Holographic gratings (0.5" x 2") with a typical efficiency of 24%, single pass, and a similarly sized mirror, are suitable for use in the grazing incidence configuration.

Grazing incidence is a simple and inexpensive optical configuration, as described in Applied Optics, July 1978, p. 2224, that can tune and increase the resolution of a dye laser. A holographic grating, functioning as an end reflector in a dye laser cavity, is positioned so that laser radiation strikes the grating almost perpendicular to the grating normal. As the angle of incidence approaches 89 degrees, a relatively large area of the grating is illuminated by the laser beam, increasing angular dispersion and resolving power significantly.

The sizes of the grating and mirror (12.7 mm x 50.8 mm) are optimized for grazing incidence and minimize the cost of the components. The grating is fixed and tuning is achieved by rotation of the mirror. The laser beam is diffracted twice in grazing incidence, resulting in a twofold increase in resolution. Low grating efficiency is characteristic of the grazing incidence configuration but is compensated for by the high gain of the dyes used.

Specifications Grating (replicated holographic) Grooves per mm - 1200, 1800, 2400 or 3600 Dimensional tolerances - ± 0.5 mm Thickness - 9.5 mm ± 0.5 mm Clear aperture - 10.0 x 46.0 mm Resolution - 80% to 90% of theoretical Efficiency at grazing incidence Single pass - Approx. 24% Double pass - Approx. 4% Mirror Coating - Al Thickness - 9.5 mm ± 0.5 mm

Any standard grazing incidence grating is available with a P-type or CW-type replication coating for higher damage threshold performance.

* Prices are in USD and are list prices only.

All dimensions in millimeters.

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