Cylindrical microlens external cavity for laser diode frequency control

James J. Snyder; Shawn W. Connely; Lynn A. Westling; J. T. Thorpe

doi:10.1117/12.209027

12 May 1995 Cylindrical microlens external cavity for laser diode frequency control

James J. Snyder, Shawn W. Connely, Lynn A. Westling, J. T. Thorpe

Proceedings Volume 2383, Micro-Optics/Micromechanics and Laser Scanning and Shaping; (1995) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209027
Event: Photonics West '95, 1995, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

We have investigated the effect on a laser diode's frequency of optical feedback from a short external cavity made from a precision cylindrical microlens collimator. Since the microlens collimates the laser output radiation to a diffraction limited beam, reflected light from the planar surfaces of the microlens is reimaged at the output facet, providing very efficient optical feedback into the laser cavity. Feedback from the external cavity can be used to control the longitudinal mode characteristics and emission frequency of the laser by varying the microlens position. Based on the results of these experiments we are developing a simple, compact, and robust tunable laser diode system that utilizes an orthogonal pair of collimating microlenses to form a short external cavity for longitudinal mode and frequency control. The resulting system will generate a circular, collimated beam of single frequency, tunable laser radiation.

Citation Download Citation

James J. Snyder, Shawn W. Connely, Lynn A. Westling, and J. T. Thorpe "Cylindrical microlens external cavity for laser diode frequency control", Proc. SPIE 2383, Micro-Optics/Micromechanics and Laser Scanning and Shaping, (12 May 1995); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.209027

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