Acousto-optic Q switch and Q-switched laser

By designing the lead wires and insulating protective layer, the space occupation and heat dissipation problems of the acousto-optic Q-switch were solved, realizing the miniaturization of the laser and the signal stability, and improving the heat dissipation effect and signal transmission reliability of the acousto-optic Q-switch.

CN224138508UActive Publication Date: 2026-04-17MAXPHOTONICS CORP +2
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
MAXPHOTONICS CORP
Filing Date
2025-05-26
Publication Date
2026-04-17

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The large diameter of the SMB connector and RF cable in the acousto-optic Q-switch makes it impossible to coil the optical fiber, resulting in a large space occupation and hindering miniaturization design. Furthermore, the direct contact between the SMB connector and the metal housing causes heat dissipation and electrical signal interference issues.

Method used

Lead wires are used to guide the RF cable connector out of the fiber optic coiling area. An insulating protective layer is used to ensure insulation and prevent RF signal leakage. The optical path layout is optimized by using a fiber optic collimator to reduce electromagnetic interference and enhance heat dissipation.

Benefits of technology

This design achieves miniaturization of the laser, improves heat dissipation efficiency, avoids electrical signal interference, and ensures the stability and reliability of signal transmission.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses an acousto-optic Q switch and a Q-switched laser, and belongs to the technical field of optical devices. The acousto-optic Q switch comprises a Q switch body, a lead and a radio frequency line connector, the Q switch body comprises a packaging metal shell, an acousto-optic crystal and an electro-acoustic transducer, the packaging metal shell is provided with a containing cavity, and the acousto-optic crystal and the electro-acoustic transducer are both arranged in the packaging metal shell; the lead comprises a lead wire and an insulation protection layer, the insulation protection layer wraps the surface of the lead wire, and a first end of the lead wire penetrates through the side wall of the packaging metal shell and is connected with the electroacoustic transducer; the second end of the lead is connected with the radio frequency line connector, and the lead is used for leading the radio frequency line connector out of an optical fiber coiling area. According to the utility model, the installation space of the acousto-optic Q switch can be reasonably utilized to coil the optical fiber, the miniaturization design of the laser is facilitated, and the heat dissipation of the acousto-optic Q switch is accelerated.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of optical device technology, and in particular to an acousto-optic Q-switch and a Q-switched laser. Background Technology

[0002] Q-switched lasers release energy in an extremely short time, resulting in a peak pulse power far exceeding that of continuous-wave lasers. The pulse width of Q-switched lasers is typically in the nanosecond (ns) to picosecond (ps) range. Q-switched lasers offer high energy density, making them suitable for applications requiring high energy density, such as laser processing and medical aesthetics.

[0003] An acousto-optic Q-switch utilizes the acousto-optic effect, altering the propagation path of a laser through the diffraction of sound waves within a crystal. The acousto-optic Q-switch is equipped with an SMB connector for connection to an RF power supply, providing a high-frequency, reliable RF signal connection and ensuring stable, low-loss signal transmission between the acousto-optic Q-switch and the drive circuitry or control system.

[0004] However, as Figure 1 As shown, the SMB connector 001 (also known as the RF cable connector) of the acousto-optic Q-switch is directly mounted on the metal housing 002 of the acousto-optic Q-switch and connected to the RF cable. Due to the large diameter of the SMB connector and the RF cable, the optical fiber cannot be coiled at the SMB connector and the RF cable position, which requires the optical fiber to occupy more coiling space, which is not conducive to miniaturization applications. Moreover, the direct contact between the SMB connector and the metal housing causes some RF electrical signals to be transmitted to the metal housing. Mica sheets must be placed between the Q-switch and the mounting surface for insulation, but this affects the heat dissipation of the acousto-optic Q-switch.

[0005] This section provides background information related to this application, which is not necessarily prior art. Utility Model Content

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide an acousto-optic Q-switch and a Q-switched laser, which not only makes reasonable use of the installation space of the acousto-optic Q-switch to wind optical fibers, facilitating the miniaturization design of the laser, but also accelerates the heat dissipation of the acousto-optic Q-switch.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the following technical solution is provided:

[0008] Acousto-optic Q-switch, including:

[0009] The Q-switch body includes an encapsulated metal shell, an acousto-optic crystal, and an electroacoustic transducer. The encapsulated metal shell has a receiving cavity, and the acousto-optic crystal and the electroacoustic transducer are both disposed inside the encapsulated metal shell.

[0010] The lead includes a conductor and an insulating protective layer, the insulating protective layer being wrapped around the surface of the conductor, and the first end of the lead passing through the side wall of the encapsulated metal shell and connected to the electroacoustic transducer.

[0011] A radio frequency (RF) connector, wherein the second end of the lead is connected to the RF connector, and the lead is used to lead the RF connector out of the optical fiber winding area.

[0012] As an optional solution for the acousto-optic Q-switch, the diameter of the lead wire is 3mm-8mm.

[0013] As an optional solution for the acousto-optic Q-switch, the insulating protective layer may be made of plastic or rubber.

[0014] As an optional embodiment of the acousto-optic Q-switch, the acousto-optic Q-switch further includes:

[0015] An optical fiber collimator is disposed on the side wall of the encapsulation metal shell, and the optical fiber collimator and the lead wire are both located on the same side of the encapsulation metal shell.

[0016] As an optional solution for the acousto-optic Q-switch, the fiber collimator is provided with a beam-expanding fiber, the diameter of which is 100μm-110μm.

[0017] As an optional solution for the acousto-optic Q-switch, two optical fiber collimators are provided on the side wall of the encapsulated metal shell, the lead is located between the two optical fiber collimators, and the pigtail of the optical fiber collimator is spirally wound.

[0018] As an optional solution for the acousto-optic Q-switch, a fixing tube is provided at the position where the fiber optic collimator is installed in the encapsulated metal shell, and the fiber optic collimator is inserted into the fixing tube.

[0019] As an optional solution for the acousto-optic Q-switch, the fixed tube is made of a low-expansion-coefficient alloy.

[0020] As an optional solution for the acousto-optic Q-switch, the encapsulated metal shell is provided with heat dissipation fins or heat-conducting pillars.

[0021] As an alternative to the acousto-optic Q-switch, the optical fiber collimator is equipped with an aperture, the surface of which is sandblasted.

[0022] A Q-switched laser, characterized in that it includes an RF driving power supply and the aforementioned acousto-optic Q-switch, wherein the RF connector of the acousto-optic Q-switch is connected to the output terminal of the RF driving power supply.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0024] The acousto-optic Q-switch provided by this invention has a lead wire whose first end passes through the side wall of the encapsulated metal shell and connects to an electroacoustic transducer. The second end of the lead wire connects to an RF connector. The high-frequency signal from the RF drive power supply passes sequentially through the RF wire, the RF connector, and the lead wire into the electroacoustic transducer. The electroacoustic transducer converts the electrical signal into a high-frequency sound wave (ultrasound) and couples it into the acousto-optic crystal. The sound wave propagates in the crystal, forming a dynamic grating that modulates the parameters of the incident light. By setting the lead wire, the RF connector is led out of the fiber optic winding area. The fiber optic cable can pass under the lead wire and be wound on the mounting surface of the acousto-optic Q-switch, making reasonable use of space and facilitating the miniaturization design of the laser. Moreover, the insulation layer of the lead wire ensures insulation between the RF connector and the encapsulated metal shell, preventing the RF signal from leaking into the encapsulated metal shell. This eliminates the need for mica sheets for insulation between the encapsulated metal shell and the mounting surface, improving the heat dissipation of the acousto-optic Q-switch. It also prevents other electrical signals in the laser from interfering with the RF signal through the encapsulated metal shell of the acousto-optic Q-switch.

[0025] The Q-switched laser provided by this invention has an acousto-optic Q-switch whose RF connector is connected to the output terminal of the RF drive power supply via an RF cable. The high-frequency signal emitted by the RF drive power supply passes through the RF connector and leads in sequence into the electroacoustic transducer, ensuring stable operation. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments of this utility model will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on the content of the embodiments of this utility model and these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is an existing acousto-optic Q-switch;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the acousto-optic Q-switch in an embodiment of this utility model;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the aperture structure in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0030] Figure label:

[0031] 001. SMB connector; 002. Metal housing;

[0032] 1. Encapsulated metal shell; 11. Connecting hole; 2. Lead wire; 3. RF cable connector; 4. Fiber optic collimator; 5. Fixing tube; 6. Aperture; 7. RF cable; 8. Acousto-optic Q-switch mounting surface; 9. Fiber optic cable. Detailed Implementation

[0033] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0034] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this utility model is in use. They are used only for the convenience of describing this utility model and for 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 utility model. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0036] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0037] To make efficient use of the mounting space for acousto-optic Q-switches, facilitate laser miniaturization, and accelerate heat dissipation, this embodiment provides an acousto-optic Q-switch and a Q-switched laser. The following describes their application in conjunction with... Figures 2 to 3 The specific content of this embodiment will be described in detail.

[0038] like Figure 2As shown, this embodiment provides an acousto-optic Q-switch including a Q-switch body, leads 2, and an RF connector 3. The Q-switch body includes a metal casing 1, an acousto-optic crystal, and an electroacoustic transducer. The acousto-optic crystal is the core functional component of the acousto-optic Q-switch. It utilizes the acousto-optic effect, where ultrasonic waves generated by the electroacoustic transducer propagate through the crystal, causing periodic changes in the crystal's refractive index, thereby modulating the laser beam passing through the crystal and achieving rapid switching control of the laser. The metal casing 1 has a receiving cavity, within which both the acousto-optic crystal and the electroacoustic transducer are housed. The receiving cavity formed by the metal casing 1 provides a closed and stable environment for the acousto-optic crystal and the electroacoustic transducer, effectively preventing external dust, moisture, chemicals, etc., from corroding and damaging the internal sensitive components, ensuring their long-term stable operation. The metal casing 1 provides robust mechanical support for the acousto-optic crystal and the electroacoustic transducer, ensuring they maintain a stable position and orientation during installation and use, preventing displacement or damage due to vibration, impact, or other factors. The encapsulated metal shell 1 provides a certain degree of shielding for electromagnetic signals, reducing the impact of external electromagnetic interference on the normal operation of the acousto-optic crystal and electroacoustic transducer, and improving the stability and accuracy of signal transmission. The lead 2 includes a conductor and an insulating protective layer. The insulating protective layer wraps around the surface of the conductor, and the first end of the lead 2 passes through the side wall of the encapsulated metal shell 1 and connects to the electroacoustic transducer. The conductor serves as the channel for electrical signal transmission, responsible for accurately and efficiently transmitting the electrical signals provided by the external circuit to the electroacoustic transducer, ensuring that the transducer receives the appropriate operating signal to generate stable and accurate ultrasonic waves. The insulating protective layer wraps around the surface of the conductor, primarily serving an electrical insulation function, preventing short circuits between the conductor and the surrounding environment or other metal components, ensuring the safety and reliability of electrical signal transmission. Simultaneously, the insulating protective layer also provides a certain degree of mechanical protection for the conductor, reducing wear and damage during use. Since the conductor is made of metal, when the conductor is conductive and current flows through it, the surrounding electromagnetic field changes with the current, thus generating electromagnetic radiation. By wrapping the surface of the conductor with an insulating protective layer, electromagnetic radiation is effectively confined within the device. This is because insulating materials can block the propagation of electromagnetic waves, preventing electromagnetic radiation from penetrating into the external space (this can be verified through a radiation interference test. A radiation interference test measures the magnitude of the electromagnetic wave signal emitted by a device under normal operating conditions, thus determining its interference level with surrounding electronic equipment. This test is typically conducted in a specific testing environment, such as an anechoic chamber, using a receiving antenna to receive the radiated interference signal emitted from the device under test and comparing it with standard limits). The second end of lead 2 connects to the RF connector 3, which is used to lead the RF connector out of the fiber optic coiling area. The RF connector 3, as the second end connection component of lead 2, is mainly used for a quick and reliable connection between the acousto-optic Q-switch and external circuitry (such as laser driver power supplies, control systems, etc.).The other end of the RF connector 3 is connected to the RF cable 7. Since the lead wire is significantly thinner than the RF connector and the RF cable, the optical fiber 9 can pass through the area below the lead wire and be coiled on the acousto-optic Q switch mounting surface 8, making reasonable use of space and facilitating the miniaturization design of the laser.

[0039] In short, the acousto-optic crystal and electroacoustic transducer of the Q-switch body are both installed inside the encapsulated metal shell 1. The first end of the lead 2 passes through the side wall of the encapsulated metal shell 1 and connects to the electroacoustic transducer. The second end of the lead 2 connects to the RF connector 3. The high-frequency signal from the RF drive power supply passes sequentially through the RF connector 3 and the lead 2 into the electroacoustic transducer. The electroacoustic transducer converts the electrical signal into high-frequency sound waves (ultrasound) and couples them into the acousto-optic crystal. The sound waves propagate in the crystal, forming a dynamic grating that modulates the parameters of the incident light. The diameter of the lead 2 is smaller than the diameter of the RF connector 3. Because the larger RF connector 3 contacts the encapsulated metal shell 1 through the smaller diameter lead 2, the optical fiber 9 can pass under the lead and coil on the acousto-optic Q-switch mounting surface 8, making efficient use of space and facilitating the miniaturization design of the laser. Furthermore, the insulation layer of the lead wire is used to ensure the insulation between the lead wire 2 and the encapsulation metal shell 1, which prevents the radio frequency signal from leaking to the encapsulation metal shell 1. This eliminates the need for mica sheets to be installed between the encapsulation metal shell 1 and the mounting surface 8 of the acousto-optic Q switch, thus improving the heat dissipation effect of the acousto-optic Q switch. It also prevents other electrical signals in the laser from interfering with the radio frequency signal through the encapsulation metal shell 1 of the acousto-optic Q switch.

[0040] In this embodiment, the diameter of lead 2 is 3mm-8mm. Exemplarily, the diameter of lead 2 can be, but is not limited to, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 7mm or 8mm, etc., and no further restrictions are imposed here.

[0041] Furthermore, the insulating protective layer is made of plastic or rubber. Both plastic and rubber are excellent insulating materials, effectively preventing the wires from contacting the encapsulated metal housing or other conductive components, thus avoiding the risk of short circuits. For example, inside the acousto-optic Q-switch, the wires need to pass through the encapsulated metal housing 1 to connect to the electroacoustic transducer; the insulating protective layer ensures insulation between the wires and the encapsulated metal housing 1. During installation, use, or transportation, the wires of the acousto-optic Q-switch may be subjected to friction or compression. The plastic or rubber insulating protective layer provides cushioning, reducing wear on the wire's insulating protective layer. For example, during equipment vibration or movement, the insulating protective layer prevents the wires from breaking due to friction. Plastic and rubber have a certain degree of resistance to moisture and chemicals, protecting the internal metal conductors of the wires from corrosion and extending their service life. The softness and flexibility of plastic and rubber materials facilitate wiring in confined spaces or curved paths within the acousto-optic Q-switch, reducing installation difficulty. For example, when wiring inside the encapsulated metal housing 1, the insulating protective layer can be flexibly bent to adapt to structural constraints. During continuous laser operation, a stable electrical connection prevents performance degradation due to signal interruption or interference.

[0042] Furthermore, the acousto-optic Q-switch also includes an optical fiber collimator 4, which is disposed on the side wall of the encapsulation metal shell 1, and both the optical fiber collimator 4 and the lead wire 2 are located on the same side of the encapsulation metal shell 1. The optical fiber collimator 4 is used to collimate the laser beam in the optical fiber 9 into parallel light and efficiently couple it into the acousto-optic crystal. Its design of being on the same side as the lead wire 2 optimizes the optical path layout and reduces the loss of optical signal during transmission. For example, in a laser modulation system, the collimator can ensure that the laser enters the acousto-optic crystal at the optimal incident angle, improving modulation efficiency. Concentrating the optical fiber collimator 4 and the lead wire 2 on the same side of the encapsulation metal shell 1 reduces the overall size of the acousto-optic Q-switch, facilitating integration in laser equipment. The same-side layout facilitates modular packaging of the acousto-optic Q-switch, simplifying equipment installation and maintenance processes. For example, during replacement or repair, the optical fiber interface and electrical signal connection point can be quickly located. The same-side design of the optical fiber collimator 4 and the lead wire 2 unifies the interface direction, facilitating the connection and debugging of optical paths and circuits by engineers. For example, during laser equipment assembly, the connection of optical fibers and electrical signals can be completed in one step, reducing operational steps. In compact lasers, for instance, this design frees up more space for the placement of other optical components.

[0043] Exemplarily, the fiber optic collimator 4 is precisely positioned from a pigtail and a self-focusing lens, used to convert the transmitted light within the fiber into collimated light (parallel light), or to couple external parallel (approximately parallel) light into the single-mode fiber. In this embodiment of the invention, the fiber optic collimator 4 is a single-clad fiber optic collimator. The fiber optic collimator 4 includes a fiber optic head (not shown), a glass tube (not shown), and a lens (not shown). The fiber optic head is used to receive light, the glass tube is fitted over the fiber optic head, and the lens is disposed on the light-emitting surface of the fiber optic collimator 4. Optionally, as... Figure 3 As shown, a small-sized aperture 6 is used and mounted on the lens of the fiber optic collimator 4. Its function is to block the zero-order light from entering, and the position of the aperture 6's through-hole is located by a CCD and a beam analyzer to avoid light obstruction. The fiber optic collimator 4 contains the aperture 6, whose surface has been sandblasted to diffuse the zero-order light and allow it to pass through the glass tube, thus preventing the aperture cap from overheating.

[0044] Furthermore, an expanding fiber with a diameter of 100μm-110μm is disposed within the fiber collimator 4. In this embodiment, the diameter of the expanding fiber is larger than that of conventionally used optical fibers. By adding the expanding fiber inside the fiber collimator 4, the laser power density is reduced, preventing the coating layer from being burned off and improving the long-term operational stability of the product. For example, the diameter of the expanding fiber is 105μm.

[0045] Furthermore, two fiber optic collimators 4 are disposed on the sidewall of the encapsulated metal shell 1, with the lead wire 2 located between the two fiber optic collimators 4. The pigtails of the fiber optic collimators 4 are spirally coiled. This dual-collimator design avoids mutual interference between input and output optical signals, improving system stability. The two fiber optic collimators 4 serve as input and output ports respectively, achieving efficient coupling and transmission of the laser beam. For example, one is used to receive the optical signal from an external laser source, while the other outputs the modulated optical signal to the subsequent optical system. The dual-collimator design avoids mutual interference between input and output optical signals, improving system stability. The spirally coiled pigtail allows for flexible adjustment of the fiber length to adapt to different installation scenarios. By controlling the coiling radius (usually greater than the minimum bending radius of the fiber), optical signal attenuation due to excessive bending is avoided.

[0046] Furthermore, a fixing tube 5 is provided at the location where the fiber optic collimator 4 is installed in the encapsulated metal shell 1, and the fiber optic collimator 4 is inserted into the fixing tube 5. The fixing tube 5 provides physical support for the fiber optic collimator 4, preventing it from shifting under conditions such as vibration, impact, or thermal expansion and contraction, ensuring optical path stability, and preventing misalignment. The inner diameter of the fixing tube 5 matches the outer diameter of the collimator, enabling precise installation of the collimator, reducing the risk of beam misalignment, and facilitating accurate positioning.

[0047] Furthermore, the fixing tube 5 is made of a low-expansion-coefficient alloy. For example, the fixing tube 5 is made of 4J29 alloy. The thermal expansion coefficient of 4J29 alloy (4.6-5.5×10⁻⁶ / ℃ in the range of 20-450℃) is highly compatible with sealing materials such as glass and ceramics, effectively reducing thermal stress caused by temperature changes and preventing cracks or loosening between the fiber collimator 4 and the encapsulating metal shell 1. In laser equipment, temperature fluctuations may cause optical path deviation; the compatibility of 4J29 alloy ensures optical path stability. 4J29 alloy maintains structural stability at low temperatures, avoiding dimensional changes due to phase transitions, making it suitable for extreme temperature environments. 4J29 alloy has excellent corrosion resistance to atmosphere, water vapor, and various chemical media, preventing oxidation or corrosion in humid or corrosive environments and extending equipment lifespan. In industrial laser equipment, it prevents performance degradation caused by corrosion.

[0048] Optionally, the encapsulated metal shell 1 is provided with heat dissipation fins or heat-conducting pillars. The heat generated by the internal heating element of the acousto-optic Q-switch is rapidly conducted to the encapsulated metal shell 1. By adding heat dissipation fins or heat-conducting pillars to the outer surface of the encapsulated metal shell 1, the heat dissipation surface area of ​​the metal shell is increased, accelerating the transfer of heat to the surrounding environment and ensuring that the acousto-optic crystal operates within a safe temperature range. Similar to a computer CPU heatsink, increasing the heat dissipation area improves heat dissipation efficiency.

[0049] Furthermore, such as Figure 2 As shown, the encapsulated metal shell 1 has several connection holes 11, through which fasteners can pass to connect to external fixed objects. By firmly connecting the encapsulated shell to the equipment base using fasteners (such as bolts and screws), mechanical stresses such as vibration and impact can be effectively resisted, preventing displacement or loosening of the acousto-optic Q-switch and ensuring stable optical path coupling efficiency. The connection holes 11, in conjunction with standard fasteners, facilitate the installation, disassembly, and replacement of the acousto-optic Q-switch, reducing maintenance costs. During laser equipment maintenance, the acousto-optic Q-switch can be quickly removed for inspection by loosening the bolts, without the need to recalibrate the optical path. In practical use, different mounting platforms can be adapted by adjusting the position and number of connection holes 11. The fasteners can also serve as heat conduction paths, transferring heat from the acousto-optic Q-switch to the mounting base (if the base is made of a high thermal conductivity material, such as aluminum or copper), enhancing heat dissipation efficiency.

[0050] This embodiment also provides a Q-switched laser, including an RF drive power supply and the aforementioned acousto-optic Q-switch. The RF connector 3 of the acousto-optic Q-switch is connected to the output terminal of the RF drive power supply. The working principle of the acousto-optic Q-switch, with its RF connector 3 connected to the output terminal of the RF drive power supply, is based on the acousto-optic effect and electroacoustic conversion technology. The specific process is as follows: 1) Function of the RF drive power supply: RF signal generation: The RF drive power supply generates a high-frequency electrical signal (typically 20-100MHz), which is transmitted to the acousto-optic Q-switch through the RF connector 3. Power amplification: The drive power supply amplifies the input low-power signal to a sufficient intensity to drive the piezoelectric transducer within the acousto-optic Q-switch. 2) Structure and operation of the acousto-optic Q-switch: Piezoelectric transducer: When the RF signal is applied to the piezoelectric transducer, the transducer converts the electrical signal into high-frequency mechanical vibration (ultrasound). Acousto-optic crystal: Ultrasound propagates in the acousto-optic crystal (such as fused silica or lead molybdate crystal), causing a periodic change in the refractive index of the medium, forming a dynamic grating. 3) Acousto-optic effect and optical modulation: Bragg diffraction: When an incident laser beam is incident on an acousto-optic crystal at a Bragg angle, Bragg diffraction occurs, deflecting the laser beam out of the resonant cavity, resulting in a decrease in the Q value within the cavity and suppression of laser oscillation. Q-value modulation: When the RF signal is turned off, the diffraction effect disappears, the Q value suddenly increases, and the energy accumulated in the resonant cavity is rapidly released, forming a high-power laser pulse. 4) Functions of the RF cable connector: Signal transmission: The RF cable connector serves as the transmission interface for RF signals, ensuring stable high-frequency signal transmission between the drive power supply and the acousto-optic Q-switch. Impedance matching: The RF cable connector design optimizes impedance matching, reduces signal reflection, and improves energy transmission efficiency. Application scenarios of Q-switched lasers include: Laser marking: Achieving high-precision, high-speed laser marking through rapid Q-value modulation. Laser cutting: Generating high-power laser pulses, suitable for cutting both metallic and non-metallic materials. LiDAR: Used to generate short-pulse lasers for high-resolution distance measurement.

[0051] Note that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions can be made without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, although the present invention has been described in detail through the above embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Many other equivalent embodiments may be included without departing from the concept of the present invention, and the scope of the present invention is determined by the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. An acousto-optic Q-switch, characterized in that include: The Q switch body includes a metal casing (1), an acousto-optic crystal, and an electroacoustic transducer. The metal casing (1) has a receiving cavity, and the acousto-optic crystal and the electroacoustic transducer are both disposed inside the metal casing (1). Lead wire (2) includes a conductor and an insulating protective layer, the insulating protective layer is wrapped around the surface of the conductor, and the first end of the lead wire (2) passes through the side wall of the encapsulated metal shell (1) and is connected to the electroacoustic transducer. Radio frequency connector (3), the second end of the lead (2) is connected to the radio frequency connector (3), the lead (2) is used to lead the radio frequency connector (3) out of the optical fiber winding area.

2. The acousto-optic Q-switch of claim 1, wherein, The diameter of the lead wire (2) is 3mm-8mm.

3. The acousto-optic Q-switch of claim 1, wherein, The insulating protective layer may be made of plastic or rubber.

4. The acousto-optic Q-switch of claim 1, wherein, The acousto-optic Q-switch further includes: Fiber collimator (4) is disposed on the side wall of the encapsulation metal shell (1), and the fiber collimator (4) and the lead wire (2) are both located on the same side of the encapsulation metal shell (1).

5. The acousto-optic Q-switch of claim 4, wherein, The fiber collimator (4) is provided with a beam-expanding fiber, the diameter of which is 100μm-110μm.

6. The acousto-optic Q-switch of claim 4, wherein, The sidewall of the encapsulated metal shell (1) is provided with two optical fiber collimators (4), the lead wire (2) is located between the two optical fiber collimators (4), and the pigtail of the optical fiber collimator (4) is spirally coiled.

7. The acousto-optic Q-switch of claim 4, wherein, A fixing tube (5) is provided at the position where the optical fiber collimator (4) is installed on the encapsulated metal shell (1), and the optical fiber collimator (4) is inserted into the fixing tube (5).

8. The acousto-optic Q-switch of claim 7, wherein, The fixed tube (5) is made of a low expansion coefficient alloy.

9. The acousto-optic Q-switch according to any of claims 4-8, characterized in that, The optical fiber collimator (4) is equipped with an aperture (6), and the surface of the aperture is sandblasted.

10. A Q-switched laser characterized by, It includes an RF drive power supply and an acousto-optic Q-switch as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the RF cable connector (3) of the acousto-optic Q-switch is connected to the output terminal of the RF drive power supply via an RF cable.