385 22

Abstract:

A multiple-wavelength ultrashort-pulse laser system includes a laser generator producing ultrashort pulses at a fixed wavelength, and at least one and preferably a plurality of wavelength-conversion channels. Preferably, a fiber laser system is used for generating single-wavelength, ultrashort pulses. An optical split switch matrix directs the pulses from the laser generator into at least one of the wavelength conversion channels. An optical combining switch matrix is disposed downstream of the wavelength-conversion channels and combines outputs from separate wavelength-conversion channels into a single output channel. Preferably, waveguides formed in a ferroelectric substrate by titanium indiffusion (TI) and/or proton exchange (PE) form the wavelength-conversion channels and the splitting and combining matrices. Use of the waveguide allows efficient optical parametric generation to occur in the wavelength-conversion channels at pulse energies achievable with a mode-locked laser source. The multiple-wavelength laser system can replace a plurality of different, single-wavelength laser systems.

US Patent:

61543101, Nov 28, 2000

Filed:

Nov 21, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/975679

Inventors:

Almantas Galvanauskas - Ann Arbor MI
Ka K. Wong - Ann Arbor MI
Donald J. Harter - Ann Arbor MI

Assignee:

Imra America, Inc. - Ann Arbor MI

International Classification:

G02F 137

US Classification:

359328

Abstract:

A multiple-wavelength ultrashort-pulse laser system includes a laser generator producing ultrashort pulses at a fixed wavelength, and at least one and preferably a plurality of wavelength-conversion channels. Preferably, a fiber laser system is used for generating single-wavelength, ultrashort pulses. An optical split switch matrix directs the pulses from the laser generator into at least one of the wavelength conversion channels. An optical combining switch matrix is disposed downstream of the wavelength-conversion channels and combines outputs from separate wavelength-conversion channels into a single output channel. Preferably, waveguides formed in a ferroelectric substrate by titanium indiffusion (TI) and/or proton exchange (PE) form the wavelength-conversion channels and the splitting and combining matrices. Use of the waveguide allows efficient optical parametric generation to occur in the wavelength-conversion channels at pulse energies achievable with a mode-locked laser source. The multiple-wavelength laser system can replace a plurality of different, single-wavelength laser systems.