Dual-output laser-driven light source

A method of generating light, the method comprising:

• a) producing a thermal plasma that generates light over an angular range of emission of at least 180 degrees;
• b) propagating the generated light to a first mirror that reflects the generated light in a first optical path;
• c) filtering light in the first optical path to form a first output optical beam with a first optical spectrum;
• d) propagating the first output optical beam to a second focal point of the first mirror;
• e) propagating the generated light to a second mirror that reflects the generated light in a second optical path;
• f) filtering light in the second optical path to form a second output optical beam with a second optical spectrum;
• g) propagating the second output optical beam to a second focal point of the second mirror;
• and
• h) combining the first and second output optical beams.

A dual-output light source comprising:

• a) a laser-driven light source that generates light from a thermal plasma over an angular range of emission of at least 180 degrees;
• b) a first off-axis conical mirror having a surface with a first coating and being positioned proximate to the thermal plasma so that generated light propagating from a first region of the at least 180-degree angular range of emission strikes a first focal point of the first off-axis conical mirror, the first off-axis conical mirror reflecting light in a first optical path;
• c) a second off-axis conical mirror having a surface with a second coating and being positioned proximate to the thermal plasma so that light generated by the laser-driven light source propagating from a second region of the at least 180-degree angular range of emission strikes a first focal point of the surface of the second off-axis conical mirror, the second off-axis conical mirror reflecting light in a second optical path;
• d) a first optical filter having a first bandwidth and having an input positioned in the first optical path, wherein the light transmitting through an output of the first optical filter has a first optical spectrum;
• e) a first optical output that is positioned at a second focal point of the first off-axis conical mirror in an optical path of light transmitting through the output of the first optical filter;
• f) a second optical filter having a second bandwidth and having an input positioned in the second optical path, wherein light transmitting through the output of the second optical filter has a second optical spectrum;
• and
• g) a second optical output that is positioned at a second focal point of the second off-axis conical mirror in an optical path of light transmitting through the output of the second optical filter,
• wherein at least one of the first optical coating and the second optical coating comprise an optical filter.