Master and slave oscillator array system for very large multiline lasers

A new system concept, a master and slave oscillator array for very large multiline lasers, is described. This system provides a solution to the optical problem associated with these lasers-efficient power extraction with good beam quality. It also permits coherent optical adaptive techniques and fast electric steering and focusing. The slave oscillators are phase-locked to the master oscillator, and their output beams are coherently recombined as in a radar phase array. Beam steering and focusing are achieved by controlling the phases of each slave oscillator. Efficient power extraction is achieved by oscillating at several selected nu-J transitions. The system is described, and its merits, potential performance, and critical technical issues are presented.