Crystal temperature control device

Abstract

The invention relates to a crystal temperature control device which comprises a base, a flexible clamping structure, a heating layer and a temperature control circuit, a crystal placing groove is formed in the base, one end of the crystal placing groove is open, the other end of the crystal placing groove is closed to limit a crystal, the flexible clamping structure is arranged in the base, acts on the side face and the end face of the crystal, is used for elastically pressing the crystal and is matched with the crystals of different lengths, and the heating layer is arranged on the base. The base is arranged on the periphery of the base in a surrounding mode, and the heat preservation layer is arranged outside the base so as to reduce heat loss. The flexible clamping structure is integrated in the base, an extra external clamping assembly is not needed, the clamping function and the heating function of the base are highly fused, the size of the device is remarkably reduced, and the integration problem of space limited scenes such as an annular cavity light path is successfully solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of laser technology, in particular to a crystal temperature control device. Background Art

[0002] In the field of laser technology, temperature control of nonlinear crystals plays a key role in laser frequency doubling efficiency, beam quality, and power stability. This is especially true in space-constrained scenarios, such as ring cavity frequency doubling optical paths, which place higher demands on the compactness, temperature control accuracy, and flexible adaptability of the crystal clamping device.

[0003] Existing crystal temperature control devices primarily include two types: TEC (Technical Transistor) and wire-wound devices. TEC devices utilize a thermoelectric cooler and heater to control temperature. The crystal clamping components are integrated into a metal base. While this can reduce size to a certain extent, it has significant drawbacks: The temperature control process requires simultaneous heating and cooling, resulting in a large temperature difference between the two sides of the crystal and poor temperature uniformity. The thermoelectric cooler and base are typically secured with adhesive, which is susceptible to organic contamination in ultraviolet (UV) frequency-doubling environments, compromising the crystal's lifespan. Furthermore, their temperature control accuracy is typically greater than 0.02°C, making it difficult to meet high-precision temperature control requirements.

[0004] Heating wire-wound temperature control devices achieve temperature control by wrapping a heating wire around the periphery of the device and then wrapping it with insulation material. This device has the advantages of high temperature control accuracy (approximately 0.01°C) and good temperature uniformity. However, the heating and insulation components of this type of device are independent of each other, resulting in a bloated and large overall structure that cannot be adapted to space-constrained optical path scenarios such as annular cavities. The crystal is clamped using rigid methods such as screw clamps, which cannot adapt to dimensional changes caused by thermal expansion and can easily cause crystal fracture due to stress concentration. At the same time, the numerous components increase the weight of the device, making it difficult to fix during optical path assembly and adjustment, and increasing the risk of stability.

[0005] As laser technology advances toward high-density integration, existing crystal temperature control devices are increasingly lacking in compactness, temperature control accuracy, crystal clamping flexibility, and environmental adaptability. Designing a crystal temperature control device that seamlessly integrates the clamping structure with the heating base, combines compact size with precise temperature control capabilities, addresses integration challenges in space-constrained environments, avoids stress and adhesive contamination caused by rigid clamping, and improves crystal stability and lifespan has become a pressing technical challenge in this field. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the deficiencies of the prior art, the present invention provides a crystal temperature control device, which aims to solve the deficiencies of the prior art crystal temperature control devices in terms of compactness, temperature control accuracy, crystal clamping flexibility and environmental adaptability.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: a crystal temperature control device, comprising: a base, a crystal placement groove is provided inside the base, one end of the crystal placement groove is open, and the other end is closed to limit the crystal, a flexible clamping structure is arranged in the base, acting on the side and end faces of the crystal, for elastically pressing the crystal and adapting to crystals of different lengths, a heating layer, which is arranged around the outer periphery of the base, and an insulation layer, which is arranged outside the base to reduce heat loss.

[0008] Furthermore, the flexible clamping structure includes a first pressure block and a second pressure block arranged in the base, a first elastic element corresponding to the first pressure block and a second elastic element corresponding to the second pressure block, a mounting groove is provided in the base, the first pressure block is slidably connected to the mounting groove, the first elastic element provides a pre-tightening force for the first pressure block so that the first pressure block presses the side of the crystal; the second pressure block is slidably connected to the placement groove, the second elastic element provides a pre-tightening force for the second pressure block so that the second pressure block presses the end face of the crystal, and the second pressure block is provided with a first through hole corresponding to the opening of the crystal placement groove.

[0009] Furthermore, the first elastic element is a first spring, and the second elastic element is a second spring.

[0010] Furthermore, the base is a furnace core heating body, and the furnace core heating body is made of a material with high thermal conductivity.

[0011] Furthermore, a spiral groove is provided on the outer periphery of the furnace core heating body, and the heating layer is wound in the spiral groove.

[0012] Furthermore, the furnace core heating body is cylindrical, the thermal insulation layer is sleeved on the furnace core heating body, and the thermal insulation layer covers the heating layer.

[0013] Furthermore, a furnace core cover is fixedly provided at one end of the furnace core heating body having an opening for a crystal placement groove, and the furnace core cover is detachably connected to the furnace core heating body. A second through hole corresponding to the opening for the crystal placement groove is provided on the furnace core cover, and the second pressure block and the second spring are located between the furnace core heating body and the furnace core cover, and the second spring is located between the second pressure block and the furnace core cover.

[0014] Furthermore, it also includes an outer shell and end covers adapted to both ends of the outer shell. The furnace core heating body and the insulation layer are both located in the outer shell. The end cover close to the opening of the crystal placement slot is provided with a third through hole corresponding to the opening of the crystal placement slot.

[0015] Furthermore, it also includes an insulating lining arranged in the outer shell and two clamping rings respectively arranged on both sides of the insulating lining. The outer wall of the insulating lining is tightly fitted with the inner wall surface of the outer shell, and the inner wall of the insulating lining is tightly fitted with the outer wall of the insulation layer. A step portion corresponding to the clamping ring is provided on the insulating lining, and the step portion has a positioning surface flush with the end face of the furnace core heating body. The clamping ring is installed on the step portion of the outer shell.

[0016] Furthermore, it also includes an insulating lining arranged in the outer shell and two clamping rings respectively arranged on both sides of the insulating lining. The outer wall of the insulating lining is tightly fitted with the inner wall surface of the outer shell, and the inner wall of the insulating lining is tightly fitted with the outer wall of the insulation layer. A step portion corresponding to the clamping ring is provided on the insulating lining, and the step portion has a positioning surface flush with the end face of the furnace core heating body. The clamping ring is installed on the step portion of the outer shell.

[0017] The crystal temperature control device described in the present invention has the beneficial effect of integrating the flexible clamping structure into the base without the need for additional external clamping components, so that the clamping function and the base heating function are highly integrated, the device volume is significantly compressed, and the integration problem of space-constrained scenarios such as ring cavity optical paths is successfully solved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional structure of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 is a side sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 3 is a front cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the explosion structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Explanation of the accompanying drawings: 001, fixing seat; 002, end cover; 003, outer shell; 004, thermal insulation lining; 005, heating layer; 006, furnace core heating body; 007, crystal; 008, retaining ring; 009, thermal insulation layer; 010, second spring; 011, furnace core cover; 012, second pressure block; 013, first spring; 014, first pressure block. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Typical embodiments embodying the features and advantages of the present invention are described in detail in the following description. It should be understood that the present invention is capable of various variations in different embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention, and that the descriptions and illustrations herein are intended to be illustrative rather than limiting.

[0024] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as limiting the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the said features. In the description of the present application, "multiple" means two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0025] In order to further illustrate the principle and structure of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0026] like Figure 1-4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention provides a temperature control device for crystal 007, including a base, a flexible clamping structure, a heating layer 005 and a thermal insulation layer 009. A crystal 007 placement groove is provided inside the base, with one end of the groove being open (for the laser to pass through) and the other end being closed. The closed end forms a limiting surface for crystal 007 to fix the axial position of crystal 007. The flexible clamping structure is arranged inside the base, directly acting on the side and end faces of crystal 007, and elastically pressing the crystal 007 through elastic deformation or movable design, and can adaptively adjust according to the length difference of crystal 007 to avoid stress concentration caused by rigid clamping. The heating layer 005 is arranged tightly around the periphery of the base, and the thermal insulation layer 009 covers the outside of the base, thereby improving the temperature control efficiency by reducing heat loss.

[0027] In practice, crystal 007 is inserted into the placement slot along the open end, while the closed end constrains its initial position. A flexible clamping structure compresses the sides and ends of crystal 007, allowing for slight displacement due to thermal expansion or length tolerances while maintaining a stable clamp. When powered, heating layer 005 evenly conducts heat to crystal 007 through the base. Insulation layer 009 ensures that heat is concentrated within the base, creating a stable temperature-controlled environment.

[0028] This solution integrates the flexible clamping structure within the base, eliminating the need for additional external clamping components (such as the independent pressure plate and screw assembly in traditional solutions). This allows for a highly integrated clamping function and base heating function, significantly reducing the device size. Compared to the existing technology, which suffers from structural bloat due to the external clamping components, this embodiment, through the compact layout of "flexible clamping built into the base + surround heating and insulation," controls the overall size within the minimum necessary space. This significantly reduces the volume of existing heating wire-wound devices, successfully solving the integration challenges in space-constrained scenarios such as ring cavity optical paths. At the same time, the elastic clamping mechanism protects the crystal 007 from stress damage, improving temperature control accuracy and beam stability.

[0029] Furthermore, the flexible clamping structure includes a first pressing block 014, a second pressing block 012, a first elastic element, and a second elastic element. The first pressing block 014 is slidably connected to the mounting slot of the base and can move along the mounting slot. The first elastic element is disposed between the base and the first pressing block 014, providing a preload force for the first pressing block 014, so that the first pressing block 014 presses against the side of the crystal 007 under the action of the preload force. The second pressing block 012 is slidably connected to the crystal 007 placement slot and can move along the axial direction of the crystal 007 placement slot. The second elastic element is disposed between the base and the second pressing block 012, providing a preload force for the second pressing block 012, so that the second pressing block 012 presses against the end face of the crystal 007 under the action of the preload force. The second pressing block 012 is provided with a first through hole, which corresponds to the opening of the crystal 007 placement slot and is used to allow the laser to pass through.

[0030] During actual installation, crystal 007 is placed from the open end of the crystal placement slot, with one end of crystal 007 restrained by the closed end. First pressing block 014, under the preload force of the first elastic element, slides along the installation slot and presses against the side of crystal 007. Second pressing block 012, under the preload force of the second elastic element, slides along the crystal placement slot and presses against the end face of crystal 007. The first through-hole of second pressing block 012 is aligned with the opening of the crystal placement slot, ensuring that laser light can pass through the opening and the first through-hole. If crystal 007 undergoes slight displacement due to thermal expansion or dimensional differences, first pressing block 014 and second pressing block 012 can slide along the installation slot and crystal placement slot, respectively, adapting to the displacement of crystal 007 through the elastic deformation of the first and second elastic elements, thus achieving flexible compression of crystal 007.

[0031] Furthermore, the first elastic element is the first spring 013, and the second elastic element is the second spring 010. In addition to springs, the elastic element can also be a bent spring sheet, which can also achieve a similar effect.

[0032] Furthermore, the base forms the core heater 006, which is made of a high-thermal-conductivity material to ensure efficient heat conduction. This material can be aluminum alloy or copper. A groove for accommodating crystal 007 is located within the core heater 006. A spiral groove is formed around the outer circumference of the core heater 006, tightly wrapping the heating layer 005 within it. This structural design ensures that the heating layer 005 evenly surrounds the outer circumference of the core heater 006, achieving uniform heating of the core heater 006.

[0033] When power is applied to the heating layer 005, the heat generated is quickly and evenly transferred to the crystal 007 within the crystal 007 slot through the highly thermally conductive material of the furnace core heating element 006, ensuring a stable and uniform temperature environment for the crystal 007. The spiral groove maximizes the contact area between the heating layer 005 and the furnace core heating element 006, improving heat transfer efficiency while ensuring uniform heating and providing precise temperature control for the crystal 007.

[0034] Furthermore, the core heater 006 is cylindrical, with a heating layer 005 wrapped around its periphery. The insulation layer 009 is placed over the exterior of the core heater 006, completely covering the heating layer 005. By tightly fitting the cylindrical outer surface of the core heater 006, it encases the heating layer 005, reducing heat loss to the outside environment and improving temperature control efficiency. The cylindrical structure of the insulation layer 009 is coaxial with the core heater 006, ensuring that the heat generated by the heating layer 005 is concentrated around the core heater 006, providing a stable temperature environment for the crystal 007 within.

[0035] Furthermore, a core cover plate 011 is fixedly mounted on one end of the furnace core heating element 006, where the crystal 007 placement slot opens. The core cover plate 011 is detachably connected to the furnace core heating element 006. A second through-hole corresponding to the crystal 007 placement slot is provided in the core cover plate 011, allowing the laser to pass through. A second pressure block 012 and a second spring 010 are positioned between the furnace core heating element 006 and the core cover plate 011. The second spring 010, positioned between the second pressure block 012 and the core cover plate 011, uses its elastic force to propel the second pressure block 012 axially along the crystal 007 placement slot, thereby achieving flexible compression of the end face of the crystal 007.

[0036] Furthermore, the furnace core cover plate 011 and the second pressing block 012 are provided with fastener through holes, and the furnace core heating body 006 is provided with fastener threaded holes, and the furnace core cover plate 011, the second spring 010 and the second pressing block 012 are connected to the furnace core heating body 006 by fasteners (screws).

[0037] Furthermore, it also includes an outer shell 003 and end covers 002 adapted to both ends of the outer shell 003. The furnace core heating body 006 and the insulation layer 009 are both located in the internal cavity of the outer shell 003. The outer shell 003 is a cylindrical structure with openings at both ends. The end cover 002 close to the opening of the crystal 007 placement slot is provided with a third through hole corresponding to the opening of the crystal 007 placement slot for the laser beam to pass through; the other end cover 002 is detachably connected to the end of the outer shell 003 by fasteners (such as screws) to achieve closed packaging of the device.

[0038] Furthermore, it also includes a thermal insulation lining 004, which is arranged in the outer shell 003. The outer wall of the thermal insulation lining 004 is tightly fitted with the inner wall of the outer shell 003, and the inner wall of the thermal insulation lining 004 is tightly fitted with the outer wall of the thermal insulation layer 009. The thermal insulation lining 004 uses a low thermal conductivity material (such as ceramic fiber, aerogel composite material, etc.). Its core function is to significantly reduce the heat conduction efficiency between the outer shell 003 and the internal high temperature / low temperature area through physical isolation. When the internal heating body of the device is working, the thermal insulation lining 004 can prevent heat from being lost to the external environment through the outer shell 003, or prevent the external environment temperature from interfering with the internal temperature control area, thereby assisting the thermal insulation layer 009 to maintain a stable temperature field, reducing energy loss, and improving the accuracy and energy efficiency of the temperature control system. The thermal insulation lining 004 can also fill the gaps between components, provide radial support for the thermal insulation layer 009 and the heating body, and ensure the coaxiality and axial positioning accuracy of each component.

[0039] Furthermore, it also includes a fixing seat 001, which is connected to the shell 003 through fasteners. The fixing seat 001 is provided with an opening, and the shell 003 and the insulation layer 009 are provided with through holes to lead out the wiring harness to control the temperature. Screw holes are provided on both sides of the fixing seat 001 for fixing in the optical path.

[0040] Furthermore, it includes two retaining rings 008, one on each side of the outer shell 003. Annular steps are provided at corresponding locations on the inner wall of the thermal insulation lining 004. These steps extend toward the interior of the outer shell 003 to form a horizontal positioning surface, which is flush with the end face of the furnace core heating element 006. These positioning surfaces are used to axially position the retaining rings 008. Retaining rings 008 are annular in shape, with an outer diameter that matches the inner diameter of the steps of the outer shell 003. They are mounted on the steps of the outer shell 003 using an interference fit or fasteners, ensuring that the axial position of the furnace core heating element 006 is fixed. After retaining rings 008, the end cap 002 is installed to secure them.

[0041] Both retaining rings 008 extend hollow cylindrical ribs in opposite directions, with the rib's axis coaxial with the central axis of the furnace core heater 006. The inner wall dimensions of the rib precisely match the outer wall dimensions of the furnace core heater 006, securing the radial position of the furnace core heater 006 through a tight fit and ensuring the coaxiality of the furnace core heater 006 within the outer shell 003. The outer wall dimensions of the rib match the inner wall dimensions of the thermal insulation lining 004, similarly securing the thermal insulation lining 004 tightly around the ribs through a tight fit, forming a coaxial wrapping structure between the insulation layer 009 and the furnace core heater 006. Specifically, the axial lengths of the two ribs extend to the ends of the insulation layer 009, and the end faces of the ribs directly contact the ends of the insulation layer 009, thereby providing axial restraint for the insulation layer 009 and preventing it from shifting during assembly or use of the device.

[0042] The specific installation method is as follows: Figure 4 As shown in the installation diagram, the first pressing block 014 and the first spring 013 are placed as a whole into the installation groove of the furnace core heating body 006. The upper and lower height dimensions of the installation groove are larger than the height dimension of the first pressing block 014, and there is reserved space for the first pressing block 014 to move. When installing the crystal 007, use the tooling to clamp the two sides of the crystal 007 so as not to damage the light-transmitting surface. While lifting the first pressing block 014, use the tooling to clamp the crystal 007 and push it into the crystal 007 installation square groove of the furnace core heating body 006. Release the force to lift the first pressing block 014. The first pressing block 014 will be pressed against the upper surface of the crystal 007 by the elastic force of the first spring 013. Then, the second pressing block 012 is placed into the furnace core. Place one end face of the crystal 007 in the groove, and place the two second springs 010 on both sides of the second pressure block 012, then put on the furnace core cover 011, and use fasteners to connect the furnace core cover 011, the second spring 010 and the second pressure block 012 together. The furnace core cover 011 is fixed, and one side of the second spring 010 is pressed against the inner surface of the furnace core cover 011, and the other side of the second spring 010 is pressed against the circular surfaces at both ends of the second pressure block 012. The spring compression generates elastic force to push the second pressure block 012 toward the crystal 007. At this time, cover the end cover 002 and use fastening screws to fix the end cover 002 to one side of the outer shell 003 to complete the installation of the crystal 007.

[0043] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0044] 1. Compact and easy to integrate

[0045] The compact structural design can significantly reduce space occupancy and facilitate integration into various optical systems. It is especially suitable for space-constrained optical path systems such as ring cavities, promoting the advancement of lasers towards high-density integration.

[0046] 2. Accurate temperature control, fast response and low power consumption

[0047] The compact structure makes the heating layer closer to the crystal, which makes the temperature control system react quickly and can quickly adjust the temperature, reduce temperature fluctuations, and ensure the stability of frequency doubling efficiency. The small structure makes the overall heating required for lower power consumption. At the same time, the added insulation layer design can further reduce heat loss and power consumption. The heating layer is wrapped around the periphery for uniform temperature control and high temperature control accuracy.

[0048] 3. Flexible design, high stability and strong reliability

[0049] The crystal clamp utilizes a spring-loaded, movable first and second pressure blocks. Appropriate spring force settings limit the movement of the crystal within the temperature control device. The movable second pressure block accommodates crystals of varying lengths. Its flexible movement allows for a certain amount of expansion at high temperatures, preventing the crystal from cracking under clamping stress and potentially degrading the beam and power. The overall lighter weight makes it less susceptible to gravity during optical path frame installation and commissioning, and provides greater stability against transport shocks.

[0050] 4. Simple structure and no pollution

[0051] The heating wire is wound and fixed mechanically, and there is no organic pollution inside. It is suitable for ultraviolet frequency doubling light path.

[0052] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the technical scope of the present invention. Therefore, any minor modifications, equivalent changes and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention are still within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A crystal temperature control device, characterized in that: include: The base has a crystal placement groove inside, one end of the crystal placement groove is open and the other end is closed to limit the crystal; A flexible clamping structure is provided in the base and acts on the side and end faces of the crystal to elastically compress the crystal and adapt to crystals of different lengths; A heating layer is arranged around the outer periphery of the base; The heat-insulating layer is arranged outside the base to reduce heat loss.

2. The crystal temperature control device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The flexible clamping structure includes a first pressure block and a second pressure block arranged in the base, a first elastic element corresponding to the first pressure block and a second elastic element corresponding to the second pressure block. A mounting groove is provided in the base, the first pressure block is slidably connected to the mounting groove, and the first elastic element provides a pre-tightening force for the first pressure block so that the first pressure block presses the side of the crystal; the second pressure block is slidably connected to the placement groove, and the second elastic element provides a pre-tightening force for the second pressure block so that the second pressure block presses the end face of the crystal. The second pressure block is provided with a first through hole corresponding to the opening of the crystal placement groove.

3. The crystal temperature control device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first elastic element is a first spring, and the second elastic element is a second spring.

4. The crystal temperature control device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The base is a furnace core heating body, and the furnace core heating body is made of a material with high thermal conductivity.

5. The crystal temperature control device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A spiral groove is provided on the outer periphery of the furnace core heating body, and the heating layer is wound in the spiral groove.

6. The crystal temperature control device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The furnace core heating body is cylindrical, the heat preservation layer is sleeved on the furnace core heating body, and the heat preservation layer covers the heating layer.

7. The crystal temperature control device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A furnace core cover is fixedly provided at one end of the furnace core heating body having an opening for a crystal placement groove. The furnace core cover is detachably connected to the furnace core heating body. A second through hole corresponding to the opening for the crystal placement groove is provided on the furnace core cover. The second pressure block and the second spring are located between the furnace core heating body and the furnace core cover, and the second spring is located between the second pressure block and the furnace core cover.

8. The crystal temperature control device according to claim 6, characterized in that: It also includes an outer shell and end covers adapted to both ends of the outer shell. The furnace core heating body and the insulation layer are both located in the outer shell. The end cover close to the opening of the crystal placement slot is provided with a third through hole corresponding to the opening of the crystal placement slot.

9. The crystal temperature control device according to claim 8, characterized in that: It also includes a thermal insulation lining arranged in the outer shell and two clamping rings respectively arranged on both sides of the thermal insulation lining. The outer wall of the thermal insulation lining is tightly fitted with the inner wall surface of the outer shell, and the inner wall of the thermal insulation lining is tightly fitted with the outer wall of the insulation layer. A step portion corresponding to the clamping ring is provided on the thermal insulation lining, and the step portion has a positioning surface flush with the end face of the furnace core heating body. The clamping ring is installed on the step portion of the outer shell.

10. The crystal temperature control device according to claim 9, characterized in that: Both clamping rings have hollow cylindrical ribs extending in opposite directions, the inner walls of the ribs are tightly fitted with the outer walls of the furnace core heating body, the outer walls of the ribs are tightly fitted with the inner wall of the thermal insulation lining, and the ends of the two ribs extend to the ends of the insulation layer and contact the ends of the insulation layer.

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