Patent ID: 8483247

Claim:
A tuneable laser system configured to emit output radiation, the tuneable laser having an external cavity defining a plurality of cavity modes and comprising: a gain medium capable of emitting a laser beam into the external cavity, the gain medium being arranged in a laser package in thermal contact with a thermally conductive platform; a tuneable mirror arranged in the laser package to tuneably select a laser emission frequency, the tuneable mirror having a principal surface arranged substantially parallel to the thermally conductive platform, the principal surface disposed directly on a thermally conductive, electrically insulating substrate in direct thermal conductive contact with the thermally conductive platform; a deflector having a reflectivity and a transmittance range of 70-90%, the deflector arranged in the external cavity in the optical path of the laser beam emitted by the gain medium so as to deflect at least a portion of the laser beam toward the tuneable mirror; and an optical control system including at least one photodetector, the optical control system being disposed adjacent to the deflector and on an opposite side of the deflector with respect to the tuneable mirror; wherein the tuneable mirror is disposed on one side of the deflector to receive the portion of the laser beam deflected by the deflector.