Kenneth E Sample

US Patent:

47409886, Apr 26, 1988

Filed:

Nov 12, 1986

Appl. No.:

6/929497

Inventors:

Robert G. Knollenberg - Boulder CO
Ramin Lalezari - Denver CO
Kenneth R. Sample - Longmont CO

Assignee:

Particle Measuring Systems, Inc. - Boulder CO

International Classification:

H01S 303

US Classification:

372 99

Abstract:

A laser device is disclosed having mirror heating to enhance performance of the device by minimizing induced light absorption to thereby improve mirror quality. The mirrors of a laser device are commonly made of a substrate having a coating thereon formed by alternating layers of high and low refractive index materials, normally classified as refractory oxide materials, which materials are susceptible to formation therein of color centers, such as formation of F-centers when exposed to ultraviolet light, which color centers reduce mirror quality due to induced light absorption losses. By heating the mirror, the F-centers are substantially eliminated to thereby improve mirror quality and enhance the longevity of the laser device.