Tunable, Narrow Linewidth Laser for HF/DF Laser Metrology

Development of advanced Hydrogen Fluoride/Deuterium Fluoride (HF/DF) laser technology can be hampered by delayed knowledge of laser component performance. HF mirror optical performance metrology is currently costly and time consuming, requiring lasercomponent delivery to an HF laser site, and operation of another HF laser to reach relevant wavelengths. Coherent Technologies, Inc (CTI) proposes a portable, turn-key solid state laser source providing over 1W narrow linewidth output, tunable to major HFlaser 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 output power available - desirable in a metrology system. The proposed system could be transported tocoating vendors for immediate diagnostic testing of mirror absorption and scattering at a range of HF laser lines. This will enhance the efficiency of the manufacturing process. Other possible applications include HF laser alignment and spatiallyresolved gain probing/imaging for decisive optimization of HF/DF laser performance. Phase I will consist of constructing a tunable, single-frequency laser, characterizing a HF/DF mirror sample, and designing a prototype brassboard HF mirror metrologysystem. The proposed work builds upon CTI's established background in tunable mid-IR laser sources and ruggedized single-frequency laser systems.A compact solid state tunable narrow linewidth source in the 2-3 mm wavelength region will accelerate HF/DFlaser component metrology and alignment. Commercial applications include remote sensing, medical instrumentation, and as a pump source for mid-infrared nonlinear devices.