Solid state tunable lasers offer the unique potential of continuous tunability with one laser over the spectral region of photochemistry, 1000 - 100 nm. A laser with this unbroken tuning range, of sufficient accuracy and demand of time pulse structure, would allow more specific analysis of the nature of chromophores and their role in photobiology resulting from UV radiation. We are particularly attracted to a laser of this capabiliity to place in the hands of profesional investigators of chromosomology and the related RNA and DNA.
The use of state of the art solid state tunable lasers, (Nd:Yag, Argon-ion, etc. with input frequencies ranging from 1600 - 550 nm) and frequency up-conversion with highly efficient non-linear crystals in addition provide the following advantages:
Relatively low cost.
Fast beam steering (wavelength varying).
Frequency up conversion through harmonic generation to 198 nm.
Simultaneous multi-color output (continuous).
Other specific features for newly developed crystals are: (1) high damage threshold, (2) very high non-linear coefficients, (3) wide temperature stability, and (4) excellent optical qualities and phase matching angles.
The laser currently being tested has been designed to be highly reliable and user friendly. The entire system is computer controlled and menue driven with associated graphics. Time pulse structures of both picoseconds and femtoseconds as well as modified CW outputs are available on demand. The system has further been designed to be mechanically and optically adapted, through the use of various types and sizes of fiber optics, to the end-user equipment of the investigator.