Patent ID: 6314116
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A laser system, comprising:a high reflector and an output coupler defining a laser cavity;a gain medium positioned in the laser cavity, wherein the gain medium is characterized by optical gain at least equal to laser cavity optical losses at more than two desired wavelengths;a first lasing wavelength selector positioned in the laser cavity and coupled to the gain medium, wherein the first wavelength selector comprises at least one material layer and is characterized by transmission values as a function of wavelength that allow lasing on the more than two desired wavelengths and inhibit lasing on other wavelengths thereby coarsely selecting laser wavelengths; anda second lasing wavelength selector comprising an interference filter positioned in the laser cavity and coupled to the gain medium, wherein a plurality of reflective surfaces of the interference filter are spaced to provide substantial and simultaneous resonance at the more than two desired wavelengths, thereby finely selecting laser wavelengths.