System and method for generating and utilizing a valid sweep vector to obviate spurious data and increase sweep rate in an akinetic path-based swept laser

Abstract

A system and method for triggering data acquisition in a semiconductor laser system including outputting electromagnetic energy from the semiconductor laser over a range of wavelengths according to a signaling path. The signaling path includes a plurality of discrete data inputs to the semiconductor laser for outputting electromagnetic energy over a range of wavelengths and the signaling path includes one or more perturbances in transitioning from one wavelength to another wavelength along the signaling path. A series of triggering signals are generated for input to a measurement system by the semiconductor laser. The electromagnetic energy output from the semiconductor laser is detected based on the series of triggering signals. The detected electromagnetic energy is compared with a valid data vector, wherein the valid data vector includes one or more criteria and/or values that is used to differentiate valid data from invalid data corresponding to the detected electromagnetic energy.