Single mirror integral raman laser

摘要

A Raman laser (10) is provided using a pump laser (22) as a source of radiation at a first wavelength and a Raman cell (30) for converting the first wavelength radiation to a second wavelength. The pump laser (20) provides polarized radiation at a predetermined first wavelength which is focused by a focusing means (40) into a Raman medium (32) which converts radiation at the first wavelength to a predetermined second wavelength by Raman scattering processes. A reflection means (50) which is aligned normal to the first wavelength radiation is disposed between the pump laser (20) and focusing means (40). The reflection means is substantially 100% reflective of radiation at the second wavelength and substantially non-reflective of radiation at the first wavelength. A polarizing means (70) and quarter-wave plate (60) are disposed along the optical path between the Raman medium (32) and the pump laser (20) for allowing propagation of the first wavelength to the Raman medium (32) but preventing SBS radiation from entering the pump laser (20) from the Raman medium. Alternatively, the pump laser includes an output reflection means (124) that is substantially 100% reflective of radiation at the second wavelength and partially reflective of radiation at the first wavelength. This embodiment achieves automatic alignment of the pump laser and the Raman medium (32) and does not use additional reflection means, polarization means, or a quarter-wave plate.