Multi-channel wavelength monitor

A multi-channel wavelength monitor comprising:

• a) a dispersive element that is positioned in an optical path of an incident optical beam having a plurality of wavelengths, the dispersive element dispersing the optical beam into a plurality of optical beams propagating in a plurality of optical paths, wherein each of the plurality of optical beams has one of the plurality of wavelengths;
• b) a plurality of optical filters, a respective one of the plurality of optical filters being positioned to intercept a respective one of the plurality of optical paths, a respective one of the plurality of optical filters substantially passing a respective one of the plurality of optical beams and substantially blocking each of the other optical beams;
• and
• c) a plurality of optical detectors that are positioned adjacent to the optical filter in a direction of propagation of the plurality of optical beams, a respective one of the plurality of optical detectors being positioned in a respective one of the plurality of optical paths, wherein each of the plurality of detectors generates an electrical signal that is proportional to an intensity of a respective one of the plurality of optical beams.

A method for simultaneously monitoring multiple wavelengths in a multi-channel optical beam, the method comprising:

• a) dispersing an optical beam into a plurality of optical beams propagating in a plurality of optical paths, wherein each of the plurality of optical beams has one of a plurality of wavelengths;
• b) transmitting the plurality of optical beams through an optical filter, wherein a respective one of a plurality of locations of the optical filter substantially transmits a respective one of the optical beams having a respective one of the plurality of wavelengths and substantially rejects other optical beams;
• and
• c) simultaneously detecting each of the plurality of transmitted optical beams and generating a plurality of electrical signals, a respective one of the plurality of electrical signals corresponding to an intensity of a respective one of the plurality of optical beams.