Patent ID: 7649917
Filing Date: 2010-01-19
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
1. A method of providing a set of continuous tuning regions from a discontinuously tuned laser, the method comprising the steps of: providing a wavelength reference having at least first and second resonance peaks; sweeping the laser across a pre-determined wavelength range of the wavelength reference; defining, within the laser sweep, one or more regions of continuous tuning operation of the laser, each of the regions corresponding to a response of the laser between adjacent resonance peaks of the wavelength reference, wherein the regions of continuing tuning operation of the laser are defined by: calibrating the laser so as to provide a range of currents with no mode jumps; selecting continuous regions with a first frequency overlap that have a resonance peak of the wavelength reference from their beginnings and ends; and setting the currents whilst sweeping through those wavelengths so as to provide a smoothly transitioning wavelength sweep, wherein setting the currents is provided by filtering and/or shaping the currents; and assigning a frequency (F