Method and apparatus for performing optical measurements using a rapidly frequency-tuned laser
US5956355A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 17, 1997 |
| Grant date | Sep 21, 1999 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 17, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/146
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical system, in one embodiment including an external-cavity frequency-tuned laser having a tunable longitudinal cavity mode and a center tunable wavelength. The external-cavity frequency-tuned laser includes an optical cavity, an optical gain medium positioned within the optical cavity, and a rapid tuning wavelength selecting device positioned to receive light from the optical gain medium and adapted to return selected wavelengths of light to the optical gain medium. The external-cavity frequency-tuned laser is substantially continuously tunable and the tunable wavelength selecting device tunes the center wavelength of the external-cavity frequency-tuned laser at the same rate as the longitudinal cavity mode of the external-cavity frequency-tuned laser is tuned. In another embodiment the optical system includes an interferometer in optical communication with the external-cavity frequency-tuned laser. The interferometer is adapted to project a portion of light from the external-cavity frequency-tuned laser onto a sample, to receive light altered by the sample, and to combine light reflected from the sample and the light from the external-cavity frequency-tuned laser. A detecto…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.