Abstract

For the first time, to our knowledge, orthogonal proton-exchange polarizers have been fabricated on a single LiNbO₃ substrate, allowing for the total integration of two acoustically tunable optical filters (ATOFs). This is a major step toward the development of a low-loss, non-frequency-shifting laser intracavity tuning element.^1,2This wavelength-selective component will be suitable for a variety of wavelength ranges, including the Ti:sapphire gain range (650-1000 μm) and the optical communication band between 1.2 and 1.6μm and beyond. The tuning range is limited only by the laser gain profile because of the tremendous spectral tuning range achievable with the ATOF (up to 50% tuning range may be possible with chirped interdigital transducers).

© 1990 Optical Society of America