Abstract

Narrow bandwidth, near infrared, tunable lasers are under consideration for space-based measurements of atmospheric species, temperature, and pressure. These measurements typically require bandwidth and frequency control of less than one picometer. One picometer bandwidth implies operation on a few axialmodes of the laser, however wavemeter design for frequency control can be simplified by single axial mode operation. Pulsed multi-mode injection control of a Ti:Sapphire without any passive wavelength selection has been reported in ref. 1. Single axial mode operation can best be accomplished in solid state lasers using ring cavities to avoid spatial hole burning. Achievement of narrow bandwidth operation in a pulsed laser typically requires a series of frequency narrowing elements in the cavity and may require some type of cavity Q variation to allow time for the pulse to narrow. The intracavity elements are usually lossy and are often easily damaged.

© 1987 Optical Society of America