Coherent light generators – Particular beam control device – Tuning
Patent
1997-06-17
1999-09-21
Bovernick, Rodney
Coherent light generators
Particular beam control device
Tuning
356355, H01S 310
Patent
active
059563559
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 detector positioned to receive the combined light from the interferometer and to generate a signal in response thereto. A processing unit in communication with the detector performs digital signal processing to extract spatial information related to the sample in response to the signal from the detector.
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Chinn Stephen R.
Swanson Eric A.
Bovernick Rodney
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Wise Robert E.
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