Multiple-wedge wavemeter for pulsed lasers

Area of Science:

• * Optics and Photonics
• * Laser Metrology
• * Interferometry

Background:

• * Precise measurement of laser wavelength is critical for various scientific and industrial applications.
• * Existing methods for absolute wavelength measurement of pulsed lasers can be complex and less accurate.
• * The need for high-precision, reliable wavelength determination drives innovation in optical metrology.

Purpose of the Study:

• * To describe a new wavelength meter for measuring the absolute wavelength of pulsed laser radiation.
• * To achieve a measurement accuracy of 1 part in 10^6.
• * To present a practical and robust system for laser wavelength characterization.

Main Methods:

• * Construction of a wavelength meter comprising five Fizeau (optical-wedge) interferometers.
• * Simultaneous fringe capture from a standard Helium-Neon (He-Ne) laser and an unknown pulsed laser.
• * Utilization of a television camera interfaced with a microcomputer for fringe analysis and wavelength calculation.

Main Results:

• * Successful demonstration of a wavelength meter capable of measuring absolute wavelength with high precision.
• * Achieved accuracy of 1 part in 10^6 for pulsed laser radiation measurement.
• * The system effectively processes fringe data for accurate wavelength determination.

Conclusions:

• * The developed Fizeau interferometer-based wavelength meter offers a significant advancement in pulsed laser metrology.
• * The system provides a reliable and accurate method for absolute wavelength measurement.
• * This technology has potential applications in fields requiring precise laser characterization.