Project Title:

Tunable, Single-Frequency, Solid-State Laser Transmitter

08.07-0755
Tunable, Single-Frequency, Solid-State Laser Transmitter
Lightwave Electronics Corp.
1161 San Antonio Road
Mountain View
CA
94043
Richard W.
Wallace
(415-962-0755)
LaRC

Abstract:

The recent demonstration at Stanford University of nonlinear conversion efficiencies
greater than 50% using a continuous-wave (cw), single-frequency laser encourages
a fresh look at optical parametric oscillators. Two key breakthroughs contributed
to these significant results: the development of a single-frequency, diode-pumped,
solid-state laser and the development of nonlinear crystals having very good optical
quality. The single-frequency laser and the low-loss crystal make it straightforward
to use the technique of external resonant enhancement to obtain high conversion efficiencies
even at very low cw power levels. The innovation is to apply these external, resonant-enhancement
techniques in an all-solid-state, single-frequency, tunable laser source.

Potential Commercial Application:

Potential Commercial Applications:  Applications range from LIDAR and spectroscopy
studies to color-multiplexed, high-capacity communication systems.