Patent ID: 6192062
Filing Date: 2001-02-20
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
An external cavity laser source comprising:a) a free space external cavity comprising:i) an optical gain element array comprising at least two optical gain elements, each of the at least two optical gain elements generating optical radiation having a unique wavelength;ii) an optical element having a focal plane, the optical element positioned to substantially place the focal plane at the at least two optical gain elements and to intercept the generated optical radiation;iii) a dispersive element positioned substantially at the focal plane of the optical element; andiv) a partially reflecting element positioned to intercept radiation from the dispersive element,wherein the partially reflecting element and the gain elements together form the free space laser cavity that produces the at least first and second wavelengths, andwherein the partially reflecting element transmits an overlapping beam comprising radiation having the at least first and second wavelength.