Patent ID: 7724788

Claim:
A wavelength-agile laser transmitter, comprising: a pump laser that is configured to output a pump beam at a first wavelength; and an optical parametric oscillator comprising: a non-linear optical medium configured to convert light at the first wavelength to light at a second wavelength and a third wavelength that are each longer than the first wavelength, an angle of the non-linear optical medium relative to a propagation axis of the optical parametric oscillator being adjustable to control apportionment of energy converted into light at the second and third wavelengths; a first optical element that is configured to receive the pump beam and direct it into a first end of the non-linear optical medium, wherein the first optical element is configured to be highly reflective at the second wavelength and highly transmissive at the third wavelength; a second optical element positioned proximate a second end of the non-linear optical medium, wherein the second optical element is configured to be highly reflective at the first and second wavelengths and highly transmissive at the third wavelength; an etalon positioned in proximate the first optical element, wherein the etalon is configured to narrow a linewidth of light that passes through it; and a third optical element that is positioned proximate the etalon and which is configured to be highly reflective at the third wavelength such that light at the third wavelength resonates between the etalon and the third optical element and passes through the first optical element into the non-linear optical medium where it interacts with light at the second wavelength; wherein an output beam corresponds to light that is transmitted through the second optical element at the third wavelength.