Patent ID: 6665320
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A tunable laser comprising:a. a plurality of gain elements having a plurality of gain spectra, wherein at least two of said gain spectra are distinct; b. a wavelength-selecting means for selecting a distinct wavelength; c. a splitting-combining means on one side in separate optical communication with each of said gain elements and on the other side in optical communication with said wavelength-selecting means such that a first beam propagating away of any of said gain elements is directed towards said wavelength selecting means and such that a second beam received from said wavelength selecting means with said distinct wavelength is directed to a corresponding gain element of said plurality of gain elements, said corresponding gain element having a gain spectrum at least partially overlapping said distinct wavelength; d. at least one mode hops reducing means providing optical communication between said wavelength-selecting means and said splitting-combining means for providing an axial-mode spacing such that at least one of said first beam and said second beam has mode hops sufficiently smaller than a required tuning resolution, said reducing means selected from a group consisting of an axial-mode control means and an axial-mode structure; and wherein said reducing means is operated in correspondence with said wavelength-selecting means such that a tuning range is spanning up to said at least two distinct gain spectra.