Tunable, Narrow Linewidth Laser

"Development of advanced Hydrogen Fluoride (HF) laser technology is hampered by a lack of diagnostic lasers for laser component optical performance assessment. HF mirror metrology is currently costly and time consuming, requiring laser component deliveryto an HF laser site, and operation of another HF laser to reach relevant wavelengths. Coherent Technologies, Inc (CTI) proposes a portable, turn-key all-solid-state metrology system based on a laser providing over 1W narrow linewidth output, tunable tomajor HF laser lines (2.64 - 2.91 mm). A direct laser source is chosen instead of a nonlinear optical device because of the superior intensity stability and simplicity, creating a more robust and accurate metrology system. The system will be portable,enabling transportation to coating vendors for immediate turn-around testing of mirror characteristics (reflectivity and scattering) at a range of HF laser lines. Other possible applications include beam train alignment and preliminary testing ofdiagnostic subsystems that measure HF laser output power, wavefronts, and beam profiles. In Phase II, CTI will construct a complete metrology system, conduct metrology tests at CTI, and install the system at an Air Force specified site. The proposed workbuilds upon CTI?s established background in tunable mid-IR lasers and ruggedized frequency-stable laser systems"