Double-wavelength laser

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Abstract
A new technique is reported which allows a laser to operate simultaneoulsy at two or more wavelengths from a high‐gain grating‐ or prism‐tuned laser. This is done by inserting a small‐angle wedge in the laser to form two independent cavities. The relative intensities at the output wavelengths are governed by the wedge location. Tuning of the new wavelength is accomplished by rotating the wedge. The difference frequency between the two output wavelengths is not limited by the gain characteristics of the active medium since different active media can be used simultaneously. The wedge technique was used in a nitrogen‐laser‐pumped dye laser and the usefulness of such a laser in nonlinear opitcal experiments was shown.