Mode Tracker for Mode-Hop-Free Operation of a Laser

TBMG-8319

08/01/2010

Abstract
Content

A mode-tracking system that includes a mode-controlling subsystem has been incorporated into an external-cavity (EC) quantum cascade laser that operates in a mid-infrared wavelength range. The mode-tracking system makes it possible to perform mode-hop-free wavelength scans, as needed for high-resolution spectroscopy and detection of trace gases. The laser includes a gain chip, a beam-collimating lens, and a diffraction grating. The grating is mounted on a platform, the position of which can be varied to effect independent control of the EC length and the grating angle. The position actuators include a piezoelectric stage for translation control and a motorized stage for coarse rotation control equipped with a piezoelectric actuator for fine rotation control. Together, these actuators enable control of the EC length over a range of about 90 μm with a resolution of 0.9 nm, and control of the grating angle over a coarse-tuning range of ±6.3° and a fine-tuning range of ±520 μrad with a resolution of 10 nrad. A mirror mounted on the platform with the grating assures always the same direction of the output laser beam.

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Citation
"Mode Tracker for Mode-Hop-Free Operation of a Laser," Mobility Engineering, August 1, 2010.
Additional Details
Publisher
Published
Aug 1, 2010
Product Code
TBMG-8319
Content Type
Magazine Article
Language
English