Electronically Tunable, Simultaneous Output, Multi-wavelength Solid State Laser

A novel approach to providing tunable, multi-wavelength output for use in multispectral and hyperspectral imaging systems is described. The system uses a hybrid laser which is composed of a Nd:YAG and a Cr:LiSAF laser rod in the same flash lamp pump cavity. Since the absorption bands for the two rods are different, the flash lamp light is much better utilized and the laser system can be much more efficient. In addition, simultaneous output occurs. Rapid, electrically controlled tuning of the Cr:LiSAF laser is achieved through the use of a novel electro-optically tuned Solc filter. Harmonic and sum frequency generation, which is dispersively phase match tuning-compensated, results in output wavelengths from the UV to IR.