Laser source that generates a plurality of alternative wavelength output beams
US7848382B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2009 |
| Grant date | Dec 7, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 18, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01S5/02453
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A laser source (10) for emitting a set of sequential, different wavelength output beams (12) includes a gain medium (16), a feedback assembly (26) and a control system (30). The gain medium (16) includes a first facet (16A), and the gain medium (16) generates a beam (12A) that exits the first facet (16A). The feedback assembly (26) includes a feedback device (40) and a device mover (42). The feedback device (40) is positioned in the path of the beam (12A) that exits the first facet (16A) and the feedback device (40) redirects at least a portion of the beam (12A) back to the gain medium (16). The device mover (42) continuously adjusts an angle of incidence (θ) of the beam (12A) on the feedback device (40). The control system (30) selectively directs pulses of power to the gain medium (16) as the device mover (42) is continuously adjusting the angle of incidence (θ) of the beam (12A). Further, the laser source (10) can include a position detector (28) that generates a position signal that relates to the angle of incidence (θ) of the beam (12A) on the feedback device (40). In this embodiment, the control system (30) can selectively direct pulses of power to the gain medium (16) based …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.