Robert M Senn

US Patent:

53944208, Feb 28, 1995

Filed:

Jan 27, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/190347

Inventors:

Robert H. Senn - Anaheim CA
Loren E. Record - Redondo Beach CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

H01S 314

US Classification:

372 39

Abstract:

A multiform crystal 10 suitable for laser applications is described. The multiform crystal 10 comprises at least two single crystal segments 12 fused together with a joint 14 therebetween, the joint being substantially optically transparent to light propagating through the crystal 10. The multiform crystal 10 is formed by polishing two single crystal segments 12 to form at least one optically flat face on each segment. The polished faces are cleaned and contacted against one another to form a joint 14 between the crystal segments 12. Substantially all the oxygen in the joint 14 is removed. The joint 14 is maintained at a sufficiently high temperature and pressure to join the segments 12 together at the joint forming the substantially optically transparent joint 14. Mounting fixtures suitable for holding the crystal segments 12 firmly against one another in a furnace, without causing undesirable thermal expansive forces to be exerted on the segments 12, are also described. The temperature cycle used to fuse crystal segments can also be used to heat treat laser single crystals to remove substantially all the contaminants and lattice defects in the crystal, providing higher light amplification properties in the crystal.

US Patent:

55486061, Aug 20, 1996

Filed:

Oct 31, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/331984

Inventors:

Robert H. Senn - Anaheim CA
Loren E. Record - Redondo Beach CA

Assignee:

TRW Inc. - Redondo Beach CA

International Classification:

H01S 314

US Classification:

372 39

Abstract:

A multiform crystal 10 suitable for laser applications is described. The multiform crystal 10 comprises at least two single crystal segments 12 fused together with a joint 14 therebetween, the joint being substantially optically transparent to light propagating through the crystal 10. The multiform crystal 10 is formed by polishing two single crystal segments 12 to form at least one optically flat face on each segment. The polished faces are cleaned and contacted against one another to form a joint 14 between the crystal segments 12. Substantially all the oxygen in the joint 14 is removed. The joint 14 is maintained at a sufficiently high temperature and pressure to join the segments together at the joint forming the substantially optically transparent joint 14. Mounting fixtures suitable for holding the crystal segments 12 firmly against one another in a furnace, without causing undesirable thermal expansive forces to be exerted on the segments 12, are also described. The temperature cycle used to fuse crystal segments can also be used to heat treat laser single crystals to remove substantially all the contaminants and lattice defects in the crystal, providing higher light amplification properties in the crystal.