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Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for generating temporally spaced apart light pulses, comprising

a first laser (11) which generates a first sequence (I) of light pulses at a first repetition rate,a second laser (12) which generates a second sequence (II) of light pulses at a second repetition rate, andat least one actuating member which influences the first repetition rate and/or the second repetition rate. It is an object of the invention to provide an apparatus for generating temporally spaced apart light pulses which is improved in relation to the prior art. This object is achieved by the invention by a control element (23) which applies a periodic modulation signal (24) to the actuating member for periodic variation of the first repetition rate and/or the second repetition rate, wherein the actuating member comprises a mechanical oscillator excited by the modulation signal (24), the deflection of said oscillator causing an adjustment in the resonator length of the first laser (11) and/or second laser (12), wherein the mechanical oscillator oscillates in resonant fashion at the frequency of the modulation signal (24). In accordance with the invention, an actuator (e.g. a piezo-actuator) which adjusts the resonator length of the laser is operated in resonant fashion. As a result, a large maximum time offset of the light-pulse sequences (I, II) with, at the same time, a high scanning speed is rendered possible. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for generating temporally spaced apart light pulses.

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First Claim