Patent ID: 6539046
Filing Date: 2003-03-25
Classification: G01J,G03F,H01S

Abstract:
A wavemeter for measuring wave properties of a laser beam of a gas discharge laser, said wavemeter comprising:A) a first optical train, comprising at least two optical elements, for converting a portion of said laser beam into a substantially collimated sample beam spatially representative of the laser beam; B) a diffractive diffusing element configured to diffuse said sample beam into a diffused beam which is expanding at angles of less than 10 degrees; C) an etalon system positioned in said diffused beam, said etalon system comprising: 1) an etalon housing, 2) two windows permitting light to enter said housing, and 3) an etalon positioned within said housing; D) a detector array; and E) a second optical train, comprising at least one focusing optical element, for focusing a beam exiting said etalon system onto said detector array; wherein said etalon produces interference fringe patterns on said detector array, said fringe patterns being indicative of wavelength and bandwidth of said laser beam of said gas discharge laser.