Page 26 - Tunable Lasers Handbook

arrow-Linewidth Laser

Oscillators and

lntracavity Dispersion

F. J. Duarte
Eastman Kodak Company
Rochester, New York

1. INTRODUCTION

Efficient tunable narrow-linewidth emission is intimately related to intracav-
ity dispersive configurations. Intracavity dispersive assemblies integrated by
multiple-prism arrays and gratings form an essential part of narrow-linewidth
pulsed oscillators. However, their importance and significant contribution extend
beyond the pulsed regime and into the continuous-wave (cw) mode of oscilla-
tion. Further, these dispersive oscillator configurations have been shown to be
successful and are widely applied to lasers in the gaseous, liquid, and solid
states. Hence, the description and discussion of tunable dispersive oscillators
provided here is generalized. In this regard, the active media is referred to as the
gain media in a generic sense.
Here, a succinct survey of narrow-linewidth oscillator configurations and
their respective performances is provided. In addition, elements of intracavity
dispersion theory and relevant propagation ray matrices are included.

Tunable Lasen Handbook
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