Patent ID: 6665322
Filing Date: 2003-12-16
Classification: H01S

Abstract:
Apparatus for controlling the length of a laser cavity, comprising:a laser diode configured to produce a beam of energy, said laser diode having a first end and an output end, said first end being in optical communication with a highly reflective mirror; a wave guide having a receiving end and a transmission end, said wave guide being comprised of an electro-optical material, said receiving end being in optical communication with said laser diode output end to receive the beam of energy, and said transmission end being configured to be in optical communication with an output coupler; a plurality of electrodes disposed along a longitudinal axis of said wave guide; circuitry which independently controls voltages on a sub-plurality of said plurality of electrodes to alter an index of refraction of said wave guide to alter the length of the laser cavity; and, a polarizer disposed adjacent said transmission end, said polarizer configured to attenuate the beam of energy transmitted by the wave guide transmission end.