SECTION I - CLASS DEFINITION
This is a restricted class for coherent light generator systems
wherein an assembly of electrical, mechanical, and optical components
produces an intense, coherent, directional beam of light by stimulating
electronic, ionic, or molecular transitions to lower energy levels.
The generators of this system consists of (a) a medium which
may be solid, liquid or gaseous, comprising a system of particles,
molecules, or atoms; (b) means including a source of energy for
setting the particles, molecules, or atoms into an excited energy
state; and (c) means to abstract electromagnetic wave energy produced
by the relaxation of the system of particles, molecules, or atoms
to a lower energy state. The means to abstract electromagnetic
wave energy provides for escape from said substance of substantially
coherent electromagnetic radiation in the optical or Quasi-optical wavelength
range. In general, the wavelength of the emitted radiation lies
in the range from the ultraviolet to the far infrared of the electromagnetic
spectrum, corresponding to a wavelength range extending from 100
to 2,000,000 angstroms.
The generators of these systems when combined with other diverse
systems or devices will be classified with the diverse system or
device.
SECTION II - REFERENCES TO OTHER CLASSES
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 128, | Surgery, appropriate subclasses for lasers used in surgery. |
| 204, | Chemistry: Electrical and Wave Energy, in particular
subclasses 157.41 and 157.61 for the use of lasers in a reaction. |
| 219, | Electric Heating,
subclass 121.6 for lasers use in electric arc heating. |
| 250, | Radiant Energy,
subclasses 423+ for lasers used to generate ions; subclasses 281+ for lasers
used in ionic separation systems; and subclass 493.1 for other radiant
energy generators. |
| 252, | Compositions,
subclasses 301.16+ , 301.36, and 301.4+ for compositions used
as the active medium in lasers; and subclasses 372+ for
gas compositions used as the active medium in lasers. |
| 257, | Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors, Solid-State
Diodes),
subclasses 13 , 79 through 103 and 918, for incoherent light emitting injection
luminescent devices, and subclasses 80 through 85 for incoherent
semiconductor light emitting sources combined with semiconductor
light responsive devices. In general, to avoid excessive duplication
of the same patents in both Classes 372 and 257, patents with claims
reciting coherent light generators (lasers) are not to be cross-referenced
in the aforementioned subclasses in Class 257 unless those patents
contain disclosure of a light emitting semiconductor device which
is NOT a laser or coherent generator. |
| 356, | Optics: Measuring and Testing, appropriate subclasses for lasers used in optical
measuring and testing. |
| 359, | Optical: Systems and Elements,
subclass 27 for holographic systems having a particular laser
source; and subclasses 333+ for laser used as amplifiers.
Search other subclasses for the lenses, reflectors, etc., used in
laser systems. |
| 376, | Induced Nuclear Reactions: Processes, Systems,
and Elements,
subclasses 103 and 122 for lasers used for nuclear fusion; and
subclass 326 for the combination of a laser and a nuclear reactor. |
| 385, | Optical Waveguides,
subclass 14 for laser in integrated optical circuit. |
| 398, | Optical Communications, various subclasses for optical communication systems which
may use a laser,
subclasses 43 through 103for optical multiplexing communications systems which
utilize lasers. |
| 438, | Semiconductor Device Manufacturing: Process,
subclasses 22+ for methods of making radiation emissive devices
of the semiconductor barrier layer type. |
| 505, | Superconductor Technology: Apparatus, Material,
Process,
subclasses 150+ for high temperature (Tc
30 K) superconducting devices, particularly subclass 180 for laser
generators using high temperature superconducting material. |
| 520, | Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers, for pertinent subclass(es) as determined by schedule review. |
| 522, | Synthetic Resins or Natural Rubbers,
subclass 2 for the use of a laser in preparing or treating
a synthetic resin or natural rubber. |
| 708, | Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating,
subclasses 191 and 800+ for computations which include
electro-optic means. |
SECTION III - GLOSSARY
ACOUSTO-OPTIC
The effect, on the properties of a beam of light, by sound
energy, interacting with the light within a volume of matter.
ACTIVE MEDIA
The material, in which most of the atoms can be placed in
an excited state (i.e., population inversion state), so that an
electromagnetic wave of the proper frequency passing through it
can stimulate a cascade of photons.
BIREFRINGENT
The property of dividing a ray of light into two polarized
rays (known as the ordinary and extraordinary rays), the directions
of polarization of the rays being at right angles to each other.
COHERENT LIGHT
A single frequency of light. A light beam in which the electric
vector at any point in it is related to that at any other point
by a definite, continuous sinusoidal function.
DIFFRACTION
The bending of a light ray in passing the edge formed
by contiguous opaque and transparent areas.
ELECTRO-OPTIC
The effect, on the properties of a beam of light, by
an electrical field, interacting with the light within a volume
of matter.
GLOW DISCHARGE
A type of discharge in which a uniform glow is created through
the entire volume of a gaseous active media rather than a channel
or spark discharge through a restricted portion of the active media.
INTERFERENCE
The interaction of two light waves which, as a result
of their relative phases, produce a cancellation or reinforcement
of wave energy.
LASER
A device for generating a very narrow, intense beam of coherent
light. The name is derived from the initial letters of "Light Amplification
by Stimulated Emission of Radiation". In the emission of ordinary
light the molecules or atoms of the source emit their radiation
independently of each other, and consequently there is no definite
phase relationship among the vibrations in the resultant beam.
The light is incoherent. The laser, by means of an optical resonator,
forces the atoms of the material within the resonator to radiate
in phase. The emitted radiation is stimulated by the excitation
of atoms to a higher energy level by means of energy supplied to
the device.
LIGHT
In this class, light includes not only optical wavelengths, i.e.,
that part of the spectrum extending from the near infrared, through
the visible, to the ultraviolet, but also includes those portions
of the spectrum which extends from the near infrared through the
long wavelength, far infrared, and from the ultraviolet to X-rays
and gamma rays at the shortest wavelengths.
LIGHT, VISIBLE LIGHT
Visible light is radiation which stimulates the optical receptors
of the eye, and having a wavelength from 3850 to 7600 Angstrom units.
The term light is used to refer to wavelengths in the above-mentioned
range and, often, also to refer to the ranges immediately adjacent, i.e.,
the ultraviolet and infrared ranges which are nonvisible.
MODE
One of several states of electromagnetic wave oscillation
that may be sustained in a given resonant system. Each type of
vibration is designated as a particular mode, and has its own particular
frequency and electric and magnetic field configurations.
OPTICS, OPTICAL
The science of light and vision and the construction
of optical instruments.
OPTICAL ELEMENT
A structure which performs a basic optical function,
i.e., the structure when exposed to or placed in the path of a group
of light rays will cause a deviation of the rays in accordance with
a regular pattern, a blocking of the rays, or a modification in
the character or properties of the light.
OPTICAL FIBER
A light guidance system that is cylindrical in shape.
The fiber relies upon modal transmission to transmit light along
its axial length. Light enters one end of the fiber and emerges
from the opposite end with only minimal loss.
OPTICAL SYSTEM
A combination of two or more similar or diverse optical elements
which are optically related.
REFLECTION
Light striking a surface and returning back into the medium
from which it came.
REFRACTION
The deviation of light which results when a ray of light passes
obliquely from a medium of one density to a medium of another density.
RESONANT CAVITY
A mode-selecting low-loss optical structure in which
the laser action takes place by the build-up of electromagnetic
field intensity upon multiple reflection.
SEMICONDUCTOR
An electronic conductor, with resistivity between that
of metals and that of insulators, in which the electrical charge
carrier concentration increases with increasing temperature over
some temperature range. Over most of the practical temperature
range, the resistance has a negative temperature coefficient. Certain
semiconductors possess two types of carriers, negative electrons
and positive holes. The charge carriers are usually electrons,
but there may be also some ionic conductivity.
SEMICONDUCTOR LASER
A light-emitting diode that uses stimulated emission
to produce a coherent light output.
SPECTRUM
The band of colors produced by separating a beam of white
light into its component frequencies.
THIN FILM
A film of optically transparent material, usually deposited
by sputtering or evaporation, that may be made in a pattern on a
substrate or used as insulation between successive layers of components,
and generally on the order of a few wavelengths thick.
THIN FILM WAVEGUIDE
A thin dielectric guide film of high refractive index formed
adjacent to a substrate or support region of lower refractive index.
The thin film relies upon modal transmission to transmit light
along its length. Light enters one end of the thin film where it
is processed (e.g., modulated or switched) and emerges from the opposite
end.
WAVEGUIDE
A system of material boundaries capable of guiding electromagnetic
wave. A transmission line comprising a hollow conducting tube within
which electromagnetic waves are propagated on a solid dielectric
or dielectric-filled conductor.
SUBCLASSES
![[List of Patents for class 372 subclass 1]](../ps.gif) 1 | SUPER RADIANT LASER: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein coherent light is generated in an
inverted medium without the use of cavity feedback. |
| | |
| 2 | FREE ELECTRON LASER: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein laser action is accomplished by sending
a relativistic electron beam through a spatially periodic transverse magnetic
field.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
| 74, | for lasers which are pumped by an electron beam. |
|
| | |
| 3 | RAMAN LASER: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter in which the coherent light is generated
as a direct result of the excitation of stimulated Raman scattering. |
| | |
| 4 | LONG WAVELENGTH (E.G., FAR INFRARED): |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the wavelength of the generated light
is generally greater than 10 microns. |
| | |
| 5 | SHORT WAVELENGTH LASER: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the wavelength of the generated light
is generally less than 400 nanometers (.4 microns). |
| | |
| 6 | OPTICAL FIBER LASER: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter in which the laser is constructed in the
form of an optical fiber. |
| | |
| 7 | THIN FILM LASER: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the active media of the laser is
in the form of a thin film. |
| | |
| 8 | LASER LOGIC SYSTEM: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter where an optical logic function is performed
by a laser system.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 708, | Electrical Computers: Arithmetic Processing and
Calculating,
subclass 191 for digital computations which include electro-optical
means. |
|
| | |
| 9 | PARTICULAR BEAM CONTROL DEVICE: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein means is provided for controlling
some characteristic or parameter of the output beam, such as its amplitude,
frequency, pulse rate, direction, etc., and wherein the control
is effected prior to the beam"s actual departure from the
resonant cavity of the laser.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 330, | Amplifiers,
subclass 4.3 for modulation of the laser beam after it departs the
resonant cavity. |
| 359, | Optics: Systems (Including Communication) and
Elements, appropriate subclasses for optical devices such
as modulators, beam scanners, etc., which may be used as light control devices. |
|
| | |
| 10 | Q-switch: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein the beam control device alters the
losses of a laser cavity for the purpose of generating giant pulses. |
| | |
| 11 | Absorption type: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the Q-switch is made of a passive
material which exhibits an absorptivity that changes with increasing
irradiance. |
| | |
| 12 | Electro-optic: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the beam control device includes
a material which exhibits an electro-optic effect and has some means
of applying an electric field across that material. |
| | |
| 13 | Acousto-optic: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the beam control device includes
a material which exhibits an acousto-optic effect and provides some
means for creating an acoustic wave within that material. |
| | |
| 14 | Mechanical: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the beam control device utilizes
mechanical means to alter the Q of the cavity. |
| | |
| 17 | Plural Q-switches: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 10. Subject matter wherein the Q-switched laser includes more
than one Q-switch, either of the same type or of different types. |
| | |
| 18 | Mode locking: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein means is provided for applying to
the laser resonator a time-varying perturbation at or near the frequency
which corresponds to the average axial mode spacing of the laser,
so as to establish a phase relationship between the oscillatory
laser modes, resulting in a laser output in the form of a periodic
pulse train whose repetition rate is equal to the frequency of the
perturbation. |
| | |
| 19 | Mode discrimination: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein means is provided for either enhancing
or suppressing particular modes of oscillation within the resonant
cavity. |
| | |
| 20 | Tuning: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein means is provided for selectively
varying the output wavelength of the laser. |
| | |
| 21 | Nonlinear device: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter including an optical device which has an
output that does not rise or fall in direct proportion to the input. |
| | |
| 24 | Scanning: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter including means for providing a directional
scan of the output beam as it exits the laser cavity. |
| | |
| 26 | Modulation: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Subject matter wherein means is provided internal of the
resonant cavity for modifying some characteristic of the laser output
beam so that it varies in step with the instantaneous value of a
modulating wave or signal.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 330, | Amplifiers,
subclass 4.3 , subclass 7.51 for laser modulators in which the means
modifying the output beam is positioned external of the resonant cavity. |
|
| | |
| 27 | Polarization: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Subject matter wherein the characteristic modified is the
polarization of the output beam. |
| | |
| 28 | Frequency: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 26. Subject matter wherein the characteristic modified is the
frequency of the output beam. |
| | |
| 29.011 | Feedback circuitry: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 29.01. Subject matter wherein a fraction of an output signal
from the specific electrical component or group of electrical components
is returned to input. |
| | |
| 29.012 | Power supply: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 29.01. Subject matter wherein the specific electrical component
or group of electrical components is a source of power for the coherent
light generator.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 323, | Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems, various subclasses for electrical power supply,
per se. |
|
| | |
| 29.013 | Having particular electrode structure: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 29.01. Subject matter wherein an electrical component that (1)
emits or collects electrons or ions or (2) controls electron or
ion movement by means of an electric field for a beam control device
and has specific details. |
| | |
| 29.015 | Controlling current or voltage: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 29.01. Subject matter wherein the electrical component or collection
of electrical components are specifically designed to regulate a
supply of current or voltage to the coherent light generator. |
| | |
| 29.016 | Controlling beam phase: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 29.01. Subject matter wherein the electrical component or collection
of electrical components are specifically designed to regulate angular
relationship between current and voltage. |
| | |
| 29.021 | Power: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 29.02. Subject matter wherein a parameter of dissipated energy
or power is maintained at a constant level.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 323, | Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems, various subclasses for electrical power supply,
per se. |
|
| | |
| 29.022 | Cavity: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 29.02. Subject matter wherein a resonant cavity is controlled
to maintain a constant level of optical output stabilization. |
| | |
| 29.023 | Phase: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 29.02. Subject matter wherein a parameter or characteristic of
phase is controlled to maintain a constant level of optical stabilization. |
| | |
| 30 | Pulse: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 29.02. Subject matter wherein the output of the laser is pulsed
and some parameter characteristic of the pulse is stabilized such
as pulse width, pulse repetition rate, etc. |
| | |
| 33 | PARTICULAR OPERATING COMPENSATION MEANS: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means to overcome an effect which
is deleterious to the operation of the laser.
| | (1)
Note. For example, means for compensating for parasitic oscillation,
thermal lensing, etc. | |
| | |
| 34 | PARTICULAR TEMPERATURE CONTROL: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means for controlling the temperature
of the laser or the temperature of its component parts. |
| | |
| 37 | HAVING AN APPLIED MAGNETIC FIELD: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including means for applying a magnetic field
to some portion of the laser. |
| | |
| 38.03 | Switch (e.g., thyratron, etc.): |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 38.1. Subject matter wherein the particular component circuitry
is a switch.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 200, | Electricity: Circuit Makers and Breakers, various subclasses for electrical switches, per
se. |
|
| | |
| 38.04 | Power supply: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 38.1. Subject matter wherein the particular component circuitry
is a source of power for the coherent light generator.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 323, | Electricity: Power Supply or Regulation Systems, various subclasses for electrical power supply,
per se. |
|
| | |
| 38.05 | Electrode: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 38.1. Subject matter wherein the particular component circuitry
contains details of a conducting element that (1) emits or collects
electrons or ions or (2) controls the movement of electrons or
ions by means of an electric field for the coherent light generator. |
| | |
| 38.06 | Optical pumping: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 38.1. Subject matter wherein the particular component circuitry
controls flashing means of the coherent light generator. |
| | |
| 38.09 | Having fault protection circuitry: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 38.1. Subject matter wherein the particular component circuitry
causes the coherent light generator to cease operation or change
an operating characteristic in response to a sensed nonstandard
operating condition.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 361, | Electricity: Electrical Systems and Devices,
subclasses 1 through 138for safety and protection of electrical devices,
per se. |
|
| | |
| 38.1 | PARTICULAR COMPONENT CIRCUITRY: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter comprising specific circuitry for operating
components of the coherent light generator.
| | (1)
Note. This subclass includes pulse forming networks for driving
a flash lamp, Q-switch, or modulator. | |
| | |
| 39 | PARTICULAR ACTIVE MEDIA: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter wherein the media in which most of the atoms
can be placed in an excited state (i.e., population inversion state), so
that an electromagnetic wave of the proper frequency passing through
the media can stimulate a cascade of photons, is specified. |
| | |
| 41 | Insulating crystal: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter where the solid active media is an electrically
nonconductive composition of matter having definite crystalline
structure. |
| | |
| 42 | Utilizing color centers: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 41. Subject matter wherein color centers are formed within the
crystal material which consist of displaced electrons that are trapped
in regions of positive charge or of a "hole" or region of electron
deficiency, which behaves like a "negative electron" or "positive
hole", which can be trapped or localized in well-defined sites and
which can impart color to the crystal material. |
| | |
| 43.01 | Semiconductor: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter wherein the active media of the coherent
light generator or laser is a semiconductor. |
| | |
| 44.01 | Injection: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 43.01. Subject matter wherein the semiconductor includes a p-n
junction which converts forward-bias electrical input directly into
coherent optical output power via a process of stimulating emmission
in the region near the junction.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 257, | Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes),
subclasses 13 , 79 through 103, and 918 for incoherent light emitting
injection luminescent devices, and subclasses 80 through 85 for
semiconductor light emitting sources combined with semiconductor
light responsive devices. |
| 438, | Semiconductor Device Manufacturing: Process,
subclasses 22+ for methods of making radiation emissive devices
of the semiconductor barrier layer type. |
|
| | |
| 44.011 | Crystal orientation: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 44.01. Subject matter wherein the semiconductor includes a layer
that has a predetermined angle with respect to an edge or a facet
at which a crystal is sliced. |
| | |
| 45.012 | With superlattice structure: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 45.01. Subject matter wherein the layer consists of a series
of alternating epitaxial layers of two types of material, each layer
having a thickness below a critical thickness.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 257, | Active Solid-State Devices (e.g., Transistors,
Solid-State Diodes),
subclasses 15+ for Quantum well supperlattice. |
|
| | |
| 46.013 | Having oxidized region: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 46.01. Subject matter wherein the particular current control
structure includes an area that is oxidized.
| | (1)
Note. An area that is oxidized when it is combined with oxygen
or it is changed from a lower to a higher positive valence. | |
| | |
| 50.11 | With diffraction grating (Bragg reflector): |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 50.1. Subject matter wherein the semiconductor includes a series
of very fine, closely spaced parallel slits, or of very narrow,
parallel reflecting surfaces to produce a succession of spectra when
light is incident thereon at a specific angle.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 359, | Optical: Systems and Elements,
subclass 563 for diffraction grating. |
| 385, | Optical Waveguides,
subclass 10 for electro-optic diffraction grating |
|
| | |
| 50.12 | Laser array: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 50.1. Subject matter including a group of many similar, basic,
complex, or integrated devices without separate enclosures. |
| | |
| 50.123 | Phase locked: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 50.12. Subject matter, wherein a plurality of active regions
of the laser array are sufficiently close to each other that light
from each active region is coupled to the light from the adjacent
active region. |
| | |
| 50.22 | Having an amplifier: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 50.1. Subject matter wherein the semiconductor device includes
a device that produces as an output an enlarged reproduction of
the essential features of its inputs.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 359, | Optical: Systems and Elements,
subclasses 333+ for optical amplifier. |
|
| | |
| 50.23 | Having lens: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 50.1. Subject matter wherein the semiconductor device includes
an optical device made of glass or a piece of transparent material
which focuses light to form an image.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 359, | Optical: Systems and Elements,
subclasses 362+ for compound lens system. |
|
| | |
| 51 | Liquid: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter wherein the physical state of the active
media is a liquid. |
| | |
| 52 | Chelate: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter where the liquid active media is in the form
of a solution of a material having a trivalent rare earth bonded
to several organic groups or liquids and dissolved in a suitable solvent.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
| 40, | for rare-earth chelates dissolved in a solid plastic
host material. |
|
| | |
| 53 | Dye: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 51. Subject matter where the liquid active media is a dye media
dissolved in a suitable solvent.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
| 40, | for an active media including a dye dissolved in
a solid plastic host material. |
|
| | |
| 55 | Gas: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Subject matter wherein the active media is in a gaseous
form. |
| | |
| 57 | Excimer or exciplex: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter wherein the active media is a dimer or hetero
nuclear complex, which is bound in the excited state and free or
essentially free in the lower state. |
| | |
| 61 | Discharge tube feature: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 55. Subject matter including a discharge tube having a specified
feature.
SEE OR SEARCH CLASS:
| 313, | Electric Lamp and Discharge Devices, appropriate subclasses for discharge devices, per
se. |
|
| | |
| 62 | Segmented: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein the means which confines the discharge
is formed of individual segments. |
| | |
| 63 | Backflow feature: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter having gas flow means which bypasses the
discharge path.
| | (1)
Note. A use of this means is, for example, pressure and equalization. | |
| | |
| 64 | Waveguide: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter wherein a waveguide resonator provides the
necessary feedback to establish oscillation. |
| | |
| 65 | Support: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 61. Subject matter including particular support means for the
discharge tube. |
| | |
| 67 | Disc-shaped active media: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 66. Subject matter where the active media has a cross sectional
dimension which is substantially greater than its thickness. |
| | |
| 69 | PARTICULAR PUMPING MEANS: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter in which a particular mechanism is set forth
for exciting the active media. |
| | |
| 71 | End-pump laser: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter in which the active media is excited by optical
or radiant energy directed through an end surface of the active
media. |
| | |
| 72 | Pump cavity: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter in which the pumping means is included within
a housing which interacts with the pumping means so as to enhance
its operation as, for example, by cooling the pumping means, filtering
out undesirable wavelengths, focusing the radiation, etc. |
| | |
| 73 | High-energy particles: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter in which the pumping means is a nuclear reactor,
radioactive material, or other source of high-energy particle radiation
capable of exciting the active media. |
| | |
| 74 | Electron beam: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 73. Subject matter in which the high-energy particles take the
form of an electron beam. |
| | |
| 75 | Semiconductor: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter in which the pumping means is a light emitting
semiconductor device. |
| | |
| 76 | Plasma: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter in which the pumping means is an ionized
gas of sufficient temperature to radiate electromagnetic energy. |
| | |
| 78 | Heat: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter in which the pumping means is a source of
heat, and heat, per se, excites the active media.
| | (1)
Note. Where heat is not the primary form of the exciting
energy but merely appears in the spectral range of the radiant energy
generated by the pump source, search appropriate subclasses under
subclass 70 for the particular energy source. | |
| | |
| 79 | Solar: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter in which the ultimate source of the pump
energy is the sun. |
| | |
| 80 | Excited phosphor: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 70. Subject matter in which the pumping means comprises a phosphor
excited or energized by any of the various forms of radiations and which,
on excitation, will provide a characteristic emission matched to
the desired input of the laser. |
| | |
| 81 | Electrical: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter in which the pumping means creates an electrical
discharge through the active media which directly excites the active media.
SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:
| 43+, | for electrical excitation of semiconductor lasers. |
|
| | |
| 83 | Transversely excited: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Subject matter in which the electrical energy creating the
electrical discharge is introduced into the active media transverse
to the optical axis of the laser. |
| | |
| 84 | Traveling wave: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 83. Subject matter in which the electric discharge is obtained
through a progressive wave of current being propagated in a gaseous
active medium from one end of the discharge channel to the other. |
| | |
| 85 | Glow discharge: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Subject matter in which a uniform glow-type discharge through
the entire volume of a gaseous active media is created rather than
a channel or spark discharge. |
| | |
| 86 | Having an auxiliary ionization means: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 81. Subject matter in which the apparatus includes more than
one means for ionizing at least a portion of the active media prior
to or at the same time as the electrical discharge which directly excites
the active media. |
| | |
| 89 | Chemical: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter wherein the excitation of the active media
results from the direct production of the excited states by a chemical
reaction. |
| | |
| 90 | Gas dynamic: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 69. Subject matter wherein the necessary conditions for lasing
are created solely by a thermal expansion of the laser gas media
to supersonic flow speeds. |
| | |
| 92 | PARTICULAR RESONANT CAVITY: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter including particulars of a mode-selecting
low-loss optical structure in which the laser action takes place
by the build-up of electromagnetic field intensity upon multiple
reflection. |
| | |
| 93 | Folded cavity: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Subject matter wherein the cavity is folded or includes
reflective surfaces or other optical structures for bending the
optical axis of the resonant cavity. |
| | |
| 95 | Unstable resonator: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Subject matter in which the resonant cavity is designed
so that radiation, upon repeated reflection between the primary
and feedback reflection surfaces, will progressively move transversely
of the optical axis until it clears an edge of the feedback reflector
and escapes from the cavity as output radiation. |
| | |
| 96 | Distributed feedback: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 92. Subject matter in which the feedback structure comprising
the resonant cavity is distributed through and integrated with the
active medium of the laser and is created by substantially time constant,
spatially periodic perturbations in the transmission characteristics
of the medium along the length thereof, which may take the form
of variations in the gain, index of refraction, propagation constant,
or other parameter of the medium. |
| | |
| 99 | Reflector: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter wherein the specified component has a surface
which is reflective or partially reflective. |
| | |
| 100 | Prism: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter wherein the specified component is a geometric
solid figure whose end faces are congruent polygons, and whose sides are
parallelograms. |
| | |
| 102 | Grating: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter wherein the specified component has a periodic
structure capable of dispersing light in accordance with its wavelength.
| | (1)
Note. For example the periodic structure may consist of alternate
opaque and transparent sections, alternate reflecting and nonreflecting
sections, or alternate high index of refraction and low index of refraction
sections. | |
| | |
| 104 | Aerodynamic window: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 103. Subject matter wherein the window is formed by a window
gas driven at a high, jet stream velocity across the laser beam
such that the jet streams serve the same function as a solid window. |
| | |
| 106 | Polarizer: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 98. Subject matter wherein the specified component is a device
which produces polarized rays. |
| | |
| 109 | MISCELLANEOUS: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class definition. Subject matter not provided for in any of the preceding
subclasses of this class. |
| | |
CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS
| 700 | Optical delay: |
| | Subject matter including disclosure of means for optically
subjecting coherent light to a time delay. |
| | |
| 701 | Nozzle: |
| | Subject matter including disclosure of a nozzle which may
be used to influence the flow of an active media in a coherent light
generator. |
| | |
| 702 | Isotope: |
| | Subject matter which includes disclosure of the interaction
of coherent light and isotopes. |
| | |
| 703 | Optical isolater: |
| | Subject matter wherein there is disclosure of an optical
means for isolating coherent light. |
| | |
| 704 | Summary reference: |
| | Subject matter wherein there is a summary statement of coherent
light generation means or prior art devices. |
| | |
| 705 | Neat thing: |
| | Subject matter which includes disclosure of an unusual feature
or utilization of a coherent light generator. |
| | |
FOREIGN ART COLLECTIONS
The definitions below correspond to abolished subclasses
from which these collections were formed. See the Foreign Art Collection
schedule of this class for specific correspondences. [Note:
The titles and definitions for indented art collections include
all the details of the one(s) that are hierarchically superior.] |
| FOR 100 | Output stabilization: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 9. Foreign
art collections including means for stabilizing a parameter or characteristic
of the output. |
| | |
| FOR 101 | WITH PARTICULAR COMPONENT CIR: |
| | This subclass is indented under the class defini.
Foreign art collections including particular cir for operating specific
components of the generator.
| | (1)
Note. Included are, for example, pulse forming networks for
driving the flash lamp, Q-switch or modulator, light detection and
feedback for stabilizing frequency amplitude, etc. | |
| | |
| FOR 102 | Semiconductor: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 39. Foreign
art collection wherein the active media is a semiconductor. |
| | |
| FOR 103 | Injection: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 43. Foreign
art collection wherein the laser is a p.n junction semiconductor
device which converts forward-bias electrical input directly into
coherent optical output power via a process of stimulated emission
in the region near the junction. |
| | |
| FOR 104 | Particular confinement layer: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Foreign
art collection wherein there is present a layer specifically designed
to provide for carrier and/ or radiation confinement. |
| | |
| FOR 105 | Particular current control structure |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Foreign
art collection wherein there is a means which is specifically designed
to provide for control of the current flow in the area of the active
region. |
| | |
| FOR 106 | Transverse junction: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Foreign
art collection wherein the p.n junction is transverse to the active
layer. |
| | |
| FOR 107 | Channeled substrate |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 46. Foreign
art collection wherein the substrate has a channel in the substrate
region adjacent the active region. |
| | |
| FOR 108 | Particular coating on facet: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Foreign
art collection having a specified coating on at least one facet. |
| | |
| FOR 109 | Monolithic integrated: |
| | This subclass is indented under subclass 44. Foreign
art collection wherein the laser is monolithically integrated with
another laser or with other semiconductor devices which form an
integral part of the laser. |
| | |
![[Search a list of Patent Appplications for class 372]](../as.gif)
CLASS 372,