A wavelength locker comprising a semiconductor or air gap etalon is used
to monitor and maintain the output wavelength of a coherent radiation
source. Said etalon may be fabricated from a commercially available
silicon wafer, with individual regions of the wafer, each functioning as
a separate etalon, etched or otherwise processed to produce different
thicknesses. Illumination by the coherent radiation source generated
transmitted signal intensities that are detected and processed to
determine the output wavelength of the coherent radiation source. A
wavelength tuner is then used to maintain or vary the output wavelength
based on continuous measurements of etalon signal intensity.