Fiber Laser with Optical Feedback for Contaminant Detection and Other Functionality

Abstract: the present disclosure relates to a laser device configured to detect material contamination and respond accordingly, thereby minimizing contaminant ignition and damage resulting therefrom. the laser device includes a laser source, an optical waveguide with first and second ends, and control circuitry that includes a photodetector. the optical waveguide is configured to transmit a laser beam received from the laser source and further configured to receive light caused by contaminant ignition. the control circuitry is configured to detect an amount of said light after it is received by the optical waveguide, transmitted therethrough, and finally received at the photodetector. the control circuitry is further configured to determine whether the amount of light satisfies a shutdown threshold and then cause the laser source to stop emitting the laser beam if the shutdown threshold is satisfied.

Inventor(s): Richard Shaun Welches, Stephen Neal Mais, James Cho, Brandon Gallipoli, Jack O'Reilly

CPC Classification: H01S3/0014 (Lasers, i.e. devices using stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible or ultraviolet wave range (semiconductors lasers ))

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