Monochromatic to Polychromatic Laser beam

In summary, the conversation discusses the possibility of widening the spectral FWHM of a laser beam and the potential uses for a more intense light source. The idea of using a gas to induce collisional broadening is mentioned, along with concerns about controlling or predicting the amount of broadening. Suggestions are made for using a gas that fluoresces at the laser's wavelength or shortening the pulse to the femtosecond regime. Further research and search terms are also discussed.
  • #1
dustydude
19
0
Is it possible to widen the spectral FWHM of a laser beam.

Any ideas?

I understand the lasing process leads to the monochromaticity, but such a intense light source can have other uses.


Thanks
 
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  • #3
There isn't anything is the wiki article about laser halfwidths.
I'm talking about a laser with a few nm halfwidth.
 
  • #4
What you could do, is let the beam pass through a gas that fluoresces at the laser's wavelength, which would lead to some pressure/collision broadening, which you could control with temperature/pressure of the gas.
 
  • #5
If you can deal with laser pulses instead of continuous beams, you can then shorten the pulses to the femtosecond regime.

In this range, the shorter the pulse, the wider its spectral FWHM.
 
  • #6
I like the idea of using a gas for collisional broadening. Any ideas on the type of gas? Maybe for a green Nd:yag(532nm) laser. Would anything be wrong have the beam pass through a coloumn, which contains the gas and controls the pressure.

A concern would be that there are a lot of different spectral broadening effects, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spectral_line#Spectral_line_broadening_and_shift". so to either control or predict the amount of broadening would be a task.

Anyone have any ideas of similar research or key search words for the process described.

Thanks,
 
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FAQ: Monochromatic to Polychromatic Laser beam

What is a monochromatic laser beam?

A monochromatic laser beam is a type of laser that emits light of a single wavelength or color. This means that all of the photons in the beam have the same energy and frequency.

What is a polychromatic laser beam?

A polychromatic laser beam is a type of laser that emits light of multiple wavelengths or colors. This means that the photons in the beam have different energies and frequencies.

How is a monochromatic laser beam created?

A monochromatic laser beam is created using a laser medium, such as a crystal or gas, that amplifies the light of a specific wavelength. The light is then reflected back and forth between two mirrors, creating a strong, coherent beam of light with a single wavelength.

What are the advantages of a monochromatic laser beam?

Monochromatic laser beams have a high level of coherence and a narrow beam width, making them useful for precision applications such as surgery, spectroscopy, and holography. They also have a well-defined color, making them useful for color-sensitive applications, such as printing and laser displays.

What are the advantages of a polychromatic laser beam?

Polychromatic laser beams have a wider range of wavelengths, allowing them to be used for a variety of applications, such as cutting, welding, and material processing. They also have a higher power output compared to monochromatic lasers, making them more suitable for industrial applications.

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