A laser diode system is provided. The laser comprises first and second reflective
gratings at each end of the laser. The laser further comprises an outcoupling grating
between the first and second reflective gratings, wherein the outcoupling grating
couples light out of the laser. The reflectors and outcoupling grating each have
a unique wide-band reflective spectrum. A first laser cavity exists between the
first and second reflective gratings. A second laser cavity exists between the
first reflective grating and the outcoupling grating. A third laser cavity exists
between the second reflective grating and the outcoupling grating, and a fourth
laser cavity exists with in the outcoupling region. The overlap of reflective spectra
determine the lasing wavelengths that reach resonance within each cavity. Wavelengths
resonant in one cavity are suppressed in the others unless a wavelength is resonant
in all cavities. This matching of mode intensities causes the outcoupled beam to
be confined to a single wavelength.
