Single spectral line laser

Abstract

This invention forces a multi-spectral line laser to operate on a single spectral line by modifying the gain of the medium instead of the standard approach of modifying the loss of the cavity. The spectral line selected by the system of the present invention is always the same identical spectral line. There are no ambiguities in knowing which line has been selected as there are with other methods. The invention involves a system for using more than one type of gain media within the laser cavity. Each medium gives rise to a distinct set of spectral line frequencies at which it has gain. Only occassional coincidences will occur at which spectral lines from two or more media fall within a linewidth of each other. Where these coincidences do not occur, the gain for a spectral line is only proportional to the amount of the individual medium present and will be below threshold. Where the coincidences do occur, the total gain is proportional to the total amount of gain for all of the involved media and the line will lase. Spectral lines that are within one operating linewidth of one another may be achieved by the use of two different types of gain media within the laser cavity. The most promising embodiment of the present invention is to use the same type of gain media but with different isotopes, which would, in many but not all cases, allow a physical mixing of the media within the resonant cavity. Each medium or isotope gives rise to a different and distinct set of spectral line frequencies at which the system has gain. Only occasional coincidences will occur at which spectral lines from two or more media fall within a linewidth of each other. Where these coincidences do not occur, the gain for a spectral line is only proportional to the amount of the individual medium present and will be below threshold. Where the coincidences do occur, the total gain is proportional to the total amount of all the involved media and the line will lase.