Method and apparatus for optically aligning a laser cavity
Patent 4831632 Issued on May 16, 1989. Estimated Expiration Date: 
June 25, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
June 25, 2007. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3906394 Ring laser, especially for a ring laser type of gyro Path length controller for ring laser gyroscope Patent #: 4691323 InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 07/066370 filed on 06/25/1987US Classes:372/107, Mirror support or alignment structure356/469Cavity mirror detailsExaminersPrimary: Davie, James W.Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesH01S 3/086 (20060101)G01C 19/66 (20060101) G01C 19/64 (20060101) Foreign Application Priority Data1986-06-27 GBAbstractA method and apparatus for aligning the mirrors of a laser cavity while the cavity is lasing. The orientation of the reflecting surface of the mirror in a laser cavity is modified by deforming the rear surface of the mirror in order to achieve a desired orientation of the reflecting surface and maintaining the reflecting surface in the desired orientation. In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, the mirror is maintained in a desired orientation with a cavity alignment spring. More particularly, a spring is attached to a projection on the rear surface of the mirror and is adapted to apply a predetermined deflection to the projection. Thus, the spring engages and applies a mechanical force to a flexible member on which the reflecting surface is provided from outside the cavity in order to distort and maintain distorted the reflecting surface to a position which enables the proper laser operation. | |
