Definition of multiline laser system

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Photonics Dictionary

multiline laser system: A multiline laser system refers to a type of laser that is capable of emitting multiple discrete wavelengths or spectral lines simultaneously. Unlike single-line lasers, which produce radiation at a single specific wavelength, multiline lasers emit light at multiple distinct wavelengths, typically within a narrow range of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Multiline laser systems can be constructed using various laser technologies, including gas lasers, solid-state lasers, semiconductor lasers, and dye lasers. Each type of multiline laser has its own unique set of characteristics, advantages, and applications.

Gas multiline lasers, such as argon-ion lasers and helium-neon lasers, are among the most common types of multiline lasers. These lasers generate light through the excitation of gas atoms or molecules, resulting in the emission of multiple spectral lines corresponding to different electronic transitions within the gas medium.

Solid-state multiline lasers, such as titanium-sapphire lasers and rare-earth-doped lasers, utilize solid-state gain media to produce multiple wavelengths of light. These lasers can be tuned to emit different wavelengths by adjusting the laser cavity or using intracavity frequency conversion techniques.

Semiconductor multiline lasers, also known as quantum cascade lasers or quantum well lasers, employ semiconductor heterostructures to achieve multiple wavelength emission. By engineering the bandgap of the semiconductor materials, these lasers can emit light at multiple discrete wavelengths within the infrared or mid-infrared regions of the spectrum.

Dye multiline lasers use organic dye molecules dissolved in a solvent as the gain medium. By selecting different dye molecules or mixtures, these lasers can produce multiple emission lines across a wide range of wavelengths, from ultraviolet to near-infrared.

Multiline laser systems find applications in various fields, including spectroscopy, metrology, biomedical imaging, materials processing, and scientific research. They are particularly useful in situations where simultaneous excitation or detection at multiple wavelengths is required, such as in fluorescence microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and multiphoton imaging.

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