Rapid wavelength switching of IR lasers with Bragg cells

摘要

Apparatus is provided for rapidly switching among discrete wavelengths within the output spectrum of a gas laser. A portion of the radiation in a primary optical cavity of a laser is transmitted by a partially reflective surface into a secondary cavity which includes a reflector element and one or more Bragg deflector cells. The Bragg cells are positioned between the primary cavity and reflector element, and frequency shift radiation passing between the primary cavity and reflector element. Each Bragg cell is selectably driven by an RF driver to enhance radiation of a predetermined wavelength within the range of the laser spectrum. Consequently, radiation injected back into the primary cavity from the secondary cavity is essentially of the predetermined wavelength.