Compact, fast multi-wavelength switchable single frequency laser

We have developed a fast multi-wavelengths switching laser platform. The tuning mechanism is based on a micro-mirror array DLP chip from a commercial pico-projector forming the end mirror of an external cavity laser diode. We report progress on a working prototype of a single frequency laser with a wavelength that is switchable between any five wavelengths spanning 765 nm to 783 nm. Switching time between any two wavelengths is equal to the switching time of the DLP micro-mirrors (milliseconds). We show that there is a clear path to realizing a tunable laser with over 50 discrete wavelengths. In addition to the fast switching time between any wavelengths, this laser has a compact form factor (<1cm 2 ) and the design is applicable to a broad spectral range spanning 400 nm to 3,000 nm.