710354Novel low cost electronically tunable external cavity laser for high resolution spectroscopyClosedGRD Proof of ConceptInnovate UKExternal Cavity Diode Lasers (ECDL) can replace the more complex lasers in scientific & commercial applications e.g. high resolution spectroscopy but the mechanical wavelength tuning approach used by current ECDLs fundamentally restricts their tuning range (flexibility) and resolution (linewidth) and prohibits synchronous multi-wavelength operation. Mitigation measures add significant complexity & cost. 2TP has identified an opportunity to use phaseonly holography create an ECDL without these limitations, creating a value step change. 2TPs project will prove enabling technologies for a superior tunable ECDL that will offer improved performance & affordability for the user, thus capturing market share for 2TP. To deliver the proposed project 2TP will need to address challenges in the areas of: • Chemistry –research liquid crystal chemistries & spectral modelling of gas absorption lines • Physics – modelling, experiments with high resolution filter & low cost lasers • Software – use of genetic algorithms to control ECDL operation • Integration – manufacture and test aspects of the technology The project will deliver: a. An addressable high resolution wavelength selectable filter with no mechanically moving parts The electronically controlled, software reconfigurable technology will be simple in construction with multi-wavelength synchronous operation capability. b. A low cost, high resolution ECDL with a wide tuning range, capable of multi-species detection. c. A multi-gas detection technology demonstrator based on a) and b) above.