Abstract: A second harmonic generation laser system comprising: a non-linear frequency converting medium; and an external cavity pump laser that produces optical energy at a single mode and at a single frequency and that is disposed to provide the optical energy to the non-linear frequency converting medium.

Abstract: A laser apparatus and method that provide for suppression of source spontaneous emission (SSE) and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light in laser output with minimal intracavity loss. The apparatus comprises a gain medium emitting a light beam, a wavelength element positioned in the light beam, and a non-reciprocal pickoff positioned in the light beam between the gain medium and wavelength element. The non-reciprocal pickoff may comprise a polarization-dependent beam splitter and a non-reciprocal polarization rotator positioned in the light beam before the wavelength selection element. The non-reciprocal pickoff may further comprise a reciprocal polarization rotator positioned in the light beam after the polarization-dependent beam splitter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that provide a tunable laser output wavelength which varies linearly or with high predictability over time, and which can provide tuning speeds of greater than 100 nanometers per second. The apparatus includes a laser resonator cavity having first and second reflective elements, at least one of which is movable to provide a constant change in output wavelength with respect to time. A tuning assembly associated with the movable reflective element is structured, configured, and positioned to adjust the movable reflective elements such that constant changes in output wavelength and high tuning speeds are provided.

Abstract: A laser apparatus and method that provide for suppression of source spontaneous emission (SSE) and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) light in laser output with minimal intracavity loss. The apparatus comprises a gain medium emitting a light beam, a wavelength element positioned in the light beam, and a non-reciprocal pickoff positioned in the light beam between the gain medium and wavelength element. The non-reciprocal pickoff may comprise a polarization-dependent beam splitter and a non-reciprocal polarization rotator positioned in the light beam before the wavelength selection element. The non-reciprocal pickoff may further comprise a reciprocal polarization rotator positioned in the light beam after the polarization-dependent beam splitter.

Abstract: A system and method for real time process control, using a linearly swept tunable laser, which allows high speed in-situ monitoring and control of wavelength-specific properties of optical components. The invention comprises scanning an optical component with a high speed, high linearity tunable laser, and detecting optical output from the component during the scanning. Preferably, the invention also includes adjusting or controlling the optical properties of the component during scanning, according to detected optical output from the component. The invention is embodied in a process control system comprising a high speed, high linearity, tunable operatively coupled to an optical component which in turn is operatively coupled to an optical detector. A system control processor is operatively coupled to the tunable laser and detector. A processing control unit is associated with the optical component and is operatively coupled to the system control processor.

Abstract: A robust method of stabilizing a diode laser frequency to an atomic transition is provided. The method employs Zeeman shift to generate an anti-symmetric signal about a Doppler-broadened atomic resonance, and, therefore, offers a large recapture range as well as high stability. The frequency of a 780 nm diode laser, stabilized to such a signal in Rb, drifts less than 0.5 MHz.sub.pk-pk (one part in 10.sup.9) in thirty-eight hours. This tunable frequency lock may be inexpensively constructed, requires little laser power, rarely loses lock, and may be extended to other wavelengths by using different atomic species.