Rapidly tunable laser assembly

摘要

A laser assembly for generating an output beam includes a first module assembly, a second module assembly, and a module fastener assembly. The second module assembly is selectively movable relative to the first module assembly to selectively adjust a cavity length, and a pivot axis of a grating in the laser. Further, an arm assembly that retains the grating can be adjusted to adjust the cavity length, and to adjust the plane of the grating face. Moreover, the grating is movable relative to the arm assembly to align the grating.

主权项

1. A laser assembly for emitting an output beam, the laser assembly comprising:
a first module assembly that includes (i) a rigid first frame; and (ii) a gain medium coupled to the first frame, the gain medium having a first facet and a second facet, the gain medium generating a beam that exits the facets along a lasing axis when sufficient current is directed to the gain medium; a second module assembly that includes (i) a rigid second frame; (ii) a diffraction grating positioned in the path of the beam exiting the first facet to form an external cavity having a cavity length, the diffraction grating redirecting at least a portion of the beam back to the gain medium, the diffraction grating having a grating face and grating grooves; (iii) an arm assembly that retains the grating; (iv) a pivot assembly that secures the arm assembly to the second frame in a fashion that allows the arm assembly and the grating to effectively pivot about a pivot axis; and (v) a mover that selectively moves the arm assembly and the grating about the pivot axis; and a module fastener assembly that is moveable between (i) an unlocked position in which the second frame can be selectively moved relative to the first frame to selectively adjust the cavity length, and to adjust the pivot axis to be approximately normal to the lasing axis; and (ii) a locked position in which the second module assembly is fixedly secured to the first module assembly to inhibit relative movement between the first frame and the second frame.