Transmitted and tuning characteristics of birefringent filters

Abstract

Transmission formulas and transmission curves of birefringent filters when the optic axis is not in the plane of the filter plates are given and discussed in detail. The optimum parameters of birefringent filters, such as the most suitable ratio of thicknesses, tuning angles, and plate thicknesses, are obtained. As far as we know this is the first design of birefringent filters used in a tunable laser pumped by a quasi-cw source.