Tunable single frequency filter for lasers
US6816534B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 9, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S3/17
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A single frequency filter for a laser, comprising a polarizer that defines a direction of polarization and one or more birefringent elements situated within the cavity with their dielectric axes offset from the direction of polarization. The ends of the birefringent elements have a finite reflectance, and may be coated for reflectance or left uncoated. In some embodiments the filter is situated in a laser cavity with a broadband gain medium, in other embodiments, the filter is situated in an external cavity. To provide tunability, a wavelength control system is coupled to the birefringent element. An embodiment is described in which the filter comprises two birefringent elements of unequal optical length along the optical axis, which advantageously reduces the voltage required to tune the frequency. To provide tunability, the first and second birefringent elements are both coupled to a wavelength control system that simultaneously controls both elements.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.