Abstract: A wavelength blocker including an input port for launching an input beam of light, first dispersing means for dispersing the input beam of light according to wavelength, an array of independently addressable elements for selectively blocking a portion of the dispersed beam of light, second dispersing means for receiving the passed dispersed beam of light and for producing a single multiplexed beam of light therefrom, and an output port for transmitting a modified output beam of light. The array of independently addressable elements are designed such that the wavelength blocker is capable of blocking a variable number of non-consecutive channels without significantly affecting the unblocked channels.

Abstract: A wavelength blocker including an input port for launching an input beam of light, first dispersing means for dispersing the input beam of light according to wavelength, an array of independently addressable elements for selectively blocking a portion of the dispersed beam of light, second dispersing means for receiving the passed dispersed beam of light and for producing a single multiplexed beam of light therefrom, and an output port for transmitting a modified output beam of light. The array of independently addressable elements are designed such that the wavelength blocker is capable of blocking a variable number of non-consecutive channels without significantly affecting the unblocked channels.

Abstract: This invention describes a method and apparatus that can be used in optic quality monitoring of a gas laser. The method involves measuring the temperature of at least one of the optics in a gas laser, then subtracting the temperature of the laser enclosure from the optic temperature to obtain a temperature differential, and finally dividing the differential by a value proportional to the output power of the laser. The final value, termed "figure of merit", gives a quantitative measure of the condition of the optic. As a result appropriate cleaning and replacement decisions can be made for one or both of the optics in a gas laser.