(19)

(11)

EP 0 504 330 A1

(12)

(43) Date of publication: 23.09.1992 Bulletin 1992/39 (21) Application number: 91907644.0 (22) Date of filing: 15.03.1991

(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):  H01S 3/ 10( . ) G02B 6/ 32( . ) H01S 3/ 00( . ) H01S 5/ 00( . ) C03B 37/ 027( . ) G02B 6/ 42( . ) H01S 5/ 026( . ) H01S 5/ 40( . ) (86) International application number: PCT/US1991/001757 (87) International publication number: WO 1992/006521 (16.04.1992 Gazette 1992/09)

(84) Designated Contracting States: DE ES FR GB IT NL (30) Priority: 01.10.1990 US 19900591409 (71) Applicants: UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Washington, D.C. 20585 (US) REICHERT, Patrick Hayward, CA 94541 (US)	(72) Inventor: SNYDER, James, J. San Jose, CA 95129 (US) (74) Representative: Thomson, Paul Anthony, et al  Potts, Kerr & Co. 15, Hamilton Square Birkenhead Merseyside L41 6BR Birkenhead Merseyside L41 6BR (GB)