GRADED THIN FILM WEDGE INTERFERENCE FILTER AND METHOD OF USE FOR LASER TUNING

摘要

An external cavity laser (10) employing a tapered, thin firm interference filter (26) as a tuning element. Tapered, thin film interference filters employing dielectric layers are disclosed for use in tuning external cavity layers. Methods of tuning an external cavity laser (10) by adjustably positioning a tapered thin film interference filter (26) are disclosed. Also included are a method for tuning an external cavity laser (10) to account for thermal wavelength drift, a method of mounting an etalon in a substantially stress free manner, and a mount therefor.