A tunable supercontinuum spectrum generation device and display system

Abstract

This invention relates to a tunable supercontinuum spectrum generation device and display system. The tunable supercontinuum spectrum generation device includes an optically connected seed source, a pump source, a hollow optical fiber, and a dynamic gas chamber. The pump source converts laser light emitted from the seed source into pump light, which is input into the hollow optical fiber. The hollow optical fiber is sealed within the dynamic gas chamber. A first coupling mirror is provided at the optical input end of the dynamic gas chamber, and a second coupling mirror is provided at the optical output end. The dynamic gas chamber is used to fill the hollow structure of the hollow optical fiber with gas and to achieve constant pressure management and / or constant temperature management inside the gas chamber. The dynamic gas chamber is a sealed space, and the gas pressure within it can be adjusted according to usage requirements. When the gas pressure reaches a preset pressure value, the dynamic gas chamber maintains a constant flow of gas in and out, maintaining a dynamic constant internal gas pressure to ensure the stability of the gas state and provide a stable gas environment for the generation of supercontinuum spectra. The dynamic flow of gas within the dynamic gas chamber can carry away the heat generated by the hollow optical fiber, preventing temperature changes from negatively affecting the optical properties of the hollow optical fiber. This invention improves the stability of the gas pressure, temperature, and other conditions required for supercontinuum spectrum generation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of laser technology, and more specifically, to a tunable supercontinuum spectrum generation device and display system. Background Technology

[0002] The technique of filling hollow optical fibers with gas to generate supercontinuum spectra combines the unique structure of hollow optical fibers with the nonlinear optical properties of gases. It mainly utilizes the interaction between gas molecules and lasers when a high peak power ultrashort pulse laser propagates in a gas-filled hollow optical fiber, which leads to a series of nonlinear effects, thereby broadening the spectrum to form a supercontinuum spectrum.

[0003] Due to the pressure difference between the inside and outside of the optical fiber, the gas filling the hollow fiber typically diffuses outward at a certain speed, causing the gas pressure inside the fiber to gradually decrease. Simultaneously, heat accumulation during fiber operation leads to an increase in fiber temperature. These changes negatively impact the generation of supercontinuum spectra. Therefore, filling the hollow fiber with an appropriate gas and ensuring the stability of the hollow fiber after gas filling are crucial for achieving supercontinuum spectra generation. However, current technologies do not manage the environment in which the fiber is located, making it impossible to guarantee the continuous stability of gas pressure, temperature, and other conditions for supercontinuum spectra generation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, and in response to the above problems, the present invention provides a tunable supercontinuum spectrum generation device and display system, which improves the continuous stability of the gas pressure, temperature and other conditions required for supercontinuum spectrum generation.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a tunable supercontinuum spectrum generation device, comprising an optically connected seed source, a pump source, a hollow optical fiber, and a dynamic gas chamber. The pump source converts the laser emitted from the seed source into pump light, which is input into the hollow optical fiber. The hollow optical fiber is sealed within the dynamic gas chamber. A first coupling mirror is provided at the optical input end of the dynamic gas chamber, and a second coupling mirror is provided at the optical output end. The dynamic gas chamber is used to fill the hollow structure of the hollow optical fiber with gas and to achieve constant pressure management and / or constant temperature management inside the gas chamber.

[0006] In one embodiment, the gas filling the hollow structure of the hollow optical fiber is a first gas, which is at least one of argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.

[0007] In one embodiment, the dynamic air chamber is equipped with a pressure monitoring device, an inlet valve, and an outlet valve. The inlet valve is connected to a gas supply device, and the outlet valve is connected to a gas recovery device. The pressure monitoring device, the inlet valve, and the outlet valve are respectively communicatively connected to the control system.

[0008] In one embodiment, the dynamic air chamber is equipped with a temperature sensor, which is communicatively connected to the control system.

[0009] In one embodiment, the first end and the second end of the hollow optical fiber are respectively sealed and connected to the first coupling mirror and the second coupling mirror.

[0010] In one embodiment, the gas filled in the dynamic gas chamber is a first gas or a second gas, wherein the first gas is at least one of argon (Ar), nitrogen (N2), hydrogen (H2), and carbon dioxide (CO2), and the second gas is at least one of air, helium (He), neon (Ne), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and oxygen (O2).

[0011] In one embodiment, the outside of the dynamic air chamber is further covered by a fluid chamber, which has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and the fluid flows dynamically in the fluid chamber.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fluid is a cooling gas or a cooling liquid.

[0013] In one embodiment, the contact surface between the fluid chamber and the dynamic gas chamber is non-linear.

[0014] In one embodiment, at least one pre-amplification section is provided upstream of the hollow optical fiber, the pre-amplification section including a pump source, a pre-amplified optical fiber and an AOM connected in sequence.

[0015] In one embodiment, the pre-amplification section is multi-stage and is sequentially fused together on the optical path.

[0016] In one embodiment, a supercontinuum spectrum display system is also provided, including the aforementioned supercontinuum spectrum generating device, with a grating pair and a wedge mirror connected downstream of the hollow optical fiber. The grating pair is used to select light of different wavelengths, and the wedge mirror is used to display the supercontinuum spectrum from multiple angles.

[0017] In one embodiment, the angle and spacing of the grating pair are adjustable, and the angle of the wedge mirror is adjustable.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are:

[0019] This invention incorporates a dynamic gas chamber outside a hollow optical fiber to provide an environment for generating supercontinuum spectra. After filling the dynamic gas chamber with gas, the gas fills the entire space, including the hollow structure of the optical fiber. The dynamic gas chamber is a sealed space where the gas pressure can be adjusted according to usage requirements. When the gas pressure reaches a preset value, the dynamic gas chamber maintains a constant flow of gas in and out, keeping the internal gas pressure dynamically constant and ensuring gas stability, thus providing a stable gas environment for supercontinuum spectra generation. Simultaneously, the dynamic flow of gas within the dynamic gas chamber carries away the heat generated by the hollow optical fiber, preventing temperature changes from negatively impacting the optical properties of the hollow optical fiber. This invention improves the continuous stability of the gas pressure, temperature, and other conditions required for supercontinuum spectra generation. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a tunable supercontinuum spectrum generation device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the dynamic air chamber and hollow optical fiber in one embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the dynamic air chamber and hollow optical fiber in another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a supercontinuum spectral display system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, the present invention can be practiced in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "clockwise," "counterclockwise," "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0026] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0027] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0028] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0029] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0030] To make the above-mentioned objects, features and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0031] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides a tunable supercontinuum spectrum generation device, including an optically connected seed source 10, a pump source 20, a hollow optical fiber 30, and a dynamic gas chamber 40. The pump source 20 converts the laser emitted from the seed source 10 into pump light, which is input into the hollow optical fiber 30. The hollow optical fiber 30 is sealed within the dynamic gas chamber 40. The optical input end of the dynamic gas chamber 40 is provided with a first coupling mirror 41 for coupling the laser at the input end into the hollow optical fiber 30, and the optical output end is provided with a second coupling mirror 42 for transmitting the laser output from the hollow optical fiber 30 backward. The dynamic gas chamber 40 is used to fill the hollow structure of the hollow optical fiber 30 with gas and to achieve constant pressure management and / or constant temperature management inside the gas chamber. Seed source 10 emits laser light of a preset wavelength, and pump source 20 converts the laser light emitted by seed source 10 into pump light. The pump light has high energy, providing the energy basis for the subsequent generation of supercontinuum spectrum in hollow optical fiber 30. The dynamic gas chamber 40 provides the environment for generating supercontinuum spectrum in hollow optical fiber. The dynamic gas chamber 40 is filled with gas into the hollow structure of hollow optical fiber 30. The gas fills the entire space of the gas chamber, including the hollow structure of hollow optical fiber 30. The dynamic gas chamber 40 is a sealed space, and the gas pressure therein can be adjusted according to usage requirements. Adjustments are required. For example, when the gas pressure reaches 0.2 MPa, 0.5 MPa, 1 MPa, 2 MPa, 3 MPa, 4 MPa, or 5 MPa, the dynamic gas chamber 40 maintains a constant flow of gas entering and exiting, keeping the internal gas pressure dynamically constant to ensure the continuous stability of the gas state. This provides a continuously stable gas environment for the generation of supercontinuum spectra. Simultaneously, the dynamic flow of gas within the dynamic gas chamber 40 carries away the heat generated by the hollow optical fiber, preventing temperature changes from negatively impacting the optical properties of the hollow optical fiber 30 and maintaining a continuously stable internal temperature within the dynamic gas chamber. It is understood that the dynamic constant pressure of the dynamic gas chamber 40 in this embodiment refers to maintaining a constant pressure while the gas in the dynamic gas chamber 40 dynamically flows during the supercontinuum spectra generation process; the constant temperature of the dynamic gas chamber 40 refers to the temperature inside the dynamic gas chamber 40 (including the hollow optical fiber 30) remaining constant while the dynamic flow of gas in the dynamic gas chamber 40 carries away the heat generated by the hollow optical fiber 30 during the supercontinuum spectra generation process.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the gas filled in the hollow structure of the hollow optical fiber 30 is a first gas, which is at least one of argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide. When the end of the hollow optical fiber 30 is located inside the dynamic gas chamber 40 and is an open port, the gas filled in both the dynamic gas chamber 40 and the hollow structure of the hollow optical fiber 30 is the first gas. Different gases have different refractive indices, absorption coefficients, etc. Filling it with different gases can adjust the generation of supercontinuum spectra and realize real-time tuning of supercontinuum spectra. Specifically, the hollow optical fiber is a circular hollow optical fiber.

[0033] like Figures 2-3 As shown, in one embodiment, the dynamic air chamber 40 is equipped with a pressure monitoring device (not shown), an inlet valve 43, and an outlet valve 44. The inlet valve 43 is connected to a gas supply device 45, and the outlet valve 44 is connected to a gas recovery device 46. The pressure monitoring device, inlet valve 43, and outlet valve 44 are communicatively connected to a control system (not shown). The control system receives the pressure data measured by the pressure monitoring device, determines the pressure inside the dynamic air chamber 40, and achieves dynamic constant pressure in the dynamic air chamber by controlling the opening / closing of the inlet valve 43 and / or the outlet valve 44. When the pressure monitoring device detects that the pressure inside the dynamic air chamber 40 is too high, the control system controls the inlet valve to temporarily close and the outlet valve to open, releasing the gas in the dynamic air chamber until the pressure returns to normal. When the pressure monitoring device detects that the pressure inside the dynamic air chamber 40 is too low, the control system controls the inlet valve to temporarily open and the outlet valve to temporarily close, increasing the gas in the dynamic air chamber until the pressure returns to normal. Preferably, flow meters are also provided at the front end of the inlet valve and the rear end of the outlet valve. The control system controls the inlet flow rate and outlet flow rate respectively through the feedback of the flow meters, ultimately ensuring dynamic constant pressure in the dynamic gas chamber 40. Furthermore, the gas recovery device 46 can be connected to the inlet valve to allow the gas to circulate in the dynamic gas chamber 40, saving energy.

[0034] In one embodiment, the dynamic air chamber 40 is equipped with a temperature sensor (not shown in the figure), which is communicatively connected to the control system. The control system receives temperature data measured by the temperature sensor, determines the temperature of the hollow optical fiber within the dynamic air chamber 40, and increases the gas flow velocity in the dynamic air chamber to rapidly dissipate heat until it returns to normal. The hollow optical fiber is a polygonal hollow optical fiber.

[0035] like Figure 3As shown, in one embodiment, the first end and the second end of the hollow optical fiber 30 are respectively sealed and connected to the first coupling mirror 41 and the second coupling mirror 42. At this time, the dynamic gas chamber 40 and the hollow structure of the hollow optical fiber are two independent spaces that are not connected. The gas filled in the dynamic gas chamber 40 is a first gas, which is at least one of argon (Ar), nitrogen (N2), hydrogen (H2), and carbon dioxide (CO2). The gas pressure in the dynamic gas chamber 40 is higher than the internal pressure of the hollow optical fiber, forming a pressure difference. Under the action of the pressure difference, the first gas is forced into the hollow structure of the hollow optical fiber. After the pressure is constant, the dynamic gas chamber 40 can be filled with the first gas or the second gas at the same pressure and the gas flow is maintained. The second gas is at least one of air, helium (He), neon (Ne), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and oxygen (O2). The purpose of filling the dynamic gas chamber with an isobaric gas is to maintain a constant pressure inside and outside the hollow optical fiber, prevent the gas filling the hollow structure from diffusing outward, and ensure the continuous stability of the gas environment within the hollow structure, thus providing the necessary conditions for the generation of supercontinuum spectra. The hollow optical fiber in question is a photonic crystal hollow fiber (HC-PCF).

[0036] In one embodiment, a fluid chamber 50 is further provided around the outside of the dynamic gas chamber 40. The fluid chamber 50 is provided with a fluid inlet 51 and a fluid outlet 52, and the fluid flows dynamically in the fluid chamber 50. The fluid chamber contains a flowing cooling gas or cooling liquid, which can be air, hydrogen, nitrogen, helium, ammonia, methane, cooling water, ethylene glycol-based coolant, silicon-free nitrate coolant, etc. The cooling gas or coolant flows into the fluid chamber from the fluid inlet 51 and flows out from the fluid outlet 52 to reduce the temperature of the dynamic gas chamber 40 and ensure that the dynamic gas chamber 40 is in a constant temperature state.

[0037] like Figures 2-3 As shown, in one embodiment, the contact surface between the fluid chamber 50 and the dynamic air chamber 40 is non-linear, and the bottom wall of the fluid chamber is curved, sawtooth, or concave-convex rectangular and contacts the top wall of the dynamic air chamber, which increases the contact area between the fluid chamber 50 and the dynamic air chamber 40 and improves the heat dissipation effect.

[0038] like Figure 4As shown, in one embodiment, at least one pre-amplification section 100 is further provided upstream of the hollow fiber 30. The pre-amplification section 100 includes a pump source 20, a pre-amplified fiber 60, and an AOM connected in sequence to increase the laser intensity and ensure that the laser smoothly interacts with the gas filling the hollow fiber 30 to generate a nonlinear effect and produce a supercontinuum spectrum. In particular, during the step-by-step amplification process of a low repetition frequency fiber laser, the laser energy changes from weak to strong. When the light intensity is weak, ASE light will be generated. By setting an AOM 70 (acousto-optic modulator) in the optical path, the ASE light at each stage can be suppressed, ensuring the quality of the laser transmitted downstream of the optical path, increasing the power of the pump light, thereby enhancing the nonlinear effect and improving the supercontinuum spectrum generation efficiency. Furthermore, the pre-amplification section 100 is multi-stage, sequentially fused together in the optical path. Understandably, the pre-amplification section 100 can be set to 2 stages, 3 stages, 4 stages, 5 stages, 6 stages, 7 stages, 8 stages, 9 stages, 10 stages, 20 stages, etc. Before the laser is input into the hollow optical fiber 30, the energy of the laser is amplified to ensure that after the laser is transmitted to the hollow optical fiber 30, it can smoothly undergo nonlinear effects with the gas inside to produce a supercontinuum spectrum.

[0039] In one embodiment, a supercontinuum spectrum display system is also provided, including the supercontinuum spectrum generating device described in the preceding embodiments. A grating pair 80 and a wedge mirror 90 are further connected downstream of the hollow optical fiber 30. The grating pair 80 is used to select light of different wavelengths to achieve spectral filtering and separation; the wedge mirror 90 is used to display the supercontinuum spectrum from multiple angles. The angle and spacing of the grating pair 80 are adjustable, allowing the selection of light within a specific wavelength range for display. The angle of the wedge mirror 90 is adjustable, which can change the direction of light propagation, thereby enabling multi-angle display of the supercontinuum spectrum.

[0040] It should be noted that, for those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention, and no reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0041] Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this invention. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of this invention. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that, based on the ideas of this invention, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

Claims

1. A tunable supercontinuum spectrum generation device, characterized in that: The device includes an optically connected seed source, a pump source, a hollow optical fiber, and a dynamic gas chamber. The pump source converts the laser emitted from the seed source into pump light, which is then input into the hollow optical fiber. The hollow optical fiber is sealed within the dynamic gas chamber. The dynamic gas chamber has a first coupling mirror at its optical input end and a second coupling mirror at its optical output end. The dynamic gas chamber is used to fill the hollow structure of the hollow optical fiber with gas and to achieve constant pressure and temperature management inside the chamber. The dynamic air chamber is equipped with a pressure monitoring device, an inlet valve, and an outlet valve. The inlet valve is connected to a gas supply device, and the outlet valve is connected to a gas recovery device. The pressure monitoring device, the inlet valve, and the outlet valve are all communicatively connected to the control system. The dynamic air chamber is also equipped with a temperature sensor, which is communicatively connected to the control system. The control system is configured as follows: The system receives air pressure data from the air pressure monitoring device and controls the opening and closing states of the inlet valve and outlet valve to ensure that the dynamic air chamber maintains a constant flow of gas after the air pressure reaches the preset pressure value, thereby maintaining a dynamic constant internal air pressure. It receives temperature data from a temperature sensor and increases the gas flow rate to dissipate heat quickly when the temperature exceeds a threshold, thus maintaining a dynamic constant internal temperature. Furthermore, the gas recovery device is connected to the air inlet valve, allowing the gas to circulate in the dynamic gas chamber.

2. The tunable supercontinuum spectrum generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow structure of the hollow optical fiber is filled with a first gas, which is at least one of argon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide.

3. The tunable supercontinuum spectrum generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first and second ends of the hollow optical fiber are respectively sealed and connected to the first and second coupling mirrors.

4. The tunable supercontinuum spectrum generating device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The gas filled in the dynamic gas chamber is a first gas or a second gas. The first gas is at least one of argon (Ar), nitrogen (N2), hydrogen (H2), and carbon dioxide (CO2), and the second gas is at least one of air, helium (He), neon (Ne), krypton (Kr), xenon (Xe), methane (CH4), ethane (C2H6), and oxygen (O2).

5. The tunable supercontinuum spectrum generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The dynamic air chamber is further enclosed by a fluid chamber, which has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and the fluid flows dynamically within the fluid chamber.

6. The tunable supercontinuum spectrum generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The fluid is a cooling gas or a cooling liquid.

7. A tunable supercontinuum generation device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The contact surface between the fluid chamber and the dynamic gas chamber is non-linear.

8. The tunable supercontinuum spectrum generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hollow optical fiber also has at least one pre-amplification section upstream, which includes a pump source, a pre-amplification fiber and an AOM connected in sequence.

9. A tunable supercontinuum spectrum generating device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The pre-amplification section consists of multiple stages, which are sequentially fused together on the optical path.

10. A supercontinuum spectrum display system, characterized in that: The supercontinuum spectrum generating apparatus according to any one of claims 1-9 further includes a grating pair and a wedge mirror connected downstream of the hollow optical fiber, wherein the grating pair is used to select light of different wavelengths; and the wedge mirror is used to display the supercontinuum spectrum from multiple angles.

11. A supercontinuum spectral display system according to claim 10, characterized in that: The angle and spacing of the grating pair are adjustable, and the angle of the wedge mirror is adjustable.

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