A switchable holographic circle to point converter for use in LIDAR receivers

A solid state air-gap Fabry-Perot is configured in tandem with a switchable holographic optic element established by holographic polymer liquid crystal dispersion. This switchable element is the innovative centerpiece developed during Phase I research. By stacking these tuning elements, one per wavelength channel, any discrete channel within the operating range (which can include multiple orders) of a Fabry-Perot etalon can be selected for transmission to any receiver in a LIDAR or spectroscopy system. A sealed, solid state etalon combined with a switchable holographic element can replace a tunable etalon system. This has advantages with respect to LIDAR system cost, complexity and weight. Multiplexing allows additional spectral elements to be selected simultaneously or a channel may be switched in milliseconds. The device can thus isolate hundreds of individual wavelengths across the tunable range of a tunable laser or LIDAR transmitter. These capabilities are accomplished with no moving parts, and with a significant cost advantage over competing technologies.