US3567938A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Gamma ray laser
Assignee: CREDO Inc
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Filing: 1968-02-14
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Granted: 1971-03-02
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Expires: 1988-02-14
Abstract
Abstract Gamma ray laser device, wherein a coherent beam of gamma radiation is generated through stimulation of gamma transitions in excited atomic nuclei in a biologically shielded and low temperature closed resonating cavity.
Inventors
- 👤 Lawrence J Piekenbrock
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 14:58
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01S; H01S4/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
78 words
In the method of producing coherent gamma radiation, the steps of: stimulating gamma transitions in excited atomic nuclei to produce gamma radiation while maintaining said nuclei at reduced temperatures to maximize the probability of recoilless gamma ray emission; matching the emission process gamma transition energies to the absorption process gamma transition energies by subjecting said atomic nuclei to selective electromagnetic fields; and reflecting said emitted gamma radiation within a multielement closed resonator circuit through said gamma ray source.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
78 words
In the method of producing coherent gamma radiation, the steps of: stimulating gamma transitions in excited atomic nuclei to produce gamma radiation while maintaining said nuclei at reduced temperatures to maximize the probability of recoilless gamma ray emission; matching the emission process gamma transition energies to the absorption process gamma transition energies by subjecting said atomic nuclei to selective electromagnetic fields; and reflecting said emitted gamma radiation within a multielement closed resonator circuit through said gamma ray source.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as set forth in claim 1, including the step of externally exciting said atomic nuclei to create a population inversion at a metastable state.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
103 words
Apparatus for producing coherent gamma radiation comprising: radioactive isotope crystal means characterized by a population inversion at a metastable state adapted to produce gamma transitions in excited atomic nuclei; means for exposing said crystal means to selective electromagnetic fields to match emission process gamma transition energies to absorption process gamma transition energies; means for selectively directing emitted gamma radiation within a multielement closed circuit resonating cavity for stimulating additional gamma transitions to effect emission of coherent gamma radiation; and cryostat means enclosing said above-recited means for maintaining said excited atomic nuclei at reduced temperatures to maximize the probability of recoilless gamma ray emission.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
103 words
Apparatus for producing coherent gamma radiation comprising: radioactive isotope crystal means characterized by a population inversion at a metastable state adapted to produce gamma transitions in excited atomic nuclei; means for exposing said crystal means to selective electromagnetic fields to match emission process gamma transition energies to absorption process gamma transition energies; means for selectively directing emitted gamma radiation within a multielement closed circuit resonating cavity for stimulating additional gamma transitions to effect emission of coherent gamma radiation; and cryostat means enclosing said above-recited means for maintaining said excited atomic nuclei at reduced temperatures to maximize the probability of recoilless gamma ray emission.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 including means for externally exciting said crystal means to create a population inversion at a metastable state.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein said external excitation means comprises an intense source of thermal neutrons.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-03-01 | 1974-08-31 | 1975-03-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-03-01 | 1978-08-31 | 1979-03-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-03-01 | 1982-08-31 | 1983-03-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |