Patent ID: 6611341
Filing Date: 2003-08-26
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
A method for calibrating an etalon for use with a communication laser, the method comprising the steps of:transmitting an output beam of a calibration laser through the etalon while varying the wavelength of the output beam to produce an etalon transmission spectrum; transmitting the output beam of the calibration laser through a gas absorption cell while varying the wavelength of the output beam to produce gas absorption spectrum; detecting transmission peaks within the etalon transmission spectrum and absorption lines within the gas absorption spectrum; determining the spacing between the peaks of the etalon transmission spectrum by comparison with the spacing between known absorption lines within the gas absorption spectrum; tuning the etalon until the spacing between the peaks of the etalon transmission spectrum approximate a predetermined spacing by applying a first tuning parameter to the etalon; tuning the etalon to align a plurality of the transmission peaks of the etalon transmission spectrum with selected transmission wavelengths by applying a second tuning parameter to the etalon; and recording the first and second tuning parameters for use in the subsequent calibration of the etalon to align a transmission peak of the etalon with one of the selected transmission wavelengths while the etalon is mounted for use with the communication laser.