Fiber laser device and fiber module for fiber laser device

Abstract

To easily replace a first optical element.SOLUTION: A supercontinuum light source 10 comprises: a housing 16; and a fiber structure 15, an output coupler 14, and a wavelength-division multiplexing coupler 12 housed inside the housing 16. The fiber structure 15, the output coupler 14, and the wavelength-division multiplexing coupler 12 are optically connectable via first fiber connectors 31A, 31B and second fiber connectors 32A, 32B. The fiber structure 15 is housed inside a module housing 61. A rear wall 16b of the housing 16 has a second opening 72. The module housing 61 is fitted inside the housing 16 such that the module housing can be attached and detached via the second opening 72. At one end of the module housing 61, ends of fibers 27, 28 and the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B are provided such that they protrude from the module housing 61.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a fiber laser device and a fiber module for a fiber laser device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, as a technique related to a fiber laser device, a device including a fiber structure (first optical element) including a saturable absorber and a wavelength division multiplexing coupler (second optical element) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In such a fiber laser device, a first fiber connector is provided at an end of a first fiber optically connected to the fiber structure, and a second fiber connector is provided at an end of a second fiber optically connected to the wavelength division multiplexing coupler. The fiber structure and the wavelength division multiplexing coupler are optically connected via the first fiber connector and the second fiber connector. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2017-67804 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the fiber laser device as described above, the first optical element and the second optical element optically connected to each other are usually accommodated in a housing. If the first optical element and the second optical element are accommodated in the housing in this manner, for example, when the first optical element reaches the end of its product life, a problem may occur in that it is difficult to remove and replace the first optical element.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a fiber laser device and a fiber module for a fiber laser device that enable easy replacement of a first optical element. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A fiber laser device according to the present invention comprises a housing, a first optical element for oscillating laser light, the first optical element being housed in the housing and having a first fiber and a first fiber connector provided at an end of the first fiber, and a second optical element for oscillating laser light, the second optical element being housed in the housing and having a second fiber and a second fiber connector provided at an end of the second fiber, the first optical element and the second optical element being optically connectable via the first fiber connector and the second fiber connector, at least a portion of the first optical element being housed in a module housing, an opening being formed in a wall of the housing, the module housing being detachably attached within the housing via the opening, and one end of the module housing being provided with the end of the first fiber and the first fiber connector protruding from the module housing.

[0007] In this fiber laser device, the first optical element can be modularized, and the modularized first optical element can be attached and detached by utilizing the second opening of the housing, which makes it possible to easily replace the first optical element.

[0008] In the fiber laser device according to the present invention, the first optical element may include a saturable absorber, a pumping light source, or a wavelength division multiplexing coupler. In this case, the saturable absorber, the pumping light source, or the wavelength division multiplexing coupler can be used as the first optical element.

[0009] The fiber laser device according to the present invention further includes a gripping portion provided on the module housing, the gripping portion being provided so as to protrude from the outer surface of the housing when the module housing is attached inside the housing, and the outer surface of the housing may be provided with a protrusion that covers at least a part of the periphery of the protruding gripping portion. If the gripping portion is used (e.g., gripped and moved) when the module housing is attached inside the housing, the module housing may become misaligned. In this regard, in the present invention, when the module housing is attached inside the housing, the protrusion makes it difficult to grip the gripping portion, and the use of the gripping portion can be suppressed. This makes it possible to prevent the module housing from becoming misaligned.

[0010] In the fiber laser device according to the present invention, the module housing is inserted into the opening from one end side, and the module housing has a shape on one side in the first direction different from that on the other side when viewed from the one end side, and the opening may correspond to the shape of the module housing. This makes it possible to prevent the module housing from being inserted into the second opening with the one side and the other side in the first direction reversed.

[0011] The fiber laser device according to the present invention may include a partition plate that divides the inside of the housing into a first space and a second space, and a fan that pressurizes and blows air in the first space, and the first optical element and the second optical element may be disposed in the second space. In this case, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from adhering to each component of the first optical element and the second optical element due to the air pressurized by the fan.

[0012] The fiber laser device according to the present invention may further include an elastic member that presses the module housing against the mounting surface on which the module housing is mounted. In this case, the elastic member can press the module housing against the mounting surface.

[0013] The fiber laser device according to the present invention may further include an adapter for connecting the first fiber connector and the second fiber connector, and an adapter detection unit for detecting the presence or absence of the adapter. In this case, the first fiber connector and the second fiber connector can be reliably connected by the adapter. Also, based on the detection result of the adapter detection unit, forgetting to attach the adapter can be prevented.

[0014] The fiber laser device according to the present invention may further include a locking mechanism that prevents the module housing from being removed from the housing when the fiber laser device is oscillating laser light. By including the locking mechanism, damage caused by removing the first optical element during laser light oscillation can be prevented.

[0015] The fiber module for a fiber laser device according to the present invention comprises a module housing, and an optical element at least partially contained within the module housing, having a fiber and a fiber connector provided at an end of the fiber, and for oscillating laser light, wherein the end of the fiber and the fiber connector are provided at one end of the module housing so as to protrude from the module housing, and within the module housing, the fiber is fixed on the other end side of the module housing.

[0016] In a fiber module for a fiber laser device, when an optical element is optically connected to another optical element via a fiber connector, for example, the fiber connector may move due to play in the fiber connector, and the end of the fiber may also move in response to the movement of the fiber connector, which may adversely affect performance. In this case, the fiber is fixed to the module housing in the present invention, so that the movement of the fiber can be suppressed. In this case, if the fiber is fixed at one end side (the side closer to the fiber connector) in the module housing, the fiber is likely to bend due to the movement of the fiber connector and the end of the fiber, which may adversely affect performance. In this regard, the fiber is fixed at the other end side (the side farther from the fiber connector) in the module housing in the present invention, so that it is possible to suppress bending of the fiber due to the movement of the fiber connector and the end of the fiber. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is possible to suppress adverse effects on performance.

[0017] In the fiber module for a fiber laser device according to the present invention, the straight portion of the fiber that extends in a straight line may be fixed at the other end side within the module housing, which makes it possible to further suppress bending of the fiber. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a fiber laser device and a fiber module for a fiber laser device in which the first optical element can be easily replaced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a super-continuum light source according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a main part of the supercontinuum light source of FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of FIG. 2 with a fiber module for a fiber laser device removed. FIG. [Figure 4]FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the supercontinuum light source of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a rear view showing the supercontinuum light source of FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a perspective view showing the supercontinuum light source of FIG. 1 with the housing omitted. [Figure 7] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing a main part of the supercontinuum light source of FIG. 2. [Figure 8] 8 is an exploded perspective view of a swinging member in the movable holder of FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a module housing of the fiber module for the fiber laser device of FIG. 2. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the supercontinuum light source in the state shown in FIG. 3. [Figure 11] 11 is a perspective view showing the supercontinuum light source of FIG. 10 with the housing omitted. [Figure 12] 11 is an enlarged perspective view showing a second opening of the supercontinuum light source of FIG. 10. FIG. [Figure 13] 11 is a perspective view of the super-continuum light source of FIG. 10 in a state where a second fiber connector is oriented in a second direction by a movable holder. [Figure 14] 11 is another perspective view of the super-continuum light source of FIG. 10 in a state where the second fiber connector is oriented in a second direction by the movable holder. [Figure 15] FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing a case where observation is performed with a fiberscope in the supercontinuum light source of FIG. [Figure 16] 14 is a perspective view showing a case where cleaning is performed by a cleaner in the supercontinuum light source of FIG. 13. FIG. [Figure 17] 13 is a perspective view showing a movable holder and an adapter detection unit according to a modified example. FIG. [Figure 18] 13 is another perspective view showing the movable holder and the adapter detection unit according to the modified example. FIG. [Figure 19]13 is another perspective view showing the movable holder and the adapter detection unit according to the modified example. FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a main part of a super-continuum light source according to a second embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a main part of a super-continuum light source according to a third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a super-continuum light source according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 23] 23 is a perspective view showing a state in which a fiber module for a fiber laser device in FIG. 22 is removed. FIG. [Figure 24] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing the inside of a module housing of a fiber module for a fiber laser device according to a modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, the same or corresponding elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted.

[0021] [First embodiment] As shown in Fig. 1, the supercontinuum light source 10 is a light source that generates supercontinuum light. The supercontinuum light source 10 constitutes a fiber laser device. The supercontinuum light source 10 is a broadband spectrum light source and is used, for example, in biological observation and spectroscopic analysis. The supercontinuum light source 10 includes a laser oscillator 5, a fiber amplifier 20, a wavelength shifting fiber 30, and a highly nonlinear optical fiber 50.

[0022] The laser oscillator 5 is a ring-type laser oscillator. The output end of the laser oscillator 5 is connected to a fiber amplifier 20. The output end of the fiber amplifier 20 is connected to a wavelength shifting fiber 30. The output end of the wavelength shifting fiber 30 is connected to a highly nonlinear optical fiber 50. The highly nonlinear optical fiber 50 is a highly nonlinear optical fiber that generates supercontinuum light. The highly nonlinear optical fiber 50 expands the spectral width of the input pulse light by a nonlinear optical effect, and converts it into supercontinuum light. The supercontinuum light is output from the output end of the highly nonlinear optical fiber 50.

[0023] 2 and 3, such a supercontinuum light source 10 includes an excitation light source 11, a wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12, an amplification fiber 13, an output coupler 14, a fiber structure 15, and a housing 16. The excitation light source 11, the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12, the amplification fiber 13, the output coupler 14, and the fiber structure 15 are housed in the housing 16. The excitation light source 11, the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12, the amplification fiber 13, the output coupler 14, and the fiber structure 15 constitute optical elements for oscillating laser light, and constitute a laser oscillator 5.

[0024] The pumping light source 11 is, for example, a laser diode. The pumping light source 11 outputs pumping light. The pumping light source 11 has a fiber 21. The wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 has a fiber 22 and a fiber 29. The wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 reflects the pumping light input from the pumping light source 11 via the fiber 21 and outputs it to the fiber 22. The wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 transmits the laser light input from the fiber 28 of the fiber structure 15 via the fiber 29 and outputs it to the fiber 22. The fiber 29 constitutes a second fiber.

[0025] The amplification fiber 13 absorbs the pumping light input via the fiber 22 and emits laser light. The amplification fiber 13 is, for example, an erbium-doped fiber (EDF) whose core is doped with erbium (Er). The output coupler 14 has a fiber 23, a fiber 24, and a fiber 26. The output coupler 14 divides the laser light input from the amplification fiber 13 via the fiber 23 at a predetermined ratio, and outputs a part of the laser light to the fiber 26 and outputs the other part of the laser light to the fiber 24. The laser light output to the fiber 24 is output to the outside as output light. The fiber 26 constitutes a second fiber.

[0026] The fiber structure 15 is a structure including a saturable absorber K. The saturable absorber K is a material whose optical transparency changes depending on the intensity of incident light. The saturable absorber K includes a sheet-shaped resin material and a plurality of carbon nanotubes dispersed in the resin material. A material having excellent heat resistance is used as the resin material. The carbon nanotubes have a saturable absorption characteristic in which they absorb light in the 1560 nm band and the absorption decreases when the intensity of the incident light reaches a high level. The fiber structure 15 includes fibers 27 and 28. The fibers 27 and 28 constitute a first fiber. In the fiber structure 15, the tips of the fibers 27 and 28 are butted against each other, and the saturable absorber K is disposed between the tips of the fibers 27 and 28. In the fiber structure 15, the laser light input from the fiber 26 of the output coupler 14 through the fiber 27 is incident on the saturable absorber K.

[0027] In a linear region where the incident light intensity is weak, the saturable absorber K absorbs the incident light. When the incident light intensity reaches a high level, the absorption of the saturable absorber K decreases, and the incident light passes through the saturable absorber K. Since the amplitude of the oscillating laser light fluctuates at a high frequency over time due to noise components, light with a high level of incident light intensity passes through the saturable absorber K without being absorbed, and becomes pulsed light. In the supercontinuum light source 10, the pulsed light is superimposed on the circulating continuous light, which promotes stimulated emission, increasing the intensity, and furthermore, making it easier to pass through the saturable absorber K. While the pulsed light circulates while growing in this way, the saturable absorption characteristics of the saturable absorber K, the fiber nonlinear effect, and the chromatic dispersion effect generate pulsed light. The fiber structure 15 outputs the laser light as pulsed light transmitted through the saturable absorber K to the fiber 29 via the fiber 28.

[0028] In this embodiment, the fiber structure 15 has a first fiber connector 31A provided at an end of the fiber 27 and a first fiber connector 31B provided at an end of the fiber 28. The wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 has a second fiber connector 32B provided at an end of the fiber 29. The output coupler 14 has a second fiber connector 32A provided at an end of the fiber 26. The first fiber connector 31A and the second fiber connector 32A can be connected via an adapter 79. The first fiber connector 31B and the second fiber connector 32B can be connected via an adapter 79.

[0029] That is, the fiber structure 15 constituting the first optical element and the output coupler 14 constituting the second optical element can be optically connected via the first fiber connector 31A and the second fiber connector 32A. This allows the fiber 27 connected to the fiber structure 15 to be optically connected to the fiber 26 connected to the output coupler 14. Also, the fiber structure 15 constituting the first optical element and the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 constituting the second optical element can be optically connected via the first fiber connector 31B and the second fiber connector 32B. This allows the fiber 28 connected to the fiber structure 15 to be optically connected to the fiber 29 connected to the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12.

[0030] The fiber structure 15 is housed in a module housing 61 and modularized as a fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device. The fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device (module housing 61) is configured to be detachable from the supercontinuum light source 10. Note that the term "module" refers to, for example, one or more elements (components and devices) that are functionally or structurally integrated into one unit.

[0031] Next, the configuration of the supercontinuum light source 10 will be specifically described.

[0032] In the following description, the "front-rear direction" ("front" and "rear") is a convenient term based on the directions shown in the drawings. The "up-down direction" ("up" and "down") is a direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction and is a convenient term based on the directions shown in the drawings. The direction perpendicular to both the front-rear direction and the up-down direction is also referred to as the "width direction."

[0033] As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, in the super continuum light source 10, the housing 16 has a rectangular box shape that is long in the front-rear direction. A bracket BR for mounting the super continuum light source 10 is fixed to the lower part of the side wall of the housing 16. A first opening 71 is formed in the upper wall 16a of the housing 16. The upper wall 16a is a wall portion of the housing 16 that faces and is adjacent to a movable holder 76 described later. The first opening 71 here is formed at a position toward the rear of the center in the front-rear direction in the upper wall 16a of the housing 16. The first opening 71 penetrates the housing 16 in the up-down direction so as to communicate the inside and outside of the housing 16. The first opening 71 has a rectangular shape. A cover C0 (see FIG. 12) is removably attached to the first opening 71 so as to cover the first opening 71. When the super continuum light source 10 is operating (when the laser light is oscillating), the first opening 71 is closed by the cover C0.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 10, a second opening (opening) 72 is formed in the rear wall (wall portion) 16b of the housing 16. The second opening 72 here is formed on the upper side of the rear wall 16b of the housing 16. The second opening 72 penetrates in the front-rear direction so as to communicate between the inside and outside of the housing 16. The second opening 72 has a rectangular shape that is elongated in the width direction. The second opening 72 constitutes an attachment port in the housing 16 through which the fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device is inserted.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6, the supercontinuum light source 10 includes a first partition plate (partition plate) 73, a second partition plate (support plate) 74, a fan 75, a movable holder 76, a holding unit 78, and an adapter 79 in a housing 16. The first partition plate 73 is a plate-shaped member that divides the inside of the housing 16 into upper and lower parts, and is fixed to the housing 16 with screws or the like. The first partition plate 73 divides the inside of the housing 16 into a first space R1 on the lower side and a second space R2 above the first space R1. The second partition plate 74 is a plate-shaped member that divides the second space R2 in the housing 16 into upper and lower parts, and is fixed to the housing 16 with screws or the like. The second partition plate 74 divides the second space R2 into a lower second space R21 on the lower side, and an upper second space R22 above the lower second space R21. The fan 75 compresses and sends air in the first space R1. The fan 75 is fixed to the rear of the first space R1 inside the housing 16. The fan 75 compresses and sends air sucked from the outside through the intake port H0 forward. For example, an axial fan is used as the fan 75.

[0036] The movable holder 76 is disposed in the housing 16. The movable holder 76 is provided on the second partition plate 74 (in the upper second space R22) in the housing 16. As shown in Figs. 4 and 13, the movable holder 76 holds the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B and is movable so that the orientations of the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B change between a first orientation and a second orientation. The orientations of the fiber connectors 32A, 32B correspond, for example, to the optical axis directions of the ends of the fibers 29, 26 to which the fiber connectors 32A, 32B are provided. The movable holder 76 can be operated, for example, manually by a user.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the first direction is the direction of the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B when the fiber structure 15, the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12, and the output coupler 14 are optically connected (that is, when the fiber laser device fiber module 60 is attached). The first direction is the direction along the second partition plate 74. The first direction is backward. As shown in FIG. 13 and FIG. 14, the second direction is the direction of the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B that expose the end faces of the fibers 29, 26 through the first opening 71. The second direction is the direction perpendicular to the second partition plate 74. The second direction is upward. To be exposed through the first opening 71 means, for example, to emerge from the first opening 71, to be visible from the first opening 71, and to be exposed or revealed from the first opening 71. When the movable holder 76 is moved so that the orientation of the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B becomes the second orientation, the movable holder 76 protrudes the end faces of the fibers 29, 26 outward from the first opening 71, and positions the end faces of the fibers 29, 26 outside the housing 16 via the first opening 71.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 7, the movable holder 76 includes a fixed member 81 fixed on the second partition plate 74 in the housing 16 (see FIG. 4), and a swinging member 82 connected to the fixed member 81 via a hinge 83. The hinge 83 is swingable about a swing axis 83x along the width direction with respect to one hinge plate side. The hinge 83 here has a structure with no backlash (minimized backlash). The fixed member 81 is a plate-shaped member. The fixed member 81 has a thickness direction in the up-down direction and extends in the width direction. The fixed member 81 has a long hole 81a that is long in the front-rear direction. The fixed member 81 is fixed to the second partition plate 74 with a screw via the long hole 81a. That is, the fixed member 81 is fixed to be movable in the front-rear direction within the housing 16. One hinge plate side of a hinge 83 is attached to both ends of the fixing member 81 in the width direction.

[0039] 7 and 8, the oscillating member 82 is a member that can oscillate with respect to the fixed member 81 around an oscillating axis 83x of a hinge 83. The second fiber connectors 32A and 32B are provided on the oscillating member 82. As shown in FIG. 8, the oscillating member 82 has a base plate 84, a pair of connector attachment portions 85, and a magnetic plate 86.

[0040] The base plate 84 is a bent plate-like member, and includes a bottom plate 84x, a side plate 84y, and an upper plate 84z. The bottom plate 84x is provided in pair and has a flat plate shape. The other hinge plate side of the hinge 83 is attached to the bottom plate 84x. The side plate 84y is provided perpendicular to the bottom plate 84x. The side plate 84y has a dimension in the width direction corresponding to the fixing member 81. The side plate 84y is provided with a pair of rectangular holes 84h separated from each other in the width direction, through which the second fiber connectors 32A and 32B are inserted. The side plate 84y is provided with a pair of slits 84s separated from each other in the width direction, through which the mounting plate 88 described later is inserted. The rectangular holes 84h and the slits 84s communicate with each other. The upper plate 84z is provided perpendicular to the side plate 84y and has a flat plate shape. A magnetic plate 86 is fixed to the upper plate 84z.

[0041] The connector attachment portion 85 includes a main body portion 87 and an attachment plate 88. The main body portion 87 has a block-shaped outer shape. The main body portion 87 is fixed to a side plate 84y of the base plate 84 with screws. The main body portion 87 is formed with a recess 87x into which the second fiber connector 32A fits. The recess 87x communicates with a rectangular hole 84h in the side plate 84y. The main body portion 87 is also formed with a groove portion 87y into which the fiber 29 is inserted. The groove portion 87y communicates with the recess portion 87x. The attachment plate 88 is fixed to the main body portion 87 with screws so as to cover the recess portion 87x and the groove portion 87y.

[0042] The magnetic plate 86 is fixed to an upper plate 84z of the base plate 84 with screws. The magnetic plate 86 is made of a magnetic material. That is, at least a portion of the movable holder 76 is made of a magnetic material. The magnetic plate 86 is a member that can be connected to the holding portion 78 by magnetic force. The magnetic plate 86 is in the form of a plate that is long in the width direction.

[0043] As shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 6, the holding portion 78 is provided in the housing 16. The holding portion 78 is fixed onto the second partition plate 74 via a stay ST. The holding portion 78 is made of a magnetic material. When the movable holder 76 is moved so that the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B are oriented in a second direction, the holding portion 78 can be coupled to the magnetic plate 86 of the movable holder 76 by magnetic force (see Fig. 13). As a result, the movable holder 76 is held so as to maintain the second direction by the magnetic force of the holding portion 78.

[0044] The adapter 79 is provided between the first fiber connector 31A and the second fiber connector 32A. The first fiber connector 31A is inserted and engaged into the adapter 79, and the second fiber connector 32A is inserted and engaged into the adapter 79, so that the first fiber connector 31A and the second fiber connector 32A (i.e., the end of the fiber 27 and the end of the fiber 26) are optically connected. The adapter 79 is also provided between the first fiber connector 31B and the second fiber connector 32B. The first fiber connector 31B is inserted and engaged into the adapter 79, and the second fiber connector 32B is inserted and engaged into the adapter 79, so that the first fiber connector 31B and the second fiber connector 32B (i.e., the end of the fiber 28 and the end of the fiber 29) are optically connected.

[0045] The fiber tube 18 is provided near the movable holder 76 inside the housing 16. The fiber tube 18 is a flexible cylindrical member. The fiber tube 18 is fixed onto the second partition plate 74 by a tape material 19. The fibers 26, 29 are inserted through the fiber tube 18. As a result, the fibers 26, 29 are fixed onto the second partition plate 74 via the fiber tube 18 near the movable holder 76. The tape material 19 may be, for example, a polyimide tape.

[0046] 6, 9, and 10, the supercontinuum light source 10 of the present embodiment includes a fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device in which the fiber structure 15 is modularized. The fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device includes a module housing 61, the fiber structure 15, and a gripping portion 62.

[0047] The module housing 61 has a rectangular box shape. The module housing 61 accommodates the fiber structure 15. Here, the fiber structure 15 is arranged in the center of the module housing 61. A connector holder 64 is provided on one end side of the module housing 61. The connector holder 64 holds the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B so that the ends of the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B and the fibers 27, 28 protrude outward from the module housing 61. A rectangular back plate 63 is fixed to the rear surface of the module housing 61, and a gripper 62 is provided on the rear surface of the back plate 63. The module housing 61 is detachably attached to the housing 16 via the second opening 72. The module housing 61 is inserted into the second opening 72 from the front side (one side in the predetermined direction) of the module housing 61.

[0048] In the module housing 61, the fibers 27 and 28 are fixed at the other end side of the module housing 61 (the side opposite to the side where the first fiber connectors 31A and 31B and the ends of the fibers 27 and 28 protrude from the module housing 61). Specifically, in the module housing 61, the straight portions of the fibers 27 and 28 that extend in a straight line are fixed at the other end side of the module housing 61. The fibers 27 and 28 are fixed at the portions that contact the inner surface of the module housing 61. The fibers 27 and 28 are fixed by attaching a tape material 65. For example, a polyimide tape is used as the tape material 65. In the illustrated example, a plurality of points of the fibers 27 and 28 that are spaced apart from each other are attached to the inner surface of the module housing 61 by the tape material 65.

[0049] The grip portion 62 is a portion that is gripped by a user. The grip portion 62 is provided so as to protrude from the outer surface of the rear wall 16b of the housing 16 when the module housing 61 is attached inside the housing 16. The grip portion 62 is, for example, a U-shaped member when viewed from the top-bottom direction. The grip portion 62 is gripped by inserting a hand from the top-bottom direction. In the illustrated example, the grip portion 62 extends rearward from one end side in the width direction of the back panel 63, bends in the width direction and extends along the width direction, and then bends forward to reach the other end side in the width direction of the back panel 63.

[0050] When such a module housing 61 is mounted in the housing 16, for example, the gripping portion 62 is gripped and the module housing 61 is inserted from the second opening 72 of the housing 16. The module housing 61 is mounted on the upper surface (mounting surface) of the second partition plate 74, and the lower surface of the module housing 61 is slid on the upper surface of the second partition plate 74 while the module housing 61 is moved forward to abut the rear plate 63 on the rear surface of the housing 16. At this time, the first fiber connectors 31A and 31B are inserted into the adapter 79, and the fiber structure 15 and the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 are optically connected via the first fiber connector 31A and the second fiber connector 32A, and the fiber structure 15 and the output coupler 14 are optically connected via the first fiber connector 31B and the second fiber connector 32B. Then, the rear plate 63 is attached to the housing 16 by the screw N. With the above, the mounting of the module housing 61 is completed.

[0051] On the other hand, when removing the module housing 61 from the housing 16, the screw N is removed, the gripping portion 62 is gripped, and the module housing 61 is moved backward while sliding the lower surface of the module housing 61 against the upper surface of the second partition plate 74. The first fiber connectors 31A, 31B are removed from the adapter 79, and the optical connections between the fiber structure 15 and the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 and the output coupler 14 are released. Then, the module housing 61 is pulled out from the second opening 72. This completes the removal of the module housing 61.

[0052] The module housing 61 has a shape in which the upper side (one side in the first direction) is different from the lower side (the other side in the first direction) when viewed from the front-rear direction (predetermined direction). Specifically, when viewed from the front-rear direction, the module housing 61 has a shape in which the width dimension of its upper end portion is larger than the width dimension of the remaining portions. As shown in FIG. 12, the second opening 72 corresponds to this shape of the module housing 61. The second opening 72 has a shape in which the upper side is different from the lower side when viewed from the front-rear direction. Specifically, when viewed from the front-rear direction, the second opening 72 has a shape in which the width dimension of its upper end portion is larger than the width dimension of the remaining portions.

[0053] 5 and 10, a protrusion 66 that protrudes rearward is provided on the outer surface of the rear wall 16b of the housing 16 at the lower part of the edge of the second opening 72. The protrusion 66 is plate-shaped with the thickness direction being in the up-down direction. Such a protrusion 66 covers at least a part of the periphery of the grip part 62 that protrudes from the outer surface of the rear wall 16b of the housing 16. The protrusion 66 constitutes a canopy provided below the second opening 72. The protrusion 66 blocks the grip part 62 from below, preventing a hand from being inserted into the grip part 62 from the up-down direction.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 11, the supercontinuum light source 10 includes a module guide 91 and an elastic member 92. The module guide 91 is a member that guides the forward and backward movement of the module housing 61 that is entering the housing 16 through the second opening 72. The module guide 91 is fixed to the rear end of the second partition plate 74. The module guide 91 is a gate-shaped member that forms a space along the outer shape of the module housing 61. The module guide 91 is a plate member that is bent so as to have an inverted U-shape when viewed from the rear. The elastic member 92 is, for example, a leaf spring. The elastic member 92 presses the upper surface of the module housing 61 that is entering the housing 16 through the second opening 72 downward toward the upper surface of the second partition plate 74. A pair of elastic members 92 are provided on the front side of the upper part of the module guide 91, spaced apart in the width direction.

[0055] Next, an example of maintenance (observation, cleaning, etc.) of the end faces of the fibers 26, 29 in the supercontinuum light source 10 will be described.

[0056] As shown in Figs. 13 and 14, when the module housing 61 is removed from the housing 16, the movable holder 76 is moved to change the orientation of the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B from rear to upward. Specifically, the rear side of the swinging member 82 is lifted, and the swinging member 82 is swung 90° with respect to the fixed member 81 about the swinging axis 83x of the hinge 83. This changes the state in which the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B are aligned in the front-rear direction to a state in which the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B stand up in the vertical direction. The end faces of the fibers 29, 26 are protruded outward from the first opening 71, and the end faces of the fibers 29, 26 are positioned outside the housing 16 via the first opening 71. In addition, the magnetic plate 86 of the swinging member 82 is connected to the holding portion 78 by magnetic force, and the movable holder 76 is maintained in a state in which the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B are oriented upward.

[0057] 15, a fiberscope 95 is installed and the end faces of the fibers 29 and 26 are observed with the fiberscope 95 to confirm, for example, that there is no foreign matter or dirt on the end faces of the fibers 29 and 26. Furthermore, as shown in FIG.

[0058] After observing and cleaning the end faces of the fibers 29 and 26, the movable holder 76 is moved to change the orientation of the second fiber connectors 32A and 32B from the upper side to the rear side. Specifically, the magnetic connection between the magnetic plate 86 and the holding part 78 is released, the rear side of the swinging member 82 is tilted backward, and the swinging member 82 is swung 90° relative to the fixed member 81 around the swinging axis 83x of the hinge 83. This changes the state in which the second fiber connectors 32A and 32B stand up in the vertical direction to a state in which the second fiber connectors 32A and 32B are aligned in the front-rear direction. The module housing 61 is attached to the housing 16, and the fiber structure 15 is optically connected to the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 and the output coupler 14 via the first fiber connectors 31A and 31B and the second fiber connectors 32A and 32B. This completes the maintenance.

[0059] As described above, in the super-continuum light source 10 of this embodiment, the end faces of the fibers 29, 26 can be exposed through the first opening 71 by moving the movable holder 76 and changing the orientation of the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B from the first orientation to the second orientation, for example. This makes it easy to observe the end faces of the fibers 29, 26 with the fiberscope 95, and also makes it easy to clean the end faces of the fibers 29, 26 with the cleaner 96. This makes it easy to perform maintenance on the end faces of the fibers 29, 26. The end faces of the fibers 29, 26 can be accessed without pulling out the fibers 29, 26. This makes it possible to avoid problems such as breakage caused by pulling out the fibers 29, 26.

[0060] In the super-continuum light source 10, the movable holder 76 is movable so that the orientation of the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B changes between a first orientation along the second partition plate 74 and a second orientation perpendicular to the second partition plate 74. In this case, by moving the movable holder 76 so that the orientation of the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B changes by 90°, the orientation of the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B can be switched between the first orientation and the second orientation.

[0061] In the super-continuum light source 10, the first opening 71 is formed in the upper wall 16a of the housing 16 facing and adjacent to the movable holder 76. In this case, the movable holder 76 can be easily accessed via the first opening 71. In the super-continuum light source 10, the fiber structure 15 constituting the first optical element includes a saturable absorber K. In this case, the saturable absorber K can be used as the first optical element.

[0062] In the supercontinuum light source 10, the fiber structure 15 including the saturable absorber K is modularized as a fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device and is detachably attached inside the housing 16. In this case, for example, it becomes possible to perform maintenance of the end faces of the fibers 26 and 29 by removing the fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device.

[0063] In the supercontinuum light source 10, the fiber structure 15 is accommodated in a module housing 61. A second opening 72 is formed in a rear wall 16b of the housing 16. The module housing 61 is detachably attached to the housing 16 via the second opening 72. This allows the fiber structure 15 to be modularized, and also allows the modularized fiber structure 15 to be attached and detached by utilizing the second opening 72 of the housing 16.

[0064] In the supercontinuum light source 10, the module housing 61 is inserted into the second opening 72 from its front side. The module housing 61 has a shape different from the bottom side when viewed from the front-rear direction. The second opening 72 corresponds to the shape of the module housing 61 (a shape different from the top side when viewed from the front-rear direction). As a result, if the module housing 61 is turned upside down and inserted into the second opening 72, the module housing 61 interferes with the edge of the second opening 72 and cannot be inserted into the second opening 72. This makes it possible to prevent the module housing 61 from being inserted into the second opening 72 upside down. By specifying the upside-down orientation when the module housing 61 is attached, it is possible to prevent damage to the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B, the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B, and the adapter 79 caused by attaching the module housing 61 in the wrong upside-down orientation.

[0065] The supercontinuum light source 10 includes an elastic member 92 that presses the module housing 61 toward the upper surface of the second partition plate 74 on which the module housing 61 is placed. In this case, the elastic member 92 can press the module housing 61 against the upper surface of the second partition plate 74.

[0066] The super-continuum light source 10 includes a gripping portion 62 provided on a module housing 61. The gripping portion 62 is provided so as to protrude from the outer surface of the rear wall 16b of the housing 16 when the module housing 61 is attached inside the housing 16. A protrusion 66 that covers the lower part of the protruding gripping portion 62 is provided on the outer surface of the rear wall 16b of the housing 16. If the gripping portion 62 is used (for example, gripped and moved) when the module housing 61 is attached inside the housing 16, the position of the module housing 61 may be displaced. As a result, there is a risk of a change in the characteristics of the super-continuum light source 10 and a breakdown. In this regard, in the super-continuum light source 10, when the module housing 61 is attached inside the housing 16, the protrusion 66 makes it difficult to grip the gripping portion 62, and the use of the gripping portion 62 can be suppressed. This makes it possible to prevent the module housing 61 from being displaced.

[0067] In the super-continuum light source 10, when the movable holder 76 is moved so that the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B are oriented in the second direction, the end faces of the fibers 26, 29 are positioned outside the housing 16 through the first opening 71. In this case, maintenance of the end faces of the fibers 26, 29 can be performed even more easily.

[0068] In the super-continuum light source 10, the movable holder 76 includes a magnetic plate 86 made of a magnetic material. A holding portion 78 made of a magnetic material is provided inside the housing 16. When the movable holder 76 is moved so that the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B are oriented in a second direction, the movable holder 76 is held so as to maintain the second direction by the magnetic force of the holding portion 78. In this case, it is possible to maintain a state in which the end faces of the fibers 26, 29 are exposed through the first opening 71 by utilizing the magnetic force.

[0069] The super-continuum light source 10 includes a fiber tube 18 fixed near the movable holder 76 in the housing 16. The fibers 26, 29 are inserted through the fiber tube 18. If the fibers 26, 29 are directly fixed near the movable holder 76, the vibration of the fibers 26, 29 can be suppressed, but the fibers 26, 29 are likely to move significantly with the movement of the movable holder 76, and the fibers 26, 29 may bend due to this movement, which may adversely affect performance (for example, mode locking may be affected). In this regard, in the super-continuum light source 10, the fibers 26, 29 are fixed near the movable holder 76 via the fiber tube 18, so that the vibration of the fibers 26, 29 can be suppressed, and even if the fibers 26, 29 move with the movement of the movable holder 76, the movement is permitted, and bending of the fibers 26, 29 can be suppressed.

[0070] In the super-continuum light source 10, the movable holder 76 is fixed to the second partition plate 74 via a long hole 81a (see FIG. 7), and is fixed so as to be movable in the front-rear direction within the housing 16. This makes it possible to adjust the position of the movable holder 76 in the front-rear direction. Alternatively or in addition to this, the movable holder 76 may be fixed so as to be movable in a direction other than the front-rear direction, in which case it becomes possible to adjust the position of the movable holder 76 in a direction other than the front-rear direction.

[0071] The supercontinuum light source 10 includes a first partition plate 73 that divides a first space R1 and a second space R2 in a housing 16, and a fan 75 that pressurizes and blows air in the first space R1. The fiber structure 15, the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12, and the output coupler 14 are disposed in the second space R2. In this case, it is possible to prevent dust and the like from adhering to each component (e.g., end faces of the fibers 26, 29, etc.) of the fiber structure 15, the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12, and the output coupler 14 due to the influence of the air pressurized by the fan 75. A separation structure can be provided in which the portion in which the fiber structure 15, the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12, and the output coupler 14 are disposed is separated from the air-cooled portion by the fan 75.

[0072] The super-continuum light source 10 includes an adapter 79 that connects the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B and the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B. In this case, the adapter 79 allows the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B and the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B to be reliably connected to each other.

[0073] Moreover, in the super-continuum light source 10 of this embodiment, the fiber structure 15 constituting the first optical element can be modularized, and the modularized fiber structure 15 can be attached and detached by utilizing the second opening 72 of the housing 16. Therefore, it becomes possible to easily replace the fiber structure 15. The fiber structure 15 (saturable absorber K) can be modularized and easily replaced.

[0074] In the supercontinuum light source 10, the fiber structure 15 includes a saturable absorber K. In this case, the saturable absorber K can be used as the first optical element. Since the saturable absorber K will need to be replaced due to its lifespan, the effect of easily replacing it is particularly effective.

[0075] In the fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device, when the fiber structure 15 is optically connected to the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 and the output coupler 14 via the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B, for example, the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B may move due to play in the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B, and the ends of the fibers 27, 28 may also move in response to the movement of the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B, which may adversely affect performance. In this case, in the fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device, since the fibers 27, 28 are fixed to the module housing 61, the movement of the fibers 27, 28 can be suppressed. At this time, if the fibers 27, 28 are fixed at one end side (the side close to the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B) in the module housing 61, the fiber length from the end of the fibers 27, 28 to the fixed location is short, so that the fibers 27, 28 are likely to be displaced significantly by the movement of the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B and the end of the fibers 27, 28, and the fibers 27, 28 are likely to bend, which may adversely affect performance. In this respect, in the fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device, the fibers 27, 28 are fixed at the other end side (the side farther from the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B) in the module housing 61, so that the fiber length from the end of the fibers 27, 28 to the fixed location is long. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the fibers 27, 28 from being bent due to the movement of the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B and the end of the fibers 27, 28. Therefore, it is possible to suppress adverse effects on performance.

[0076] In the fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device, the straight portions of the fibers 27 and 28 that extend linearly are fixed at the other end sides within the module housing 61. In this case, bending of the fibers 27 and 28 can be further suppressed.

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19, the super-continuum light source 10 may include a pair of movable holders 180 instead of the movable holder 76 (FIG. 4), and may further include an adapter detection unit 140.

[0078] A pair of movable holders 180 are provided corresponding to the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B, respectively. The pair of movable holders 180 are movable independently. One movable holder 180 holds the second fiber connector 32B and is movable such that the orientation of the second fiber connector 32B changes between a first orientation and a second orientation. The other movable holder 180 holds the second fiber connector 32A and is movable such that the orientation of the second fiber connector 32A changes between a first orientation and a second orientation.

[0079] One movable holder 180 includes a fixed member 181 and a swinging member 185 connected to the fixed member 181 via a hinge 83. The fixed member 181 is fixed on the second partition plate 74. One hinge plate side of the hinge 83 is fixed to the fixed member 181. The swinging member 185 is a member that can swing with respect to the fixed member 81. The other hinge plate side of the hinge 83 is fixed to the swinging member 185. The swinging member 185 has a block-shaped outer shape. The swinging member 185 holds the second fiber connector 32B. A magnetic plate 186 is fixed to the upper surface of the swinging member 185. The magnetic plate 186 is configured in the same manner as the magnetic plate 86 (see FIG. 7). The magnetic plate 186 can be connected to the holder 178 included in the fixed member 181 by magnetic force. The holding portion 178 is configured similarly to the holding portion 78 (see FIG. 7).

[0080] In the hinge 83 according to the modified example, one hinge plate side and the other hinge plate side are movable a predetermined length. As a result, the swinging member 185 is configured to be movable a predetermined length in a direction along the swinging axis 83x relative to the fixed member 181. The predetermined length may be a length corresponding to the backlash between one hinge plate side and the other hinge plate side of the hinge 83, and may be, for example, 1 to 2 mm. The other movable holder 180 has the same configuration as the one movable holder 180, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0081] The adapter detection unit 140 includes a hinge 141 and a tilting plate 142. The hinge 141 tilts the tilting plate 142 around a swing axis 141x along the width direction. A hinge plate 141A side, which is the fixed side of the hinge 141, is fixed on the second partition plate 74. A hinge plate 141B side, which is the movable side of the hinge 141, is fixed to a flat plate portion 142x (described later) of the tilting plate 142. In this hinge 141, a force is applied that pulls the movable hinge plate 141B side downward. The tilting plate 142 has a flat plate-shaped flat plate portion 142x and a bent portion 142y that is continuous with the rear end of the flat plate portion 142x so as to protrude upward.

[0082] In the adapter detection unit 140, when the movable holder 180 is moved so that the second fiber connector 32A is in the second direction, as shown in FIG. 18, the adapter 79 is separated from the bent portion 142y. At this time, the hinge plate 141A of the hinge 141 is pulled downward, the tilting plate 142 is tilted so that the front side is positioned downward relative to the rear side, and the bent portion 142y is raised. Then, as shown in FIG. 17, by moving the movable holder 180 so that the second fiber connector 32A is in the first direction, the adapter 79 comes into contact with the bent portion 142y, the bent portion 142y is pressed downward, and the tilting plate 142 maintains a state along the horizontal plane. By detecting the state of the tilting plate 142, the presence of the adapter 79 can be detected.

[0083] 19, if the adapter 79 is not attached, the bent portion 142y is not pressed downward, and the tilting plate 142 maintains its tilted state. By detecting the state of the tilting plate 142, the presence of the adapter 79 can be detected. In this case, the first fiber connector 31A of the fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device can be brought into contact with the bent portion 142y to restrict the forward movement of the module housing 61 so that the module housing 61 is not fully inserted forward. When the forward movement of the module housing 61 is restricted, an interlock mechanism (not shown) is activated.

[0084] As described above, the modified examples shown in Figs. 17, 18, and 19 include an adapter detection unit 140 that detects the presence or absence of the adapter 79. In this case, it is possible to prevent the adapter 79 from being left attached based on the detection result of the adapter detection unit 140. Also, when the adapter 79 is not attached, it is possible to activate the interlock mechanism. This makes it possible to prevent laser light from being emitted from the fiber module for a fiber laser device 60 when the adapter 79 is not attached. It is possible to prevent malfunction when the adapter 79 is not attached and to increase safety.

[0085] In the modified example, the oscillating member 185 can move a predetermined length in a direction along the oscillating axis 83x relative to the fixed member 181. In this case, even if the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B are misaligned in a direction along the oscillating axis 83x relative to the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B when optically connecting the fiber structure 15 to the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 and the output coupler 14, it is possible to move the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B (fiber module 60 for fiber laser device) so as to eliminate the misalignment. By providing a backlash to the hinge 83, even if there is a positional misalignment between the first fiber connectors 31A, 31B and the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B, the two can be inserted into the adapter 79 while being adjusted to fit each other.

[0086] [Second embodiment] As shown in Figure 20, the super-continuum light source 110 of the second embodiment differs from the super-continuum light source 10 of the first embodiment (see Figure 2) in that the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 is modularized as a fiber module 160 for a fiber laser device.

[0087] In this embodiment, the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 has fibers 121, 29, and 122, and fiber connectors 33A, 33B, and 33C provided at the ends of the fibers 121, 29, and 122. The pumping light source 11 has a fiber 21 and a fiber connector 34A provided at the end of the fiber 21. The amplification fiber 13 has a fiber 22 and a fiber connector 35C provided at the end of the fiber 22. The fiber connectors 34A and 33A are connectable, the fiber connectors 31B and 33B are connectable, and the fiber connectors 35C and 33C are connectable.

[0088] That is, the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 constituting the first optical element and the fiber structure 15 constituting the second optical element can be optically connected via fiber connectors 33B and 31B. Also, the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 constituting the first optical element and the pumping light source 11 constituting the second optical element can be optically connected via fiber connectors 33A and 34A. Also, the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 constituting the first optical element and the amplification fiber 13 constituting the second optical element can be optically connected via fiber connectors 33C and 35C. The fiber connectors 33A, 33B, and 33C constitute a first fiber connector, and the fiber connectors 31B, 34A, and 35C constitute a second fiber connector.

[0089] Such a supercontinuum light source 110 and fiber module for a fiber laser device 160 also provide the same effects as those of the above embodiment.

[0090] [Third embodiment] As shown in FIG. 21, the super-continuum light source 210 of the third embodiment differs from the super-continuum light source 10 of the first embodiment (see FIG. 2) in that the excitation light source 11 is modularized as a fiber module 260 for a fiber laser device.

[0091] In this embodiment, the pumping light source 11 has a fiber 21 and a fiber connector 34A provided at an end of the fiber 21. The wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 has a fiber 121 and a fiber connector 33A provided at an end of the fiber 121. The fiber connectors 34A and 33A are connectable. That is, the pumping light source 11 constituting the first optical element and the wavelength division multiplexing coupler 12 constituting the second optical element can be optically connected via the fiber connectors 34A and 33A. The fiber module 260 for a fiber laser device has a substrate 211 on which the pumping light source 11 is mounted. The fiber connector 34A constitutes a first fiber connector, and the fiber connector 33A constitutes a second fiber connector.

[0092] Such a supercontinuum light source 210 and fiber module for a fiber laser device 260 also provide the same effects as those of the above embodiment.

[0093] As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and may be modified or applied to other things without departing from the gist of the claims.

[0094] In the above embodiment, the module housing 61 is detachably attached inside the housing 16 via the second opening 72, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Fig. 22 and Fig. 23, a supercontinuum light source 310 may be provided in which a module housing 361 (fiber module 360 ​​for a fiber laser device) is detachably attached to the housing 16 via a first opening 371.

[0095] The module housing 361 corresponds to the module housing 61 (see FIG. 10). The first opening 371 corresponds to the first opening 71 (see FIG. 10). The first opening 371 has a size that allows the module housing 61 to go out of the housing 16 through the first opening 371 without contacting the housing 16 when the movable holder 76 is moved. For example, in the front-rear direction, the length from the rear edge of the first opening 371 to the movable holder 76 is larger than the dimension of the module housing 61 in the front-rear direction. Note that in the super continuum light source 310, the second opening 72 (see FIG. 10) is not formed in the housing 16.

[0096] In such a super-continuum light source 310, for example, the movable holder 76 is swung 90° with the module housing 361 attached, so that the module housing 361 protrudes from the first opening 371 and the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B face upward (the first fiber connectors 31A, 32A face downward). In this state, the adapter 79 is removed, whereby the module housing 361 can be removed from within the housing 16.

[0097] In the above embodiment, instead of the fiber module 60 for a fiber laser device having the fiber structure 15 (see FIG. 9), a fiber module 460 for a fiber laser device having an isolator 415 may be provided as shown in FIG. 24. The isolator 415 includes a saturable absorber K.

[0098] In the above embodiment, the first optical element, the second optical element, and the optical element are not particularly limited and may be various optical elements. In the above embodiment, the first opening 71, 371 is formed in the upper wall 16a of the housing 16 facing and adjacent to the movable holder 76, but the first opening 71, 371 may be formed in a wall portion of the housing 16 facing or adjacent to the movable holder 76.

[0099] In the above embodiment, the upper side of the module housing 61 has a different shape from the lower side when viewed from the front-rear direction, but this is not limited thereto, and one side in the width direction when viewed from the front-rear direction may have a different shape from the other side. In short, the module housing 61 may have one side in a first direction perpendicular to the front-rear direction when viewed from the front-rear direction, which is different in shape from the other side.

[0100] In the above embodiment, the protrusion 66 covering the lower part of the gripping part 62 is provided on the outer surface of the housing 16, but the protrusion 66 only needs to cover at least a part of the periphery of the protruding gripping part 62. In the above embodiment, the first fiber connector 31A and the second fiber connector 32A are connected via the adapter 79, but in some cases, the adapter 79 may not be necessary.

[0101] In the above embodiment, when the movable holder 76 is moved so that the orientation of the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B is in the second orientation, the end faces of the fibers 29, 26 protrude outward from the first opening 71 and the end faces of the fibers 29, 26 are positioned outside the housing 16 via the first opening 71, but this is not limited to the above. When the movable holder 76 is moved so that the orientation of the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B is in the second orientation, the end faces of the fibers 29, 26 may be positioned inside the housing 16 as long as the end faces of the fibers 29, 26 are exposed from the first opening 71.

[0102] In the above embodiment, if the screw N (see FIG. 10) for attaching the module housing 61, 361 to the housing 16 is not tightened, the interlock mechanism may be activated to prevent laser light from being emitted from the fiber module 60 for the fiber laser device.

[0103] The above-described embodiment may further include a locking mechanism that prevents the fiber module 60, 160, 260, 360, 460 (first optical element) for a fiber laser device from being removed from the housing 16 when the super-continuum light source 10, 110, 210, 310 is oscillating laser light. By providing the locking mechanism, damage (burnout, etc.) caused by removing the fiber module 60, 160, 260, 360, 460 for a fiber laser device during laser light oscillation can be prevented. The locking mechanism is a safety mechanism that prevents the fiber module 60, 160, 260, 360, 460 for a fiber laser device from being removed when the super-continuum light source 10, 110, 210, 310 is operating (e.g., when the power is ON). For example, the locking mechanism may be a solenoid-based mechanism that appears and engages with the module housing 61, 361 when the super-continuum light source 10, 110, 210, 310 is operated, and may be a pin to prevent detachment that retracts and releases the engagement when the super-continuum light source 10, 110, 210, 310 is not operated.

[0104] In the above embodiment, the second fiber connectors 32A, 32B may be held by a normal holder that is not movable, instead of the movable holder 76. In the above embodiment, the first optical element is accommodated in the module housing 61, 361 to be modularized as the fiber module 60, 160, 260, 360, 460 for the fiber laser device, but in some cases, such modularization may not be necessary.

[0105] The respective configurations in the above-described embodiment and modified examples are not limited to the above-described materials and shapes, and various materials and shapes can be applied. Furthermore, the respective configurations in the above-described embodiment and modified examples can be arbitrarily applied to the respective configurations in other embodiments or modified examples. The present invention can also be regarded as a supercontinuum light source. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 10, 110, 210, 310...Supercontinuum light source (fiber laser device), 11...Excitation light source (first optical element, second optical element, optical element), 12...Wavelength division multiplexing coupler (first optical element, second optical element, optical element), 13...Amplification fiber (second optical element), 14...Output coupler (second optical element), 15...Fiber structure (first optical element, second optical element, optical element), 16...Housing, 16a...Upper wall (wall portion), 16b...Rear wall (wall portion), 18...Fiber tube, 26, 29...Fiber (second fiber), 27, 28...Fiber (first fiber), 31A...First fiber connector (fiber connector), 31B...First fiber connector (fiber connector, second fiber connector), 32A, 32B...Second fiber connector, 33A...Fiber connector (first fiber connector, second fiber connector), 33B, 33C... fiber connector (first fiber connector), 34A... fiber connector (first fiber connector, second fiber connector), 35C... fiber connector (second fiber connector), 60, 160, 260, 360, 460... fiber module for fiber laser device, 61, 361... module housing, 62... gripping portion, 66... ​​protruding portion, 71, 371... first opening, 72... second Opening (opening), 73...first partition plate (partition plate), 74...second partition plate (support plate), 75...fan, 76...movable holder, 78...holding portion, 79...adapter, 81, 181...fixed member, 82, 185...oscillating member, 83x...oscillating axis, 92...elastic member, 140...adapter detection portion, 415...isolator (first optical element, second optical element, optical element), K...saturable absorber, R1...first space, R2...second space.

Claims

1. A housing and a first optical element for oscillating a laser beam, the first optical element being accommodated in the housing and having a first fiber and a first fiber connector provided at an end of the first fiber; a second optical element for oscillating the laser light, the second optical element being accommodated in the housing and having a second fiber and a second fiber connector provided at an end of the second fiber; the first optical element and the second optical element are optically connectable via the first fiber connector and the second fiber connector; At least a portion of the first optical element is contained within a module housing; An opening is formed in a wall of the housing, the module housing is removably mounted within the housing through the opening, a fiber laser device, wherein an end of the first fiber and the first fiber connector are provided at one end of the module housing so as to protrude from the module housing.

2. The fiber laser device of claim 1 , wherein the first optical element includes a saturable absorber, a pump light source, or a wavelength division multiplexing coupler.

3. The module housing further includes a grip portion provided thereon, the gripping portion is provided so as to protrude from an outer surface of the housing when the module housing is attached inside the housing, The fiber laser device according to claim 1 , wherein an outer surface of the housing is provided with a protrusion that covers at least a part of a periphery of the protruding grip portion.

4. The module housing is inserted into the opening from the one end side, When viewed from the one end side, the module housing has a shape different on one side in a first direction from the other side, The fiber laser device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the opening corresponds to the shape of the module housing.

5. A partition plate divides the inside of the housing into a first space and a second space; a fan that compresses and sends air in the first space, The fiber laser device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first optical element and the second optical element are arranged in the second space.

6. The fiber laser device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising an elastic member that presses the module housing toward a mounting surface on which the module housing is mounted.

7. an adapter for connecting the first fiber connector and the second fiber connector; The fiber laser device according to claim 1 , further comprising an adapter detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the adapter.

8. The fiber laser device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a locking mechanism that prevents the module housing from being removed from within the housing when the fiber laser device is oscillating the laser light.

Images