Quantum Cascade Laser Tuning by Digital Micromirror Array-controlled External Cavity

A quantum cascade laser (QCL) tuning mechanism based on an external laser cavity containing a Micro ElectroMechanical System (MEMS) spatial light modulator in the form of a two-dimensional digital micromirror array (DMA) is described. The laser is tuned by modulating the reflectivity of DMA micromir...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Vujkovic-Cvijin, P, Gregor, B, Samuels, A C, Roese, E S
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
ARRAYS
DIGITAL MICROMIRROR ARRAYS
LASER SPECTROSCOPY
LASER TUNING
Lasers and Masers
LIGHT MODULATORS
MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS
Optics
QUANTUM CASCADE LASERS
TUNABLE LASERS
TUNING
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Description
Summary:A quantum cascade laser (QCL) tuning mechanism based on an external laser cavity containing a Micro ElectroMechanical System (MEMS) spatial light modulator in the form of a two-dimensional digital micromirror array (DMA) is described. The laser is tuned by modulating the reflectivity of DMA micromirror pixels under computer control. The resulting functionality enables fast (0.1ms switching time) digitally controlled random-access wavelength tuning, high-bandwidth wavelength modulation (30kHz modulation rate), and stable wavelength locking of the laser output. With one or more QCL gain elements built into the cavity, it is possible to cover a wide portion of the mid-wave and/or long-wave spectral range with a single device. The fast wideband digitally controlled laser tuning technology described is applicable to other tunable laser including solid-state, diode, gas, and fiber lasers Published in Proc. SPIE 9135, Laser Sources and Applications II, 91350L (2014).