Apparatus for controlling the scan width of a scanning laser beam

Patent · Mon Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1996

OSTI ID:870656

Johnson, Gary W ^[1]

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1. Livermore, CA

Swept-wavelength lasers are often used in absorption spectroscopy applications. In experiments where high accuracy is required, it is desirable to continuously monitor and control the range of wavelengths scanned (the scan width). A system has been demonstrated whereby the scan width of a swept ring-dye laser, or semiconductor diode laser, can be measured and controlled in real-time with a resolution better than 0.1%. Scan linearity, or conformity to a nonlinear scan waveform, can be measured and controlled. The system of the invention consists of a Fabry-Perot interferometer, three CAMAC interface modules, and a microcomputer running a simple analysis and proportional-integral control algorithm. With additional modules, multiple lasers can be simultaneously controlled. The invention also includes an embodiment implemented on an ordinary PC with a multifunction plug-in board.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-48
• Assignee: United States of America as represented by United States (Washington, DC)
• Patent Number(s): US 5568255
• OSTI ID: 870656
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

apparatus
controlling
scan
width
scanning
laser
beam
swept-wavelength
lasers
absorption
spectroscopy
applications
experiments
accuracy
required
desirable
continuously
monitor
control
range
wavelengths
scanned
demonstrated
whereby
swept
ring-dye
semiconductor
diode
measured
controlled
real-time
resolution
linearity
conformity
nonlinear
waveform
consists
fabry-perot
interferometer
camac
interface
modules
microcomputer
running
simple
analysis
proportional-integral
algorithm
additional
multiple
simultaneously
embodiment
implemented
ordinary
pc
multifunction
plug-in
board
wavelength laser
fabry-perot interferometer
control algorithm
dye laser
laser beam
diode laser
semiconductor diode
scan line
scanning laser
multiple laser
interface module
absorption spectroscopy
spectroscopy applications
multiple lasers
wavelength lasers
continuously monitor
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