Optical scanning and imaging systems based on dual pulsed laser systems

摘要

The invention relates to scanning pulsed laser systems for optical imaging. Coherent dual scanning laser systems (CDSL) are disclosed and some applications thereof. Various alternatives for implementation are illustrated, including highly integrated configurations. In at least one embodiment a coherent dual scanning laser system (CDSL) includes two passively modelocked fiber oscillators. The oscillators are configured to operate at slightly different repetition rates, such that a difference δfr in repetition rates is small compared to the values fr1 and fr2 of the repetition rates of the oscillators. The CDSL system also includes a non-linear frequency conversion section optically connected to each oscillator. The section includes a non-linear optical element generating a frequency converted spectral output having a spectral bandwidth and a frequency comb comprising harmonics of the oscillator repetition rates. A CDSL may be arranged in an imaging system for one or more of optical imaging, microscopy, micro-spectroscopy and/or THz imaging.

主权项

1. A laser based system for generating optical pulses with a time varying time delay, said system comprising:
an optical source, said source comprising: at least one mode locked oscillator, said source generating optical pulses at a time-varying repetition rate, said optical pulses characterized by having a frequency comb spectrum comprising first and second individual frequency combs, wherein each of said individual frequency combs comprise frequency teeth separated in frequency, and wherein said optical pulses propagate in a common propagation path; a repetition rate controller configured to modulate said repetition rate at a modulation rate; and an optical reference comprising one or more single frequency lasers, said optical reference configured to monitor or control at least one of a time varying difference in repetition rate δ or a difference in carrier envelope offset frequency, Δfceo, between said individual frequency combs, said optical-reference generating an output reference signal and comprising at least one optical element configured for generating a first beat signal between an output reference signal and a frequency tooth of said first comb, and a second beat signal between an optical reference signal and a frequency tooth of said second comb.