Laser beam method and system

Abstract

To provide methods and apparatuses which manipulate and modulate laser beams and enable activating and deactivating of laser beams, while the laser systems maintain their operating power.SOLUTION: A hybrid pump module configured to be coupled to an optical fiber having a core and at least one clad, comprises: at least one focusing lens arranged in an optical path of the optical fiber; a plurality of diode modules, each configured to output a multi-mode beam arranged in the optical path of the clad; and at least one core associated module arranged in the optical path of the core, configured to provide selected functions. Further, apparatus and methods configured for frequency doubling of optical radiation are provided.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to laser beam methods and systems. [Background technology]

[0002] The ability to manipulate beams emitted from lasers, laser beam arrays, and fiber optic arrays has become important in a variety of fields, including welding, cutting, surveying, the clothing industry, laser fusion, communications, laser printing, CDs or optical discs, spectroscopy, heat processing, bar code scanners, laser cooling, tracking technology, targeting technology, etc. Applications of lasers in these and other related fields often require rapid activation and deactivation of the laser beam.

[0003] Currently, methods used to manipulate (activate / deactivate) fiber optic beams require manipulation of the laser system's output, e.g., "on" / "off" (shutdown) the seed beam device, transmitting / blocking the seed beam, or switching off its current. These output manipulations are relatively slow (in the range of 1-5 kHz), e.g., due to the spontaneous emission time of fiber lasers, and may damage some of the laser system's components when the laser emits amplified spontaneous emission.

[0004] There is a long felt need for a method and / or apparatus that allows for high speed manipulation (activation / deactivation) of high power laser beams, for example, for use during beam scanning or other high speed material processing.

[0005] High-power fiber lasers and amplifiers require high-brightness pump sources to excite the ions and initiate the laser process, as well as efficient techniques for coupling into the doped fiber. Coupling of the signal power into the fiber core is also important.

[0006] A common method for coupling pump and / or signal light with doped fibers is to use a fused coupler, which is a fiber combiner based on end-pumping technology or a fused tapered fiber bundle (TFB). A TFB combiner with a signal feedthrough includes a central input signal fiber and an output pigtail (curled) double-clad (DC) fiber, combining the signal and pump light into a single pigtail fiber. The use of a TFB involves guiding the signal light and the pump light surrounded by multiple multimode fibers. To match the diameter of the fiber bundle to that of the output pigtail fiber, the fiber bundle is tapered by slowly melting. After tapering, the fiber bundle is cleaved around the taper waist and fusion-spliced ​​to the output pigtail DC fiber. However, tapering the fiber bundle inherently increases the numerical aperture (NA) of the pump light and changes the mode field diameter (MFD) of the signal light. Therefore, the optical and mechanical alignment requirements required between the tapered fiber bundle and the output pigtail DC fiber, for example, can pose some drawbacks to the TFB structure. Such drawbacks include, for example: After tapering, there is little flexibility in choosing the input fiber to match the output pigtail DC fiber; A slight mismatch or mismatch in the signal mode field diameter (MFD) between the tapered input signal fiber and the output pigtail DC fiber can degrade beam quality, primarily related to signal insertion loss, which can cause catastrophic fiber damage at high power operation; For example, in the case of counter-propagating signals for counter-propagating pumped fiber amplifiers, signal insertion losses (up to 10%) can damage the pump diodes due to their insufficient isolation from the amplified signal light; Examples include:

[0007] Another common technique involves monolithic all-fiber couplers, such as progressive propagation (GT) wave couplers, using a tapered capillary around a multi-clad fiber or by directly fusing one or more tapered multimode fibers to the outermost cladding of a multi-clad fiber.

[0008] However, the coupling efficiency of current combiners is not sufficient for use with very high-power amplifiers and lasers. In addition, because the signal fiber is tapered along with the pump fiber, the core diameter of the signal fiber becomes small, which causes a significant mismatch in coupling with double-clad fibers that have large mode field diameters. This mismatch can cause unacceptably large signal loss and can also lead to temperature rise and damage to the TFB.

[0009] Another drawback is the susceptibility to parasitic nonlinear processes, primarily stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS), which occurs when the laser signal linewidth is narrower than a few tens of megahertz. This is due to the long interaction length between the optical signal field and the fiber's core material (due to the additional fiber length of the components).

[0010] Therefore, there is a need for a new technology that can overcome the above drawbacks, reduce the number of fusion points, and reduce energy loss.

[0011] The present invention relates in some embodiments to frequency conversion of high average power laser beams in nonlinear crystals (NLCs). The present invention relates to a means for correcting deleterious mismatch phases (MP) between the initially generated fundamental frequency input beam and the frequency converted output beam of a single or multiple NLC chains.

[0012] Previous attempts to achieve high average power harmonic conversion have reached limits determined by damage thresholds (damage within the bulk of the crystal or on its anti-reflective coating) or absorption-induced thermal effects.

[0013] With the improvement of crystals and their antireflection (AR) coatings, thermally induced mismatch phase (TMP) has become a major limiting factor for high average power performance. One option to control TMP is to use ultra-low absorption crystals. One example is lithium triborate (LBO) for frequency doubling of 1064 nm lasers.

[0014] However, at a certain power level, heating of the crystal begins to degrade performance, and some compensation method must be used.

[0015] One approach reported in the literature is to use two crystals with an intermediate phase-mismatch compensator (PMC), an optical element that exhibits chromatic dispersion and / or polarization-dependent refractive index. This dispersion may be an intrinsic property of the material (see D. Fluck, and P. Gunter, "Efficient second-harmonic generation by lens wave-guiding in KNbO crystals," Optics Comm. 147, 305-308 (1998); A.K. Hansen, M. Tawfieq, A.B. Jensen, P.E. Andersen, B. Sumpf, G. Erbert, and P.M. Petersen, "Concept for power scaling second harmonic generation using a cascade of nonlinear crystals," Optics Express 23, 15921-15934 (2015); A.K. Hansen, A.B. Jensen, B. Sumpf, G. Erbert, A. Unterhuber, W. Drexler, P.E. Andersen, and P.M. Petersen, "Generation of 3.5 W of diffraction-limited green light from SHG of a single tapered diode laser in a cascade of nonlinear crystals," Proc. of SPIE Vol. 8964 (2016);Alternatively, this dispersion can be imposed by an external field (e.g., an electric field applied to an electro-optic material such as a Pockels cell) ([Z. Cui, D. Liu, 1, M. Sun, J. Miao, and J. Zhu, "Compensation method for temperature-induced phase mismatch during frequency conversion in high-power laser systems," JOSA B 33, 525-534 (2016)].

[0016] Experiments and simulations have shown that PMC is very effective in compensating for the MP of the second crystal in a two-crystal frequency multiplication chain. However, at sufficiently high input power, the MP of the first frequency conversion crystal needs to be better addressed.

[0017] The frequency doubling module used to convert the wavelength of the input laser light can consist of one or more nonlinear crystals (NLCs) arranged in series. The input light is focused into the first crystal, then relay-imaged between subsequent crystals using achromatic optics to maximize the doubling per crystal and per doubling system. The crystals may be separated by a phase mismatch compensator (PMC) before the high-intensity interaction region of a particular crystal, which functions to correct the phase mismatch between the fundamental and harmonic beams that occurs during the doubling process.

[0018] Generally, such systems are considered static, although some control is attempted by varying the operating temperature of the crystal. Current frequency multiplication systems are configured to operate at a single operating point by adjusting the PMC to maintain a constant amount of phase difference. Therefore, active PMCs are needed to provide enhanced performance. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0019] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A method for adjusting a laser beam provided by a laser system comprising at least one seed laser device and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and selectively provide an amplified laser beam, the method comprising: the coherent beam combining (CBC) system, a plurality of phase adjusters configured to be optically connected to the seed beam, a plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner, each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at a CBC point; at least one control circuit configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly; The method comprises: providing the laser beam by controlling the phase adjuster to activate the laser beam to provide constructive beam interference at the CBC point; ceasing to provide the laser beam by controlling the phase adjuster to deactivate the laser beam to provide destructive beam interference at the CBC point.

[0020] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the phase adjuster to activate the laser beam to provide the constructive beam interference comprises adjusting the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference at a maximum intensity.

[0021] In some embodiments, the step of deactivating the laser beam by controlling the phase adjusters to provide the destructive interference includes controlling half of the adjusted phase adjusters to add half a phase (π) to the laser beam.

[0022] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the phase adjusters to deactivate the laser beam to provide the destructive interference includes adjusting some of the adjusted phase adjusters.

[0023] In some embodiments, each of the phase adjusters is adjusted individually.

[0024] In some embodiments, the method further includes adjusting the laser beam by adjusting some of the phase adjusters adjusted to provide the laser beam at a maximum intensity, wherein adjusting the phase adjusters includes adjusting the intensity of the laser beam to an intensity equal to a predetermined percentage of the maximum intensity.

[0025] In some embodiments, the step of deactivating the laser beam by controlling the phase adjuster to provide the destructive beam interference comprises adjusting the phase adjuster to provide the destructive beam interference at a minimum intensity.

[0026] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A method for adjusting a laser beam provided by a laser system, comprising: The laser system includes: at least one seed laser device; a fast optical modulator (FOM) configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and adjust its bandwidth; a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to receive the bandwidth-adjusted seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam; The method comprises: activating the laser beam by controlling the fast optical modulator (FOM) to provide the seed beam having a first bandwidth (Δω) set to enable constructive interference at a CBC point of the coherent beam combining (CBC) system, thereby providing the laser beam; deactivating the laser beam by controlling the fast optical modulator (FOM) to provide the seed beam with a second bandwidth (Δω2; Δω2>Δω1) set to disable constructive interference at the CBC point, thereby ceasing to provide the laser beam.

[0027] In some embodiments, The coherent beam combining (CBC) system comprises: a plurality of phase adjusters configured to be optically connected to the adjusted seed beam, a plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner, each arranged to enable constructive beam interference at a CBC point; at least one control circuit configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly; The step of activating the laser beam further includes controlling the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference.

[0028] In some embodiments, controlling the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference comprises adjusting the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference at a maximum intensity.

[0029] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A method for adjusting a laser beam provided by a laser system, comprising: The laser system includes: a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to receive the seed laser beam and provide an amplified laser beam; a first seed laser device configured to provide a first seed beam having a first wavelength (λ1); a second seed laser device configured to provide a second seed beam having a second wavelength (λ2; λ2≠λ1) different from the first wavelength; an optical switch configured to link only one of the first seed beam and the second seed beam to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system; The coherent beam combining (CBC) system comprises: a plurality of phase adjusters configured to be optically connected to the linked seed beam, a plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner, each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at a CBC point; at least one control circuit configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly; The method comprises: controlling the optical switch to link the first seed beam to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system to activate the laser beam, and controlling the phase adjuster to enable constructive beam interference, thereby providing the laser beam; and controlling the optical switch to link the second seed beam to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system to deactivate the laser beam, thereby disabling the constructive beam interference and thereby ceasing provision of the laser beam.

[0030] In some embodiments, controlling the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference comprises adjusting the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference at a maximum intensity.

[0031] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A method for adjusting a laser beam provided by a laser system, comprising: The laser system includes: a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to receive the seed laser beam and provide an amplified laser beam; a first seed laser device configured to provide a first seed beam having a first bandwidth (Δω1); a second seed laser device configured to provide a second seed beam having a second bandwidth (Δω2; Δω2>Δω1) wider than the first bandwidth; an optical switch configured to link only one of the first seed beam and the second seed beam to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system; the first bandwidth (Δω1) is set to enable the constructive beam interference at a CBC point of the coherent beam combining (CBC) system; the second bandwidth (Δω2) is set to disable the constructive beam interference at the CBC point; The method comprises: controlling the optical switch to link the first seed beam to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system to activate the laser beam to enable the constructive beam interference, thereby providing the laser beam; controlling the optical switch to link the second seed beam to a CBC system to deactivate a laser beam to disable the constructive beam interference, thereby ceasing provision of the laser beam.

[0032] In some embodiments, The coherent beam combining (CBC) system comprises: a plurality of phase adjusters configured to be optically connected to a linked seed beam, a plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner, each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at the CBC point; at least one control circuit configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly; The step of activating the laser beam further includes controlling the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference.

[0033] In some embodiments, controlling the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference comprises adjusting the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference at a maximum intensity.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A method for adjusting a laser beam provided by a laser system, comprising: The laser system includes: a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to receive the seed laser beam and provide an amplified laser beam; a first seed laser device configured to provide a first seed beam having a first wavelength (λ1); a second seed laser device configured to provide a second seed beam having a second wavelength (λ2; λ2≠λ1) different from the first wavelength; an optical switch configured to link only one of the first seed beam and the second seed beam to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system; a dichroic mirror configured to receive the amplified laser beam, transmit a beam having the first wavelength (λ1) to an output of the laser system, and reflect a beam having the second wavelength (λ2), thereby selectively providing an output laser beam; The method comprises: controlling the optical switch to link the first seed beam to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system to activate the laser beam, thereby transmitting the laser beam to provide the laser beam; controlling the optical switch to link the second seed beam to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system to deactivate the laser beam, thereby reflecting the laser beam and ceasing to provide the laser beam.

[0035] In some embodiments, The coherent beam combining (CBC) system comprises: a plurality of phase adjusters configured to be optically connected to the linked seed beam, a plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner, each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at a CBC point; at least one control circuit configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly; The step of activating the laser beam further includes controlling the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference.

[0036] In some embodiments, controlling the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference comprises adjusting the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference at a maximum intensity.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A method for adjusting a laser beam provided by a laser system, comprising: The laser system includes: a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) configured to receive the seed laser beam and to provide an amplified laser beam; a first seed laser device configured to provide a first seed beam having a first wavelength (λ1); a second seed laser device configured to provide a second seed beam having a second wavelength (λ2; λ2≠λ1) different from the first wavelength; an optical switch configured to link only one of the first seed beam and the second seed beam to the master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA); a dichroic mirror configured to receive the amplified laser beam, transmit a beam having the first wavelength (λ1) to an output of the laser system, and reflect a beam having the second wavelength (λ2), thereby selectively providing an output laser beam; The method comprises: controlling the optical switch to link the first seed beam to the master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) to activate the laser beam, thereby transmitting the laser beam to provide the laser beam; and controlling the optical switch to link the second seed beam to a coherent beam combining (CBC) system to deactivate the laser beam, thereby reflecting the laser beam and ceasing to provide the laser beam.

[0038] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A method for adjusting a laser beam provided by a laser system, comprising: The laser system includes: at least one seed laser device; at least one optical polarization combiner (OPC) configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and adjust its polarization direction, wherein adjusting the polarization direction comprises providing at least two polarization components to the seed beam, one of the polarization components having a predetermined polarization direction (P1); a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to receive the polarization-adjusted seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam; a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the amplified laser beam and transmit only beam components having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) to an output of the laser system and reflect beam components having other polarization directions, thereby selectively providing the laser beam; The method comprises: activating the laser beam by controlling the optical polarization combiner (OPC) to provide a beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) greater than 50% of the total intensity of the beam, thereby providing the laser beam; and deactivating the laser beam by controlling the optical polarization combiner (OPC) to provide a beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) that is 50% or less of the total intensity of the laser beam, thereby ceasing the provision of the laser beam.

[0039] In some embodiments, the method further includes adjusting the laser beam by controlling the optical polarization combiner (OPC) to provide a beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) equal to a predetermined percentage of the total intensity of the seed laser beam.

[0040] In some embodiments, The coherent beam combining (CBC) system comprises: a plurality of phase adjusters configured to be optically connected to the polarization-adjusted seed beam, a plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner, each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at a CBC point; at least one control circuit configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly; The method comprises: The method further includes controlling the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference at the CBC point at least during the step of activating the laser beam.

[0041] In some embodiments, The optical polarization combiner (OPC) a beam splitting assembly configured to receive an input beam having a first polarization direction (P1) and to output a first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a first intensity (I1) and a second output beam (B2(I2, P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a second intensity (I2), wherein the sum of the first intensity and the second intensity (I1+I2) is equal to the intensity of the input beam; a polarization converter configured to receive one of the first output beam and the second output beam (B1 or B2) output from the beam splitting assembly and convert the polarization thereof; a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the polarization-converted second output beam (B2(I2, P2)) and combine them to generate a third beam, or a coupler configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the polarization-converted second output beam (B2(I2, P2)), combine them and then split them into two output beams, and provide only one of the two split output beams as an input to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system.

[0042] In some embodiments, The beam splitting assembly includes: a beam splitter configured to receive an input beam and split the input beam into two beams; a phase adjuster configured to adjust the phase of one of the two beams; a coupler configured to receive the two beams and provide an interference thereof at two interference locations to provide the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second output beam (B2(I2, P1)); an electronic control device configured to monitor one of the two interference locations and control the phase adjuster accordingly to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at the monitored interference location and to provide destructive or constructive beam interference at an unmonitored interference location; The step of controlling the optical polarization combiner (OPC) includes controlling the phase adjuster.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A method for adjusting a laser beam provided by a laser system, comprising: The laser system includes: at least one seed laser device; at least one optical polarization combiner (OPC) configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and adjust its polarization direction, wherein adjusting the polarization direction comprises providing at least two polarization components to the seed beam, one of the polarization components having a predetermined polarization direction (P1); a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) configured to receive the polarization-modulated seed beam and to provide an amplified laser beam; a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the amplified laser beam and transmit only beam components having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) to an output of the laser system and reflect beam components having other polarization directions, thereby selectively providing the laser beam; The method comprises: activating the laser beam by controlling the optical polarization combiner (OPC) to provide a beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) greater than 50% of the total intensity of the beam, thereby providing the laser beam; and deactivating the laser beam by controlling the optical polarization combiner (OPC) to provide a beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) that is 50% or less of the total intensity of the laser beam, thereby ceasing the provision of the laser beam.

[0044] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A laser system configured to adjust a laser beam, comprising: at least one seed laser device; at least one optical polarization combiner (OPC) configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and adjust its polarization direction, wherein adjusting the polarization direction comprises providing at least two polarization components to the seed beam, one of the polarization components having a predetermined polarization direction (P1); a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to receive the polarization-adjusted seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam; a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the amplified laser beam and transmit only beam components having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) to an output of the laser system and reflect beam components having other polarization directions, thereby selectively providing the laser beam; An electronic control device, activating the laser beam by controlling the optical polarization combiner (OPC) to provide a beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) greater than 50% of the total intensity of the beam, thereby providing the laser beam; an electronic control device configured to control the optical polarization combiner (OPC) to deactivate the laser beam by providing a beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) of 50% or less of the total intensity of the laser beam, thereby ceasing to provide the laser beam; A system is provided, comprising:

[0045] In some embodiments, The coherent beam combining (CBC) system comprises: a plurality of phase adjusters configured to be optically connected to the polarization-adjusted seed beam, a plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner, each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at a CBC point; and at least one control circuit configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly.

[0046] In some embodiments, The optical polarization combiner (OPC) a beam splitting assembly configured to receive an input beam having a first polarization direction (P1) and to output a first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a first intensity (I1) and a second output beam (B2(I2, P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a second intensity (I2), wherein the sum of the first intensity and the second intensity (I1+I2) is equal to the intensity of the input beam; a polarization converter configured to receive one of the first output beam and the second output beam (B1 or B2) output from the beam splitting assembly and convert the polarization thereof; a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the polarization-converted second output beam (B2(I2, P2)) and combine them to generate a third beam, or a coupler configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the polarization-converted second output beam (B2(I2, P2)), combine them and then split them into two output beams, and provide only one of the two output beams as an input to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system.

[0047] In some embodiments, The beam splitting assembly includes: a beam splitter configured to receive an input beam and split the input beam into two beams; a phase adjuster configured to adjust the phase of one of the two beams; a coupler configured to receive the two beams and provide an interference thereof at two interference locations to provide the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second output beam (B2(I2, P1)); and an electronic control device configured to monitor one of the two interference locations and control the phase adjuster accordingly to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at the monitored interference location and to provide destructive or constructive beam interference at an unmonitored interference location.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A hybrid pump module configured to couple to an optical fiber having a core and at least one cladding, comprising: at least one focusing lens disposed in an optical path of the optical fiber; a plurality of diode modules disposed in an optical path of the cladding, each configured to output a multimode beam; At least one core-related module disposed in an optical path of the core, (a) a function of outputting a single-mode beam toward the core; (b) receiving a beam from the core and coupling the received beam into an output optical fiber; (c) receiving a beam from the core and reflecting the beam back to the core; and (d) a core-associated module configured to provide a function selected from the group consisting of: receiving a beam from the core, reflecting a portion of the received beam back to the core, and coupling another portion of the received beam into an output optical fiber.

[0049] In some embodiments, the hybrid pump module further comprises a volume Bragg grating (VBG) configured to narrow and lock the wavelength of the beam to a predetermined wavelength range.

[0050] In some embodiments, the plurality of diode modules and the core-associated modules are arranged in at least one row such that their output beams are parallel to each other per row.

[0051] In some embodiments, the plurality of diode modules and the core-related modules are arranged in two or more rows, The hybrid pump module comprises: at least one polarizer beam combiner disposed in the optical path of the first beam train; and one or more folding mirrors for each additional beam row, each folding mirror configured to reflect and redirect the collimated beams of its corresponding row towards the polarizer beam combiner.

[0052] In some embodiments, Each of the diode modules comprises: Wide area laser (BAL) and a folding mirror associated with the broad area laser (BAL), the folding mirror configured to have an optical path associated therewith between the broad area laser (BAL) and the cladding; Optionally, at least one lens disposed between the broad area laser (BAL) and the associated folding mirror, the lens configured to adjust the shape of the beam of the broad area laser (BAL).

[0053] In some embodiments, the core-related modules include seed-related modules; The seed-related module includes: at least one seed input configured to couple to a seed laser device; a folding mirror associated with the seed input and disposed in an optical path between the seed input and the core; Optionally, at least one lens disposed between said seed input and its associated folding mirror, said lens configured to adjust the shape of the seed beam.

[0054] In some embodiments, The seed-related module includes: a beam amplifier configured to amplify the seed beam; a tap or partial mirror configured to sample the seed beam and a monitor configured to monitor and alert on beam back transmission; and an isolator configured to allow transmission of light in only one direction.

[0055] In some embodiments, The core-related modules include an output module; The output module includes: an output fiber, optionally including an end cap element; and a folding mirror associated with the output fiber and disposed in an optical path between the core and the output fiber; Optionally, at least one lens disposed between said output fiber and its associated folding mirror, said lens configured to adjust the shape of a received core beam; and Optimally, a pump dump.

[0056] In some embodiments, the core-related module includes a high-reflection (HR) module; The high reflection (HR) module comprises: High-reflection (HR) mirrors and a folding mirror associated with the high-reflection (HR) mirror, the folding mirror being disposed in an optical path between the core and the HR mirror; Optionally, at least one lens disposed between the high reflectivity (HR) mirror and the associated folding mirror, and configured to adjust the shape of the beam associated therewith.

[0057] In some embodiments, the high-reflection (HR) mirror further comprises an intra-cavity adjuster disposed between the high-reflection (HR) mirror and the associated folding mirror and configured to adjust the reflected beam.

[0058] In some embodiments, the core-related modules include a partial reflection (PR) module; The partially reflective (PR) module comprises: an output fiber, optionally including an end cap; and a partially reflecting (PR) mirror disposed in the optical path of the output fiber; a folding mirror associated with the partial reflection (PR) mirror and disposed in an optical path between the core and the PR mirror; Optionally, at least one lens disposed between the partially reflecting (PR) mirror and the associated folding mirror, the lens configured to adjust the shape of the beam associated therewith.

[0059] In some embodiments, the hybrid pump module further comprises at least one heat distribution element selected from the group consisting of a base surface, a rib, a screw, and any combination thereof.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A fiber amplification system comprising: an optical fiber including a core and at least one cladding; a hybrid pump module according to any of the above embodiments coupled to a first end of the optical fiber.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fiber amplification system further comprises at least one of a pump dump and an end cap element.

[0062] In some embodiments, the fiber amplification system further comprises a hybrid pump module according to any of the previous embodiments coupled to a second end of the optical fiber.

[0063] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A fiber laser system, comprising: an optical fiber including a core and at least one cladding; a hybrid pump module according to any of the previous embodiments coupled to a first end of the optical fiber; and a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) or a hybrid pump module according to any of the above embodiments, coupled to a second end of the optical fiber.

[0064] In some embodiments, the fiber laser system further comprises at least one of a pump dump and an end cap element.

[0065] Some embodiments of the present invention are based on adding a weak second-harmonic seed beam to a high-power fundamental beam before a nonlinear crystal output frequency multiplier (PFD-NLC). The phase difference between the seed beam and the fundamental beam is then controlled to obtain a conjugate phase difference to that generated in the first PFD-NLC. This results in minimal mismatch phase (MP) from the input of the PFD through the harmonic conversion region of the NLC.

[0066] In some embodiments, a temperature and / or angle tuned PFD-NLC is provided that is configured for optimal harmonic conversion in the largest conversion zone (focal waist if a lens is used, or the entire length of the crystal if the beam is collimated). Thus, the addition of a seed beam provides sufficient parameters to reach within 5% of the conversion efficiency achieved in the absence of the MP.

[0067] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. An apparatus configured to multiply the frequency of optical radiation, comprising: at least two consecutive nonlinear crystals (NLCs) including a first nonlinear crystal and at least one second nonlinear crystal; The first nonlinear crystal is configured to receive a fundamental beam at a fundamental frequency (FF) and output a weak second harmonic beam at a second harmonic frequency (FH) together with a strong residual beam at the fundamental frequency (FF), wherein the power ratio of the weak second harmonic beam to the fundamental beam is 5×10 -3 to 1, The at least one second nonlinear crystal is configured to receive the residual beam at the fundamental frequency (FF) and the second harmonic beam at the second harmonic frequency (FH) from the previous nonlinear crystal (NLC), and to output an intense frequency-doubled beam at the second harmonic frequency (FH) together with the residual beam at the fundamental frequency (FF), wherein the power ratio of the intense frequency-doubled beam to the fundamental beam is greater than 0.3:1.

[0068] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one phase mismatch compensator (PMC) configured to correct a phase relationship between the residual beam at the fundamental frequency (FF) and the second harmonic beam at the second harmonic frequency (FH) before being received by the second nonlinear crystal.

[0069] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one feedback and control system configured to sample the intense frequency-doubled beam and adjust the phase mismatch compensator (PMC) accordingly to enable maximizing the power of the intense frequency-doubled beam.

[0070] In some embodiments, The feedback and control system comprises: at least one measurement element; at least one processing element; and at least one tuning element configured to tune the phase mismatch compensator (PMC).

[0071] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one oven, each configured to adjust the temperature of the nonlinear crystal (NLC).

[0072] In some embodiments, the length (LS) of the first nonlinear crystal is less than or equal to 10% of the length (LD) of the second nonlinear crystal (LS≦0.1LD).

[0073] In some embodiments, the second nonlinear crystal comprises LBO, and the length (LD) of the second nonlinear crystal is 40 mm or more.

[0074] In some embodiments, the fundamental frequency (FF) has infrared (IR) properties (λF=1064 nm) and the second harmonic frequency (FH) has visible properties (λH=532 nm).

[0075] In some embodiments, each of the nonlinear crystals (NLCs) is configured to have a fundamental beam polarization along its crystal axis or at a 45 degree angle to its crystal axis.

[0076] In some embodiments, each of the nonlinear crystals (NLCs) comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of BBO, KTP, LBO, CLBO, DKDP, ADP, KDP, LiIO3, KNbO3, LiNbO3, AgGaS2, and AgGaSe2.

[0077] In some embodiments, the lateral dimensions of each of the nonlinear crystals (NLCs) are greater than the dimensions of the input beam it receives.

[0078] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one focusing element configured to focus the beam onto the nonlinear crystal (NLC).

[0079] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. A method for multiplying the frequency of optical radiation, comprising: providing a nonlinear crystal (NLC) having a fundamental beam at a fundamental frequency (FF) and a weak second harmonic beam at a second harmonic frequency (FH); and an output step of outputting the strong frequency-doubled beam at the second harmonic frequency (FH) together with the residual beam at the fundamental frequency (FF) by the nonlinear crystal (NLC), The power ratio between the weak second harmonic beam and the fundamental beam is 5×10 -3 to 1, A method is provided wherein the power ratio between the strong frequency-doubled beam and the fundamental beam is greater than 0.3:1.

[0080] In some embodiments, the providing step further comprises compensating for a phase mismatch between the fundamental beam and the weak second harmonic beam; The method comprises: The method further includes controlling a phase mismatch compensator (PMC) to enable maximizing the power of the intense frequency-doubled beam.

[0081] In some embodiments of the present invention, 1. An apparatus configured to multiply the frequency of an optical radiation input to provide an output beam at a second harmonic frequency, comprising: at least two consecutive nonlinear crystals (NLCs), each configured to receive a first beam at a fundamental frequency (FF) and optionally a second beam at the second harmonic frequency (FH) from a previous nonlinear crystal (NLC), and to output an intense frequency-doubled beam at the second harmonic frequency (FH) together with a residual beam at the fundamental frequency (FF); At least one phase mismatch compensator (PMC) disposed between two of the nonlinear crystals (NLCs), configured to correct a phase relationship between the residual beam at the fundamental frequency (FF) and the second harmonic beam at the second harmonic frequency (FH) before being received by a subsequent nonlinear crystal (NLC); and a motorized rotation device provided for each of the phase mismatch compensators (PMCs), configured to actively rotate the phase mismatch compensators (PMCs), thereby actively adjusting the correction of the phase relationship between the residual beam and the second harmonic beam.

[0082] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one feedback and control system configured to sample the intense frequency-doubled beam and tilt the phase mismatch compensator (PMC) accordingly by the motorized rotation device to enable maximum power of the intense frequency-doubled beam.

[0083] In some embodiments, The feedback and control system comprises: at least one beam splitter; at least one measurement element; at least one processing element; and at least one control element configured to control the electrically powered rotating device.

[0084] In some embodiments, the phase-mismatching compensator (PMC) includes an optically transparent window that exhibits chromatic dispersion, and is configured such that the distance required for the beam to travel through the window varies relative to the angle of rotation of the window. In some embodiments, the phase-mismatching compensator (PMC) includes a plate (e.g., a transparent plate polished on both sides) that exhibits chromatic dispersion, and is configured such that the distance required for the beam to travel through the plate varies relative to the angle of rotation of the plate.

[0085] In some embodiments, the motorized rotating device is configured to rotate the phase mismatch compensator (PMC) in a stepped and / or continuous motion.

[0086] In some embodiments, the motorized rotating device is configured to rotate the phase mismatch compensator (PMC) in a dither pattern bounded by upper and lower limits.

[0087] In some embodiments, the motorized rotating device is configured to rotate the phase mismatch compensator (PMC) in a dither pattern whose range is defined by an upper limit and a lower limit; The feedback and control system uses the dithering pattern to: (a) minimizing the back conversion in the subsequent nonlinear crystal (NLC), thereby maximizing the power of the output beam; (b) maximizing the subsequent back conversion in the nonlinear crystal (NLC), thereby minimizing the power of the output beam; and (c) adjusting the power of said output beam to a predetermined value between its maximum and minimum values; is configured to provide at least one of

[0088] In some embodiments, the motorized rotation device is configured to rotate the phase mismatch compensator (PMC) in a toggle mode between a maximum harmonic conversion state and a minimum harmonic conversion state to turn the output beam ON and OFF.

[0089] In some embodiments, the motorized rotating device is configured to rotate the phase mismatch compensator (PMC) to provide flat-top pulses with controlled rise and fall times and controllable duration.

[0090] In some embodiments, the motorized rotating device is configured to provide shaped harmonic pulses by rotating the phase mismatch compensator (PMC) according to a look-up table.

[0091] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one dichroic beam splitter configured to separate at least a portion of the residual beam from the output beam.

[0092] In some embodiments, the power ratio between the intense frequency-doubled beam and the first beam at the fundamental frequency is greater than 0.3:1.

[0093] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one oven each configured to adjust a temperature of the nonlinear crystal (NLC). In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least two ovens each configured to adjust a temperature of the nonlinear crystal (NLC).

[0094] In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to minimize output fluctuations caused by fluctuations in the temperature of the oven housing the nonlinear crystal (NLC) by actively controlling the phase mismatch compensator (PMC).

[0095] In some embodiments, at least one of the NLCs comprises an LBO and its length (LD) is sufficient to achieve significant harmonic generation. In some embodiments, at least one of the NLCs comprises an LBO and its length (LD) is greater than 40 mm.

[0096] In some embodiments, the fundamental frequency (FF) has infrared (IR) properties (λF=1064 nm) and the second harmonic frequency (FH) has visible properties (λH=532 nm).

[0097] In some embodiments, each of the nonlinear crystals (NLCs) is configured to have a fundamental beam polarization along its crystal axis or at a 45 degree angle to its crystal axis.

[0098] In some embodiments, each of the nonlinear crystals (NLCs) comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of BBO, KTP, LBO, CLBO, DKDP, ADP, KDP, LiIO3, KNbO3, LiNbO3, AgGaS2, and AgGaSe2.

[0099] In some embodiments, the lateral dimensions of each of the nonlinear crystals (NLCs) are greater than the dimensions of the input beam it receives.

[0100] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises at least one focusing element configured to focus the beam onto the nonlinear crystal (NLC).

[0101] In some embodiments of the present invention, there is provided a method for activating ("on") and / or deactivating ("off") a frequency-doubled output beam from the apparatus described above, comprising: a sampling step of sampling in real time and measuring the output beam; a determining step of continuously or frequently determining whether the output beam has reached a maximum value (for an "on" output) or a minimum value (for an "off" output); If the determination in the determining step is "NO", rotating the PMC and then returning to the sampling step and repeating the method; If the determination in the determining step is "YES", maintain the current PMC rotation angle αMAX (or αMIN), and then return to the sampling step to repeat the method for either a dynamic input beam and / or a dynamic oven temperature. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0102] The subject matter which is regarded as the invention is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. However, the invention, both as to organization and method of operation, together with its objects, features, and advantages, may best be understood by reading the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0103] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a prior art example of a coherent beam combining (CBC) system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of a laser system including a seed laser device and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to condition an amplified laser beam, according to some embodiments. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic diagram of a laser system including a seed laser device, a fast optical modulator (FOM), and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to condition an amplified laser beam, according to some embodiments. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic diagram of a laser system according to some embodiments, comprising two seed laser devices each providing a seed beam of a different wavelength, an optical switch, and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to condition the amplified laser beam. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic diagram of a laser system according to some embodiments, comprising two seed laser devices each providing a seed beam of a different wavelength, an optical switch, and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to condition the amplified laser beam. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of a laser system according to some embodiments, including two seed laser devices each providing a seed beam of a different wavelength, an optical switch, a dichroic mirror, and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to condition the amplified laser beam. [Figure 6B]FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram of a laser system according to some embodiments, including two seed laser devices each providing a seed beam of a different wavelength, an optical switch, a dichroic mirror, and a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) configured to condition the amplified laser beam. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a schematic diagram of a laser system according to some embodiments, including two seed laser devices each providing a seed beam of a different wavelength, an optical switch, a dichroic mirror, and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to condition the amplified laser beam. [Figure 7A] FIG. 7A schematically illustrates a laser system according to some embodiments, comprising a seed laser device, an optical polarization combiner (OPC), a polarizing beam splitter (PBS), and a coherent beam combiner (CBC) system, configured to condition an amplified laser beam. [Figure 7B] FIG. 7B schematically illustrates a laser system according to some embodiments, comprising a seed laser device, an optical polarization combiner (OPC), a polarizing beam splitter (PBS), and a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) configured to condition the amplified laser beam. [Figure 8A] FIG. 8A illustrates a schematic diagram of an optical polarization combiner (OPC) according to some embodiments. [Figure 8B] FIG. 8B schematically illustrates another optical polarization combiner (OPC), according to some embodiments. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a prior art example of a fiber amplification system. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A illustrates a schematic diagram of a hybrid pump module, according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B illustrates a schematic diagram of a hybrid pump module, according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10C]FIG. 10C illustrates a schematic diagram of a hybrid pump module, according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10D schematically illustrates a hybrid pump module, according to various embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11A] FIG. 11A illustrates a schematic diagram of a hybrid pump module in which the core-related module is a seed-related module, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11B] FIG. 11B illustrates a schematic diagram of a hybrid pump module in which the core-related module is a seed-related module, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 11C] FIG. 11C illustrates a hybrid pump module in which the core-related module is a seed-related module, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic diagram of a hybrid pump module in which the core-related module is an output module, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic diagram of a hybrid pump module in which the core-related module is a high-reflection module, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 illustrates a schematic diagram of a hybrid pump module in which the core-related module is a partially reflective module, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic diagram of a fiber amplification system according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 16] 16(A) and (B) illustrate schematic diagrams of fiber laser systems according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A shows schematically some setups for apparatus for frequency doubling of an emitted laser beam, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 17B]FIG. 17BC illustrates schematically some setups for apparatus for frequency doubling of an emitted laser beam, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17C illustrates schematically some setups for apparatus for frequency doubling of an emitted laser beam, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 18] Figure 18(A) shows a schematic example of the temperature change along the optical axis of a single crystal placed in an oven configured for low-power frequency doubling but operated at high power, according to some embodiments of the present invention, and Figure 18(B) shows a schematic example of the phase difference between the fundamental and doubled beams accumulated up to each point in the crystal. [Figure 19] 19(A)-(C) show a schematic representation of the temperature readjustment of the PFD after adding a second harmonic seed beam with a conjugate phase difference to achieve minimum MP and optimal temperature in the focal region. [Figure 20A] FIG. 20A shows a simulation overview with a 500 W input beam and a 50 mm seeder crystal. [Figure 20B] FIG. 20B shows a simulation outline using a 500 W input beam and a 50 mm seeder crystal. [Figure 20C] FIG. 20C shows a simulation outline using a 500 W input beam and a 50 mm seeder crystal. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 shows a seeder beam profile at a non-resonant temperature according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 22A] FIG. 22A shows simulation results and comparisons with and without a seeder beam, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B shows simulation results and comparisons with and without a seeder beam, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 illustrates the added value of using a seeder beam according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 illustrates that the seeder beam provides a phase effect by exhibiting a green output beam versus PMC rotation, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 25A] FIG. 25A illustrates schematically various configurations of frequency doubling devices, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 25B] FIG. 25B schematically illustrates various configurations of frequency doubling devices, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 25C] FIG. 25C schematically illustrates various configurations of frequency doubling devices, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 shows a schematic representation of the rotation or tilt angle of a PMC according to some embodiments of the present invention, with FIG. 26(A) being a front view and FIG. 26(B) being a side view. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 illustrates a schematic of an optional feedback algorithm used to continuously adjust the rotation angle of a PMC, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 28A] FIG. 28A illustrates a schematic diagram of the variation of crystal temperature and multiplied power in time due to undershoot / overshoot of an oven controller, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 28B] FIG. 28B illustrates a schematic diagram of the crystal temperature and multiplied power variations in time due to undershoot / overshoot of the oven controller, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 illustrates a schematic diagram of power stabilization with dither control for rotating PMC configured to overcome oven undershoot / overshoot, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 shows experimental results of dither control with feedback used to optimize the PMC angle after changing operating conditions, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 31]31(A) and (B) show experimental results of maintaining harmonic output at a maximum value while reducing fluctuations with static or dynamic PMC, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 shows the harmonic power spectrum for a one hour run with and without a stabilization algorithm in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 illustrates a schematic diagram of an inverse phase difference transformation according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 34A] FIG. 34A shows a comparison of the rise time achieved by quickly turning on the laser as shown in FIG. 34A and by toggling the position of the PMC, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 34B] FIG. 34B shows a comparison of the rise time achieved by quickly turning on the laser as shown in FIG. 34A with the rise time achieved by toggling the position of the PMC, according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0104] It will be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements for clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or similar elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0105] In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the present invention.

[0106] As used herein, in one embodiment, the term "about" refers to ±10%. In another embodiment, the term "about" refers to ±9%. In another embodiment, the term "about" refers to ±8%. In another embodiment, the term "about" refers to ±7%. In another embodiment, the term "about" refers to ±6%. In another embodiment, the term "about" refers to ±5%. In another embodiment, the term "about" refers to ±4%. In another embodiment, the term "about" refers to ±3%. In another embodiment, the term "about" refers to ±2%. In another embodiment, the term "about" refers to ±1%.

[0107] Method and system for adjusting a laser beam

[0108] The present invention relates to methods and apparatus for manipulating and adjusting laser beams from lasers, laser beam arrays, and optical fiber arrays. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and apparatus that allow activation / deactivation of a laser beam while the laser system maintains its operating power, without, for example, turning off or reducing the power of the laser system's power source or blocking the seed laser beam. This can save (reduce) operating time by allowing for higher operating frequencies (e.g., adjustment frequencies can reach 10 GHz) without damaging components such as amplifiers.

[0109] An example of a laser amplification system, a coherent beam combining (CBC) system, is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0107343. This patent application discloses a laser system including a seed laser and an optical amplification subsystem that receives the output of the seed laser and provides an amplified laser output, the optical amplification subsystem including a first plurality of amplifier assemblies, each of which has a second plurality of optical amplifier assemblies, and a phase control circuit including a plurality of phase adjusters associated with each of the first plurality of amplifier assemblies.

[0110] FIG. 1 shows a general or typical model / design of a coherent beam combining (CBC). The laser system 1100 includes a seed laser 1110 configured to provide a seed beam to a coherent beam combining (CBC) system 1101. The CBC system 1101 includes a first optical amplifier 1121 that receives the output of the seed laser 1110 and provides an amplified first output beam. The first output beam is split into a first plurality of input beams by a first beam splitter 1131, and the split first plurality of input beams are received by a second plurality of optical amplifiers 1122 arranged in parallel. The second plurality of optical amplifiers 1122 are configured to provide amplified second plurality of output beams. The second plurality of output beams are then split by a second plurality of beam splitters 1132. The split second plurality of input beams are received by a third plurality of optical amplifiers 1123 arranged in parallel. The third plurality of optical amplifiers 1123 are configured to provide amplified third plurality of output beams, which are then coherently combined into a single CBC output beam 1170. The coherent combining can be provided by at least one beam combiner 1140 configured to provide the CBC output beam 1170 by generating beam interference at a location indicated as CBC point 1171. Alternatively, the coherent beam combining can be provided in free space (collimated free space without a beam combiner; not shown) where beam interference occurs at a location indicated as CBC point 1171.

[0111] The CBC system further comprises a phase control circuit 1160 including a plurality of phase adjusters 1150 associated with each of the second plurality of input beams. The phase control circuit 1160 is configured to monitor beam interference at a CBC point 1171 and control the phase of each of the second plurality of input beams by the plurality of phase adjusters 1150 so that constructive beam interference occurs at the CBC point 1171. Note that all optical connections are provided by optical fiber 1102. Also, note that the optical amplifiers 1121, 1122, and 1123 may be configured to have the same or different intensity characteristics from each other, and that the beam combiner 1140 may be configured as described in Figures 4A and 4B of U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0107343.

[0112] Pulsed laser operation refers to any laser not classified as continuous wave (CW), where the optical output appears in pulses of a predetermined duration at a predetermined repetition rate. This use of laser waves encompasses a wide range of techniques to address various motives. Some lasers are pulsed simply because they cannot operate in continuous mode. In other cases, the application requires the generation of pulses with the greatest possible energy. Since pulse energy is equal to the average power divided by the repetition rate, this goal can be achieved by reducing the pulse rate so that more energy can be stored between pulses. Other applications rely on peak pulse power (rather than pulse energy), particularly to achieve nonlinear optical effects. In this case, it is necessary to generate pulses of the shortest possible duration for a given pulse energy. Quasi-continuous wave (QCW) operation of a laser means that its pump source is "on" for a predetermined time interval that is short enough to significantly reduce thermal effects, but long enough to bring the laser process close to its steady state, i.e., to optically operate the laser in continuous wave operation. The duty cycle (percentage of "on" time) can be, for example, a few percent. This significantly reduces heating and all associated thermal effects, such as thermal lensing and overheating damage. Thus, QCW operation allows operation at higher peak powers at the expense of lower average power. Source: "https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Pulsed_laser; (see also https: / / en.wikipedia.org / wiki / Wikipedia: Text of Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License)".

[0113] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "fast optical modulator (FOM)" refers to an electro-optical modulator (EOM) (or electro-optical regulator) configured to be used to control the power, phase, or polarization of a laser beam using an electrical control signal. In some embodiments, the operating principle is based on the linear electro-optic effect (also known as the Pockels effect), i.e., the refractive index of a nonlinear crystal changes with an electric field in proportion to the field strength.

[0114] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "phase modulator" refers to an optical modulator used to control the optical phase of a laser beam. Common types of phase modulators include electro-optic modulators based on Pockels cells and liquid crystal modulators, but other types may also utilize, for example, thermally induced changes in the refractive index or length of an optical fiber, or induced changes in the optical fiber length by stretching. Various types of phase modulators are used in the field of integrated optics, where the modulated light is propagated through a waveguide.

[0115] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA)" refers to a structure consisting of a master laser (or seed laser) and an optical amplifier to boost the output power. In some embodiments, the power amplifier is a fiber device. In other embodiments, the MOPA may consist of a solid-state bulk laser and a bulk amplifier, or a tunable external cavity diode laser and a semiconductor optical amplifier.

[0116] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "beam splitter" refers to an optical device configured to split an incident light beam (e.g., a laser beam) into two or more beams that may or may not have identical optical power. In some embodiments, beam splitters are used as beam combiners to combine several beams into a single beam. In some embodiments, beam splitters are required in interferometers, autocorrelators, cameras, projectors, and laser systems. In some embodiments, the beam splitter may include at least one of a dielectric mirror, a cube, a fiber optic splitter, a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitter, a diffraction grating, and a multimode interference (MMI). A dielectric mirror can be any partially reflecting mirror that can be used to split a light beam. In laser technology, dielectric mirrors are often used for this purpose. The angle of incidence determines the angular separation of the output beams, e.g., 45 degrees (this value is often convenient, but other values ​​are also possible), which affects the properties of the beam splitter. Various designs of dielectric coatings allow a wide range of power splitting ratios to be achieved. The cube splits the beam at its interface. Cubes are often made by bonding two triangular glass prisms together with a transparent resin or cement. The thickness of the layers can be used to adjust the power split ratio for a given wavelength. A fiber optic splitter is a type of fiber optic coupler used as a fiber optic beam splitter. Such devices can be made by fusion splicing optical fibers and may have two or more output ports. As with bulk devices, the splitting ratio may or may not be strongly dependent on the wavelength and polarization of the input. PLCs are either photonic integrated circuits (ICs) or optical circuit boards made using optical waveguides to route photons. A diffraction grating is an optical element with repeating structures that splits and diffracts light into multiple beams traveling in different directions. The direction of travel of these beams depends on the spacing of the grating and the wavelength of the light. In some embodiments, a diffraction grating can also be used as a beam combiner. Multimode interference (MMI) is an optical waveguide with a spatially inhomogeneous structure for guiding light, i.e., confining the spatial region in which light propagates. MMI can be used, for example, to split and combine light beams in integrated optical interferometers.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "fiber coupler" or "coupler" refers to a fiber optic device having one or more input fibers and one or more output fibers. Light from an input fiber can emerge at one or more outputs, with a power distribution potentially dependent on wavelength and polarization.

[0118] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "TAP" refers to couplers configured for 50:50, 75:25, 90:10, or 99:1 coupling power ratios. Fiber tapping can be a network tap method that extracts a signal from an optical fiber without breaking the connection. Optical fiber tapping allows a portion of the signal being transmitted within the fiber's core to be diverted to another fiber or to a detector.

[0119] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "beam interference" or "interference" refers to the phenomenon of superimposing two or more light waves to form a combined wave of greater, lower, or equal amplitude. When the combined wave is greater than either of the original two waves, it is called "constructive interference." When the sum of the two original waves is less than either wave, or even zero, it is called "destructive interference."

[0120] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "optical amplifier" refers to a device that transmits an input signal and produces an output signal with a higher optical power. In some embodiments, the input and output are laser beams propagating in free space or in a fiber. The amplification occurs in a so-called gain medium, which must be "pumped" (i.e., supplied with energy) from an external source. In some embodiments, optical amplifiers are optically, chemically, or electrically pumped.

[0121] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "dichroic mirror" refers to a mirror that has significantly different reflective or transmissive properties at two different wavelengths.

[0122] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "seed laser" refers, in some embodiments of the present invention, to the output of a laser that is injected into an amplifier or another laser. Typical types of seed lasers are compact laser diodes (single frequency or gain switched), short cavity fiber lasers, and compact solid state lasers such as non-planar ring oscillators (NPROs).

[0123] Reference is now made to Figure 2. Figure 2 illustrates a laser system 1200 configured to provide and condition a laser beam 1270 (more specifically, a high-power laser beam) in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. This laser system 1200 a coherent beam combining (CBC) system 1201; at least one seed laser device 1210 configured to provide at least one input seed beam to the CBC system 1201; An output laser beam 1270 is selectively provided by the CBC system 1201 .

[0124] In some embodiments of the present invention, the components of the CBC system may be provided in a variety of designs and configurations, some of which are known in the art, a non-limiting example of which is CBC system 1101 as shown in FIG. 1, or another non-limiting example of which is CBC system 1201 as shown in FIG. 2. The CBC system 1201 shown in FIG. a plurality of phase adjusters 1250; at least one control circuit 1260; The plurality of phase adjusters 1250 are configured to be optically coupled directly or indirectly (e.g., by optical fiber 1202) to a seed beam provided from a seed laser device 1210, a plurality of optical amplifiers 1220, at least one beam splitter 1230, and optionally at least one beam combiner 1240 (beam coherent combining may be provided without the use of a beam combiner, e.g., using a collimated free space (not shown)), each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at a CBC point 1271; At least one control circuit 1260 is configured to monitor beam interference at the CBC point 1271 and accordingly control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters 1250 to provide constructive or destructive beam interference.

[0125] In some embodiments, the laser system 1200 includes: controlling the phase adjuster 1250 by the control circuit 1260 to enable constructive interference at the CBC point 1271 to activate the laser beam 1270 (in other words, when the laser beam 1270 is desired to be "on"), thereby providing the output laser beam 1270; controlling the phase adjuster 1250 by the control circuit 1260 to allow destructive interference at the CBC point 1271 to deactivate the laser beam 1270 (in other words, when it is desired to turn the laser beam 1270 "off"), thereby ceasing to provide the output laser beam 1270; The laser beam 1270 is configured to provide fast and effective modulation of the output laser beam 1270 according to a method including:

[0126] In some embodiments, the above step of controlling the phase adjuster to enable constructive interference includes adjusting the phase adjuster to provide the laser beam at maximum intensity at the CBC point 1271. In some related embodiments, the above step of controlling the phase adjusters to enable destructive interference includes controlling half of the phase adjusters 1250 that are already adjusted to provide the laser beam at maximum intensity to the laser beam. In other related embodiments, the step of controlling the phase adjusters to enable destructive interference includes adjusting some of the phase adjusters 1250 that have already been adjusted to provide the laser beam at maximum intensity, where the adjustments of each of the phase adjusters 1250 may be identical to one another or may be different from one another. In some embodiments, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is greater than about 50% of the maximum intensity. Preferably, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is about 100% of the maximum intensity. In some embodiments, destructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is less than or equal to the maximum intensity. Preferably, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is about 0% of the maximum intensity.

[0127] In some other related embodiments, the method further includes adjusting laser beam 1270 by adjusting (by control circuit 1260) some of the phase adjusters already adjusted to provide the laser beam at maximum intensity. Adjusting the phase adjusters includes bringing the intensity of output laser beam 1270 equal to a predetermined percentage between 0% and 100% of the maximum intensity (e.g., 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, 95%, or any other percentage).

[0128] In some embodiments, the above step of controlling the phase adjuster to enable destructive interference includes adjusting the phase adjuster to provide the laser beam at the CBC point 1271 with minimum intensity.

[0129] Reference is now made to Figure 3, which illustrates another laser system 1300 configured to provide and condition a laser beam 1370 (more specifically, a high-power laser beam) in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. This laser system 1300 includes at least one seed laser device 1310, a fast optical modulator (FOM) 1316 configured to receive the seed laser beam of the seed laser device and adjust its bandwidth, a coherent beam combining (CBC) system 1301 configured to receive the seed beam with adjusted bandwidth and provide an amplified laser beam 1370, and comprises. <>

[0130] In some embodiments, the adjustment by the fast optical modulator (FOM) 1316 includes selecting one of two predetermined bandwidths, a first bandwidth (Δω1) and a second bandwidth (Δω2; Δω2>Δω1) larger than the first bandwidth.

[0131] In some embodiments, the first bandwidth (Δω1) is selected such that its coherence length Lc1 is longer than the root mean square (RMS) of the optical path difference (OPD) between different channels in the system (Lc1>OPD), and the second bandwidth (Δω2) is selected such that its coherence length Lc2 is shorter than the root mean square (RMS) of the OPD between different channels in the system (Lc2<OPD).

[0132] In some embodiments of the present invention, the components of the CBC system can be provided in various designs and configurations, some of which are known in the art. Non-limiting examples thereof are the CBC system 1101 as shown in FIG. 1, or another non-limiting example is the CBC system 1301 as shown in FIG. 3. The CBC system 1301 shown in FIG. 3 includes a plurality of phase modulators 1350, and at least one control circuit 1360, the plurality of phase adjusters 1350 are configured to be optically coupled, directly or indirectly (e.g., by optical fiber), to a seed beam provided from a seed laser device 1310, a plurality of optical amplifiers 1320, at least one beam splitter 1330, and optionally at least one beam combiner 1340 (beam coherent combining may be provided without the use of a beam combiner, e.g., using a collimated free space (not shown)), each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at a CBC point 1371; At least one control circuit 1360 is configured to monitor beam interference at the CBC point 1371 and accordingly control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters 1250 to provide constructive or destructive beam interference.

[0133] In some embodiments, the laser system 1300 includes: controlling the FOM 1316 to provide a seed laser beam having a narrow bandwidth (Δω) set to allow constructive interference at the CBC point 1371 to activate the laser beam 1370, thereby providing the output laser beam 1370; controlling the FOM 1316 to provide a seed laser beam having a wide bandwidth (Δω2; Δω2>Δω1) set to disable constructive interference at the CBC point 1371 to deactivate the laser beam 1370, thereby ceasing to provide the output laser beam 1370; The laser beam 1370 is configured to provide fast and effective modulation of the output laser beam 1370 according to a method including:

[0134] In some embodiments, the above step of controlling the FOM 1316 to provide a seed laser beam with a narrow bandwidth further includes a step of controlling the phase adjuster 1350 by the control circuit 1360 to enable constructive interference at the CBC point 1371.

[0135] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the phase adjuster to provide constructive beam interference comprises adjusting the phase adjuster to provide constructive beam interference at maximum intensity.

[0136] In some embodiments, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is greater than about 50% of the maximum intensity. Preferably, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is about 100% of the maximum intensity. In some embodiments, destructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is less than or equal to the maximum intensity. Preferably, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is about 0% of the maximum intensity.

[0137] In some embodiments, control of the FOM 1316 is provided by at least one control circuit 1360 of the CBC system 1301. In other embodiments, control of the FOM 1316 is provided by a higher-level control circuit 1361 configured to control both the FOM 1316 and the at least one control circuit 1360 of the CBC system 1301.

[0138] Reference is now made to Figure 4. Figure 4 illustrates another laser system 1400 configured to provide and condition a laser beam 1470 (more specifically, a high-power laser beam) in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. This laser system 1400 a coherent beam combining (CBC) system 1401 configured to receive a seed laser beam and provide an amplified laser beam 1470; a first seed laser device 1410 configured to provide a first seed beam having a first wavelength (λ1); a second seed laser device 1411 configured to provide a second seed beam having a second wavelength (λ2; λ2≠λ1) different from the first wavelength; an optical switch 1415 configured to link only one of the first seed laser beam and the second seed laser beam to the CBC system 1401; An output laser beam 1470 is provided by the CBC system 1401 .

[0139] In some embodiments of the present invention, the components of the CBC system may be provided in a variety of designs and configurations, some of which are known in the art, a non-limiting example of which is CBC system 1101 as shown in FIG. 1, or another non-limiting example of which is CBC system 1401 as shown in FIG. 4. The CBC system 1401 shown in FIG. a plurality of phase adjusters 1450; at least one control circuit 1460; the plurality of phase adjusters 1350 are configured to be optically coupled, directly or indirectly (e.g., by optical fiber), to a linked (first or second) seed beam, a plurality of optical amplifiers 1420, at least one beam splitter 1430, and optionally at least one beam combiner 1440 (beam coherent combining may be provided without the use of a beam combiner, e.g., by using a collimated free space (not shown)), each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at a CBC point 1471; At least one control circuit 1460 is configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point 1471 and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly.

[0140] In some embodiments, when the phase adjuster 1450 is adjusted to enable constructive beam interference based on the first wavelength (λ1), the second wavelength (λ2) is selected so as not to provide constructive beam interference at the CBC point 1471.

[0141] In some embodiments, at least one beam combiner 1440 is a wavelength-sensitive diffractive optical element (DOE) configured to combine beams having a specific wavelength, i.e., a first wavelength (λ1), and scatter beams having other wavelengths, including a second wavelength (λ2). A non-limiting example of such a beam combiner is a Dammann diffraction grating, in which the optimal angle between the combined beams is highly wavelength-sensitive. Thus, the beams are configured to achieve maximum coupling efficiency for a first seed laser beam having a first wavelength (λ1). Therefore, when the seed laser light is switched to a second laser light having a second wavelength (λ2; λ2 ≠ λ1), the coupling efficiency decreases, thereby disabling the output of the laser beam 1470.

[0142] In some embodiments, the laser system 1400 includes: controlling an optical switch 1415 to link the first seed beam to the CBC system 1401 to activate a laser beam 1470, and controlling a phase adjuster 1450 by a control circuit 1460 to enable constructive interference at a CBC point 1471, thereby providing an output laser beam 1470; controlling the optical switch 1415 (without adjusting the phase adjuster 1450) to link the second seed beam to the CBC system 1401 to disable constructive interference at the CBC point 1471 to deactivate the laser beam 1470, thereby ceasing to provide the output laser beam 1470; The laser beam 1470 is configured to provide fast and effective modulation of the output laser beam 1470 according to a method including:

[0143] For clarity, it should be noted that after activating laser beam 1470, phase adjuster 1450 is adjusted to enable constructive interference at CBC point 1471 based on the first wavelength (λ1) of the first seed laser beam, and when optical switch 1415 links a second seed laser beam having a second wavelength (λ2; λ2 ≠ λ1), constructive interference does not occur because phase adjuster 1450 is not readjusted, thereby disabling constructive interference. Thus, when optical switch 1415 again links the first seed laser beam having the first wavelength (λ1), phase adjuster 1450 has already been adjusted.

[0144] In some embodiments, λ1 and λ2 are selected such that their difference (λ2≠λ1) allows for activation / deactivation of the beam according to the above-described embodiments and selected features thereof.

[0145] In some embodiments, controlling the phase adjuster 1450 to provide constructive beam interference includes adjusting the phase adjuster to provide constructive beam interference at maximum intensity.

[0146] In some embodiments, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is greater than about 50% of the maximum intensity. Preferably, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is about 100% of the maximum intensity. In some embodiments, destructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is less than or equal to the maximum intensity. Preferably, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is about 0% of the maximum intensity.

[0147] In some embodiments, control of the optical switch 1415 is provided by at least one control circuit 1460 of the CBC system 1401. In other embodiments, control of the optical switch 1415 is provided by a higher-level control circuit 1461 configured to control both the optical switch 1415 and the at least one control circuit 1460 of the CBC system 1401.

[0148] Next, refer to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows another laser system 1500 configured to provide and adjust a laser beam 1570 (more specifically, a high-power laser beam) according to some embodiments of the present invention. This laser system 1500 includes a coherent beam combining (CBC) system 1501 configured to receive a seed laser beam and provide an amplified laser beam, a first seed laser device 1510 configured to provide a first seed laser beam having a narrow bandwidth (Δω1), a second seed laser device 1511 configured to provide a second seed laser beam having a bandwidth (Δω2; Δω2>Δω1) wider than the first wavelength, and an optical switch 1515 configured to link only one of the first seed laser beam and the second seed laser beam to the CBC system 1501. The narrow bandwidth (Δω1) is set to enable constructive beam interference at the CBC point 1571 of the CBC system 1501. The wide bandwidth (Δω2) is set to disable constructive beam interference at the CBC point 1571. The output laser beam 1570 is provided by the CBC system 1501.

[0149] In some embodiments, the first bandwidth (Δω1) is selected such that its coherence length Lc1 is longer than the root mean square (RMS) of the optical path difference (OPD) between different channels in the system (Lc1>OPD), and the second bandwidth (Δω2) is selected such that its coherence length Lc2 is shorter than the RMS of the OPD between different channels in the system (Lc2<OPD).

[0150] In some embodiments of the present invention, the components of the CBC system may be provided in a variety of designs and configurations, some of which are known in the art, a non-limiting example of which is CBC system 1101 as shown in FIG. 1, or another non-limiting example of which is CBC system 1501 as shown in FIG. 5. The CBC system 1501 shown in FIG. a plurality of phase adjusters 1550; at least one control circuit 1560; the plurality of phase adjusters 1550 are configured to be optically coupled directly or indirectly (e.g., by optical fibers) to the linked (first or second) seed beams, the plurality of optical amplifiers 1520, the at least one beam splitter 1530, and optionally at least one beam combiner 1540 (beam coherent combining may be provided without the use of a beam combiner, e.g., by using a collimated free space (not shown)), each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at the CBC point 1571; At least one control circuit 1560 is configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point 1571 and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly.

[0151] In some embodiments, the laser system 1500 includes: controlling the optical switch 1515 to link the first seed laser beam to the CBC system 1501 to activate the laser beam 1570 and enable constructive interference at the CBC point 1571, thereby providing the output laser beam 1570; controlling the optical switch 1515 to link the second seed laser beam to the CBC system 1501 to disable constructive interference at the CBC point 1571 to deactivate the laser beam 1570, thereby ceasing to provide the output laser beam 1570; The laser beam 1570 is configured to provide fast and effective modulation of the output laser beam 1570 according to a method including:

[0152] In some embodiments, the above step of activating the laser beam 1570 further includes controlling the phase adjuster 1550 by the control circuit 1560 to enable constructive interference at the CBC point 1571.

[0153] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the phase adjuster 1550 to provide constructive beam interference includes adjusting the phase adjuster to provide constructive beam interference at maximum intensity.

[0154] In some embodiments, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is greater than about 50% of the maximum intensity. Preferably, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is about 100% of the maximum intensity. In some embodiments, destructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is less than or equal to the maximum intensity. Preferably, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is about 0% of the maximum intensity.

[0155] In some embodiments, control of the optical switch 1515 is provided by at least one control circuit 1560 of the CBC system 1501. In other embodiments, control of the optical switch 1515 is provided by a higher-level control circuit 1561 configured to control both the optical switch 1515 and the at least one control circuit 1560 of the CBC system 1501.

[0156] Reference is now made to Figures 6A and 6C, which illustrate another laser system 1600A / 1600C configured to provide and condition a laser beam 1670A / 1670C (more specifically, a high-power laser beam) in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

[0157] The system 1600A shown in FIG. a coherent beam combining (CBC) system 1601A configured to receive the seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam 1672A; a first seed laser 1610 configured to provide a first seed beam having a first wavelength (λ1); a second seed laser 1611 configured to provide a second seed beam having a second wavelength (λ2; λ2≠λ1) different from the first wavelength; an optical switch 1615 configured to link only one of the first seed beam and the second seed beam to the CBC system 1601A; and a dichroic mirror 1680A configured to receive the amplified laser beam 1672A, transmit a beam having a first wavelength (λ1) to an output of the laser system 1600A, and reflect a beam having a second wavelength (λ2), thereby selectively providing an output laser beam 1670A.

[0158] In some embodiments, the first wavelength (λ1), the second wavelength (λ2), and the dichroic mirror 1680A are selected such that when the amplified laser beam 1672A has the first wavelength (λ1), the dichroic mirror 1680A passes more than 50% (preferably about 100%) of the beam, and when the amplified laser beam 1672A has the second wavelength (λ2), the dichroic mirror 1680A reflects more than 50% (preferably about 100%) of the beam.

[0159] The system 1600C shown in FIG. a coherent beam combining (CBC) system 1601C configured to receive the seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam 1672C; a first seed laser 1610 configured to provide a first seed beam having a first wavelength (λ1); a second seed laser 1611 configured to provide a second seed beam having a second wavelength (λ2; λ2≠λ1) different from the first wavelength; an optical switch 1615 configured to link only one of the first seed beam and the second seed beam to the CBC system 1601C; and a dichroic mirror 1680C configured to receive the amplified laser beam 1672C, transmit a beam having a first wavelength (λ1) to an output of the laser system 1600C, and reflect a beam having a second wavelength (λ2), thereby selectively providing an output laser beam 1670C.

[0160] In some embodiments, the first wavelength (λ1), the second wavelength (λ2), and the dichroic mirror 1680C are selected such that when the amplified laser beam 1672C has the first wavelength (λ1), the dichroic mirror 1680C passes more than 50% (preferably about 100%) of the beam, and when the amplified laser beam 1672C has the second wavelength (λ2), the dichroic mirror 1680C reflects more than 50% (preferably about 100%) of the beam.

[0161] In some embodiments of the present invention, the components of the CBC system may be provided in a variety of designs and configurations, some of which are known in the art, a non-limiting example of which is CBC system 1101 as shown in FIG. 1, or another non-limiting example is CBC system 1601A as shown in FIG. 6A. The CBC system 1601A shown in FIG. a plurality of phase adjusters 1650; at least one control circuit 1660; the plurality of phase adjusters 1650 are configured to be optically connected, directly or indirectly, to the linked (first or second) seed beam, the plurality of optical amplifiers 1620, at least one beam splitter 1630, and optionally at least one beam combiner 1640, each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at the CBC point 1671; At least one control circuit 1660 is configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point 1671A and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly.

[0162] 6A, in a CBC system 1601A including at least one beam combiner 1640, a dichroic mirror 1680A is positioned beyond the CBC point 1671A. In some embodiments, the dichroic mirror 1680A may be positioned before the CBC point.

[0163] In another embodiment of the present invention, shown in FIG. 6C, a CBC system 1601C includes: a plurality of phase adjusters 1650; at least one control circuit 1660; The plurality of phase adjusters 1650 are configured to be optically connected directly or indirectly to the linked (first or second) seed beam, the plurality of optical amplifiers 1620, and at least one beam splitter 1630, which are arranged to enable constructive beam interference at a CBC point 1671C, which in this embodiment is located in the far field, and the beam combining is configured to occur in free space (collimated free space); At least one control circuit 1660 is configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point 1671 and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly.

[0164] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 6C, a dichroic mirror 1680C is positioned before the CBC point 1671C.

[0165] In some embodiments, the laser system 1600A / 1600C shown in FIGS. 6A and 6C includes: controlling the optical switch 1615 to link the first seed laser beam to the CBC system 1601A / 1601C to transmit the output laser beam 1670A / 1670C to activate the laser beam 1670A / 1670C, thereby providing the output laser beam 1670A / 1670C; controlling the optical switch 1615 to link a second seed laser beam to the CBC system 1601A / 1601C to reflect the output laser beam 1670A / 1670C to deactivate the laser beam 1670A / 1670C, thereby ceasing to provide the output laser beam 1670A / 1670C; The laser beams 1670A / 1670C are configured to provide fast and effective adjustment of the output laser beams 1670A / 1670C according to a method including:

[0166] In some embodiments, the method further includes controlling the phase adjuster 1650 by the control circuit 1660 to enable constructive interference at the CBC points 1671A / 1671C. In some embodiments, the above step of controlling the phase adjuster is performed only during the above step of activating the laser beam, and not during the above step of deactivating the laser beam.

[0167] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the phase adjuster 1650 to provide constructive beam interference includes adjusting the phase adjuster to provide constructive beam interference at maximum intensity.

[0168] In some embodiments, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is greater than about 50% of the maximum intensity. Preferably, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is about 100% of the maximum intensity. In some embodiments, destructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is less than or equal to the maximum intensity. Preferably, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is about 0% of the maximum intensity.

[0169] In some embodiments, control of the optical switch 1615 is provided by at least one control circuit 1660 of the CBC system 1601A / 1601C. In other embodiments, control of the optical switch 1615 is provided by a higher-level control circuit 1661 configured to control both the optical switch 1615 and at least one control circuit 1660 of the CBC system 1601A / 1601C.

[0170] Referring now to Figure 6B, Figure 6B illustrates a laser system 1600B configured to provide and condition a laser beam 1670B. This laser system 1600B is a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) 1620B configured to receive the seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam 1672B; a first seed laser 1610B configured to provide a first seed laser beam having a first wavelength (λ1); a second seed laser 1611B configured to provide a second seed laser beam having a second wavelength (λ2; λ2≠λ1) different from the first wavelength; an optical switch 1615B configured to link only one of the first seed laser beam and the second seed laser beam to the MOPA 1620B; and a dichroic mirror 1680B configured to receive the amplified laser beam 1672B, transmit a beam having a first wavelength (λ1) to an output of the laser system 1600B, and reflect a beam having a second wavelength (λ2), thereby selectively providing an output laser beam 1670B.

[0171] Laser system 1600B is controlling optical switch 1615B to link the first seed beam to MOPA 1620B to transmit laser beam 1670B to activate laser beam 1670B, thereby providing laser beam 1670; controlling optical switch 1615B to link a second seed beam to MOPA 1620B to reflect laser beam 1670B to deactivate laser beam 1670B, thereby ceasing the provision of laser beam 1670; The laser beam 1670B is configured to provide fast and effective adjustment of the output laser beam 1670B according to a method including:

[0172] In some embodiments, λ1 and λ2 are selected such that their difference (λ2≠λ1) allows for activation / deactivation of the beam according to the above-described embodiments and selected features thereof.

[0173] Reference is now made to Figure 7A, which illustrates a laser system 1700A configured to provide and condition a laser beam 1770 (more specifically, a high-power laser beam) in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. This laser system 1700A is at least one seed laser device 1710; an optical polarization combiner (OPC) 1717 configured to receive a seed laser beam of a seed laser device and adjust its polarization direction, wherein adjusting the polarization direction comprises providing at least two polarization components to the seed beam, one of the polarization components having a predetermined polarization direction (P1); a coherent beam combining (CBC) system 1701 configured to receive a polarization-adjusted seed laser beam 1718 and provide an amplified laser beam 1772; a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) 1790 configured to receive the amplified laser beam 1772 and transmit only beams having a predetermined polarization direction (P1) to an output of the laser system 1700A and reflect beams having other polarization directions, thereby selectively providing the laser beam 1770; An output laser beam 1770 is provided by the CBC system 1701 .

[0174] In some embodiments of the present invention, the components of the CBC system may be provided in a variety of designs and configurations, some of which are known in the art, a non-limiting example of which is CBC system 1101 as shown in FIG. 1, or another non-limiting example is CBC system 1701 as shown in FIG. 7A. The CBC system 1701 shown in FIG. a plurality of phase adjusters 1750; at least one control circuit 1760; the plurality of phase adjusters 1750 are configured to be optically coupled, directly or indirectly, to the polarization-adjusted seed laser beam 1718, the plurality of optical amplifiers 1720, at least one beam splitter 1730, and optionally at least one beam combiner 1740, each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at the CBC point 1771; At least one control circuit 1760 is configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point 1771 and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly.

[0175] In some embodiments, the laser system 1700A includes: controlling the OPC 1717 to provide a beam component having a predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) greater than 50% (preferably about 100%) of the total intensity of the seed laser beam to activate the laser beam 1770, thereby providing the output laser beam 1770; controlling the OPC 1717 to provide a beam component having a predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) that is less than or equal to 50% (preferably about 0%) of the total intensity of the seed laser beam to deactivate the laser beam 1770, thereby ceasing to provide the output laser beam 1770; The laser beam 1770 is configured to provide fast and effective modulation of the output laser beam 1770 according to a method including:

[0176] In some embodiments, the method further includes adjusting the laser beam by controlling OPC1717 to provide a beam component having a predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) equal to a predetermined percentage of the total intensity of the seed laser beam.

[0177] In some embodiments, the method further includes controlling the phase adjuster 1750 by the control circuit 1760 to enable constructive interference at the CBC point 1771. In some embodiments, the above step of controlling the phase adjuster is performed only during the above step of activating the laser beam and not during the above step of deactivating the laser beam.

[0178] In some embodiments, the step of controlling the phase adjuster 1650 to provide constructive beam interference includes adjusting the phase adjuster to provide constructive beam interference at maximum intensity.

[0179] In some embodiments, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is greater than about 50% of the maximum intensity. Preferably, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is about 100% of the maximum intensity. In some embodiments, destructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is less than or equal to the maximum intensity. Preferably, constructive interference is considered when the laser intensity is about 0% of the maximum intensity.

[0180] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B: The Optical Polarization Combiner (OPC) 1717 is a beam splitting assembly 1820 configured to receive an input beam having a first polarization direction (P1) and to output a first beam (B1(I1, P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a first intensity (I1), and a second beam (B2(I2, P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a second intensity (I2), wherein the sum of the first intensity and the second intensity (I1+I2) is equal to the intensity of the input seed beam; a polarization converter 1830 configured to receive one of the first beam B1 and the second beam B2 output from the beam splitting assembly 1820 and convert its polarization from S to P or from P to S (e.g., B1(I1, P1) and B2(I2, P2), P1≠P2 when converting the polarization of B2 (as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B); or as another example, B1(I1, P2) and B2(I2, P1) when converting the polarization of B1 (not shown)); and and a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) 840A (shown in FIG. 8A ) configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the polarization-converted second output beam (B2(I2, P2)) and combine (superimpose) them to generate a third beam, or a coupler 1840B (shown in FIG. 8B ) configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the polarization-converted second output beam (B2(I2, P2)) and combine (superimpose) them before splitting them into two output beams, and providing only one of the split output beams as an input to the CBC system 1701. In some embodiments, the other output beam is used by another system.

[0181] In some embodiments, The beam splitting assembly 1820 includes: a beam splitter 1821 configured to receive an input beam and split the input beam into two output beams (in some embodiments, the relationship between the intensities of the two output beams is constant); a phase adjuster 18222 configured to adjust the phase of one of the two output beams; a coupler 1823 configured to receive the two output beams (after adjusting the phase of one of the two output beams) and provide their interference at two locations 1823A, 1823B, thereby providing a first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and a second output beam (B2(I2, P1)); an electronic controller 1826 configured to monitor one of the two interference locations 1823A by means of the TAP 1824 and the diode 1825, and to control the phase adjuster 1822 accordingly to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at the monitored location 1823A and to provide destructive or constructive beam interference at the unmonitored interference location 1823B; Thereby, a first intensity (I1) is determined; Control of the OPC 1717 includes controlling the phase adjuster 1822 (by the electronic controller 1826).

[0182] In some embodiments, control of the OPC 1717 is provided by at least one control circuit 1760 of the CBC system 1701. In other embodiments, control of the optical switch 1717 is provided by a higher-level control circuit 1761 configured to control both the optical switch 1717 and the at least one control circuit 1760 of the CBC system 1701.

[0183] Reference is now made to Figure 7B, which illustrates a laser system 1700B configured to provide and condition a laser beam 1770B, according to some embodiments of the present invention. This laser system 1700B is a seed laser device 710B; an optical polarization combiner (OPC) 1717 configured to receive a seed laser beam of the seed laser device and adjust its polarization direction, where adjusting the polarization direction includes providing at least two polarization components to the seed beam, one of the polarization components having a predetermined polarization direction (P1); a master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) 1720B configured to receive the polarization-adjusted seed beam and provide an amplified laser beam 1772B; and a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) 1790B configured to receive the amplified laser beam 1772B and transmit only beam components having a predetermined polarization direction (P1) to an output of the laser system 1700B and reflect beam components having other polarization directions, thereby selectively providing an output laser beam 1770B.

[0184] Laser system 1700B is controlling the OPC 1717 to provide a beam component having a predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) greater than 50% (preferably about 100%) of the total intensity of the beam to activate the laser beam 1770B, thereby providing the laser beam 1770B; providing a beam component having a predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) that is less than or equal to 50% (preferably about 0%) of the total intensity of the seed laser beam to deactivate the laser beam 1770B, thereby ceasing to provide the output laser beam 1770B; The laser beam 1770B is configured to provide fast and effective adjustment of the output laser beam 1770B according to a method including:

[0185] It should be noted that all embodiments of the present invention provide a laser modulation method and / or system that keeps the seed laser and CBC system (and its various components) active during both modulation states (beam "on" / beam "off"), thereby preventing damage that could occur due to "shutting down" or "blocking" of the seed beam as described in the Background section.

[0186] In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-described laser tuning means and / or systems 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600A, 1600B, 1600C, 1700A, 1700B, controlled by their control circuits, can be used for quasi-continuous wave (QCW) operation of the laser means at very high frequencies up to 10 GHz (e.g., 10 MHz, 100 MHz, 1 GHz, 100 GHz, 100 GHz, and any combination thereof), depending on the limitations of the switching elements. In some embodiments of the present invention, the above-described laser adjustment means and / or systems 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600A, 1600B, 1600C, 1700A, 1700B can be controlled by their control circuits and used for quasi-continuous wave (QCW) operation of the laser means at various duty cycle values ​​ranging from 0% to 100% (e.g., 1%, 5%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 95%, 99%, and any combination thereof).

[0187] In some embodiments of the present invention, at least some of the above methods using the above systems 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600A, 1600B, 1600C, 1700A, 1700B may be combined into one laser system for more flexible operation of the laser beam.

[0188] Hybrid fiber-coupled diode-pumped laser module

[0189] In some embodiments, the present invention relates to methods and apparatus configured to provide optical signal amplifiers, and more particularly to hybrid fiber-coupled diode-pumped laser modules (or hybrid pump modules for short) configured to be coupled to optical fibers. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term "hybrid" refers, in some embodiments, to the combination of a pump and a signal.

[0190] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that fiber amplification systems are configured to absorb and combine energy from multiple multimode pumps and typically one single-mode seed device, and amplify it to output a high-power single-mode beam.

[0191] A general or typical model / design of a fiber amplification system is shown in FIG. 9. The fiber amplification system 2100 includes a seed laser device 2110, an amplifier 2120 connected to the seed laser device 2110 by an optical fiber (the optical fiber connection is indicated by a line, and the fusion point is indicated by an X), an isolator 2130, a tap element 2140, a monitor 2141, and a mode field adapter (MFA) 2150, all of which serve as inputs to a multimode combiner (MMMC) 2170. The multimode combiner (MMMC) 2170 is configured to couple the optical fibers of six pump modules 2160, along with one optical fiber extending from the seed device, to an active fiber 2180. The active fiber 2180 is configured to receive an input signal and generate an output signal having a higher optical power. As shown, the active fiber 2180 is connected at one end to the MMC (as described above) and at the other end to a pump dump 2190, configured to dump the residual pump power and scattering signals into the cladding. The output of the system is typically by an output fiber having an end cap 2191. As shown, the use of optical fibers to transmit the light beam requires multiple fusion splices 2192, symbolically indicated by "x's."

[0192] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the "splice" referred to above is also known as a fusion splice. Fusion splicing is the act of joining the ends of two optical fibers together using heat. The goal is to fuse the two optical fibers together so that the light passing through the optical fibers is not scattered or reflected by the fusion splice and so that the fusion splice and the surrounding area have approximately the same strength as the original optical fibers. Before the fusion spliced ​​optical fiber is removed from the fusion splicer, a proof test is performed to ensure that the fusion splice of the optical fiber is strong enough to withstand handling, packaging, and long-term use. The bare optical fiber area is protected by recoating or a splice protector. Therefore, there is a need for a fiber amplification system that can reduce the number of fusion splices, thereby reducing energy loss and manufacturing costs.

[0193] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "multimode combiner (MMC)" refers to an optical element configured to combine multiple fibers into a single fiber compatible with a fiber amplifier (in the example of FIG. 9, six pump-connected fibers are combined into one seed-connected fiber), so that light from the pump module enters the cladding and light from the seed enters the core. MMCs are complex devices (e.g., they require special features for dissipating heat) and are therefore expensive.

[0194] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "fiber amplifier" or "active fiber amplifier" refer, in some embodiments, to a doped fiber that receives output from multiple pump and seed-related modules (e.g., six multimode beams and one single-mode beam in FIG. 9 ) and outputs a single-mode beam with enhancement (attributed to the single-mode seed). The overall diameter may be approximately 400 micrometers, with a core diameter of approximately 20 micrometers. Light from the pump modules enters the cladding, and light from the seed enters the core. For example, fiber amplifiers are based on "active" fibers with a fiber core doped with laser-active ions such as Er3+, Nd3+, or Yb3+. Typically, a fiber coupler is used to introduce some "pump light" in addition to the input signal light. This pump light is absorbed by the laser-active ions, causing them to transition to excited electronic states, thereby enabling the amplification of light at other wavelengths via stimulated emission.

[0195] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term "pump dump" in some embodiments of the present invention refers to a beam dump, which is a device designed to absorb or deflect residual unabsorbed pump power or scattered signal in the cladding, in the example of Figure 9, to absorb residual emission in the cladding of the active fiber.

[0196] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term "isolator," in some embodiments of the present invention, refers to an optical element configured to allow the transmission of light in only one direction.

[0197] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "pump module" refers to a module having a diode that provides a multimode beam in some embodiments of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "broad area laser (BAL) diode" refers to a diode that provides a multimode beam with an elliptical cross-sectional shape. A BAL (also known as a broad stripe diode, broad emitter laser diode, single emitter laser diode, or high brightness diode laser) is an edge-emitting laser diode whose front facet light-emitting area has a broad stripe shape.

[0198] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term "single mode" refers, in some embodiments of the present invention, to a light beam having only one transverse mode excited.

[0199] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "polarizer beam combiner" refers, in some embodiments of the present invention, to an optical element configured to combine two signals having perpendicular polarizations together.

[0200] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the term "volume Bragg grating (VBG)" refers, in some embodiments of the present invention, to an optical facility comprising a grating within a glass block configured to reflect an incident beam at a predetermined angle relative to the wavelength of the incident beam. A common application of volume Bragg gratings is wavelength stabilization of lasers, and they are often used to stabilize the wavelength of laser diodes.

[0201] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "end cap" refers, in some embodiments of the present invention, to an optical means configured to expand the cross section of a beam. Fiber end caps are fabricated by fusion splicing or laser fusing a short length of material to the end face of a fiber. Fiber end caps are required in many applications, including the fabrication of collimators, to enable the expansion of high-power fiber laser beams, to reduce the power density at the air / silica interface, and to protect the structured fiber from environmental intrusions.

[0202] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "phase adjuster" refers to an optical adjuster used to control the optical phase of a laser beam. Common types of phase adjusters include Pockels cell-based electro-optic adjusters, lithium niobate (LiNbO) electro-optic adjusters, and liquid crystal adjusters. However, it is also possible to use, for example, thermally induced changes in the refractive index or length of an optical fiber, or to induce changes in the optical fiber length by stretching. Various types of phase adjusters are used in the field of integrated optics, where the adjusted light is propagated through a waveguide.

[0203] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "beam splitter," in some embodiments of the present invention, refers to an optical device configured to split an incident light beam (e.g., a laser beam) into two or more beams that may or may not have the same optical power. In some embodiments, the beam splitter may include at least one of a dielectric mirror, a cube, a fiber optic splitter, a planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitter, a diffraction grating, and a multimode interference (MMI). A dielectric mirror can be any partially reflecting mirror that can be used to split a light beam. In laser technology, dielectric mirrors are often used for this purpose. The angle of incidence determines the angular separation of the output beams, e.g., 45 degrees (this value is often convenient, but other values ​​are also possible), which affects the properties of the beam splitter. Various designs of dielectric coatings allow a wide range of power splitting ratios to be achieved. The cube splits the beam at its interface. Cubes are often made by bonding two triangular glass prisms together with a transparent resin or cement. The thickness of the layers can be used to adjust the power split ratio for a given wavelength. A fiber optic splitter is a type of fiber optic coupler used as a fiber optic beam splitter. Such devices can be made by fusion splicing optical fibers and may have two or more output ports. As with bulk devices, the splitting ratio may or may not be strongly dependent on the wavelength and polarization of the input. PLCs are either photonic integrated circuits (ICs) or optical circuit boards made using optical waveguides to route photons. A diffraction grating is an optical element with repeating structures that splits and diffracts light into multiple beams traveling in different directions. The direction of travel of these beams depends on the spacing of the grating and the wavelength of the light. In some embodiments, a diffraction grating can also be used as a beam combiner. Multimode interference (MMI) is an optical waveguide with a spatially inhomogeneous structure for guiding light, i.e., confining the spatial region in which light propagates. MMI can be used, for example, to split and combine light beams in integrated optical interferometers.

[0204] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "fiber coupler" or "coupler" refers to a fiber optic device having one or more input fibers and one or more output fibers. Light from an input fiber can emerge at one or more outputs, with a power distribution potentially dependent on wavelength and polarization.

[0205] Those skilled in the art will understand that the terms "tap" or "tap element" refer to couplers configured for coupling power ratios of 50:50, 75:25, 90:10, or 99:1 in some embodiments of the present invention. Fiber tapping can be a network tap method for extracting a signal from an optical fiber without breaking the connection. Optical fiber tapping allows a portion of the signal being transmitted within the core of the fiber to be diverted to another fiber or to a detector.

[0206] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "optical amplifier" refers to a device that transmits an input signal and produces an output signal with a higher optical power. In some embodiments, the input and output are laser beams propagating in free space or in a fiber. The amplification occurs in a so-called gain medium, which must be "pumped" (i.e., supplied with energy) from an external source. In some embodiments, optical amplifiers are optically, chemically, or electrically pumped.

[0207] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "dichroic mirror" refers to a mirror that has significantly different reflective or transmissive properties at two different wavelengths.

[0208] Those skilled in the art will understand that the term "seed laser" refers, in some embodiments of the present invention, to the output of a laser that is injected into an amplifier or another laser. Typical types of seed lasers are compact laser diodes (single frequency or gain switched), short cavity fiber lasers, and compact solid state lasers such as non-planar ring oscillators (NPROs).

[0209] Reference is now made to Figures 10A-10D, which illustrate a hybrid pump module configured to be coupled to an optical fiber 2240. In some embodiments, the optical fiber is a doped (active) fiber or a passive fiber (data format transparent). The optical fiber includes a core 2241 and at least one cladding 2242. As shown in Figures 10A-10D, The pump module 2200 at least one focusing lens 2230 disposed in the free space optical path of the optical fiber 2240; a plurality of diode modules 2210, each configured to output a multimode beam through an optical lens, disposed in a free-space optical path of the cladding 2242 of the optical fiber; at least one core-related module 2220 disposed in the free-space optical path of the core 2241 of the optical fiber; The core-related module 2220 is (a) A function of outputting a single-mode beam toward the core 2241 of the optical fiber via an optical lens; (b) receiving the beam from the core 2241 of the optical fiber via a focusing lens and coupling the received beam into an output optical fiber 2411 (FIG. 12); (c) receiving a beam from the core 2241 of the optical fiber via a focusing lens and reflecting the received beam back to the core 2241 via the focusing lens; and (d) receiving a beam from the core 2241 of the optical fiber via a focusing lens, reflecting a portion of the received beam back to the core via the focusing lens, and coupling another portion of the received beam into the output optical fiber 2610 (Figure 14).

[0210] In some embodiments, the term "single mode beam" refers to a beam that consists of one or a few beam modes, ranging from 1 to 10 modes.

[0211] In some embodiments, multiple diode modules 2210 are disposed in the free space optical path of the cladding 2242 of the optical fiber. In some embodiments, this optical path does not include an optical fiber for the optical path. In some embodiments, some of the diode modules 2210 are also disposed in the free space optical path of the core 2241 of the optical fiber.

[0212] In some embodiments, the core-related module 2220 is located only in the free space optical path of the core 2241 of the optical fiber. This means that no light is coupled into the cladding 2242 of the optical fiber 2240. In some embodiments, this optical path does not include an optical fiber for the optical path.

[0213] In some embodiments, the hybrid pump module 2200 further comprises a volume Bragg grating (VBG) 2250 configured to narrow and lock the wavelength of the diode beam to a narrow, predetermined range of wavelengths. In some embodiments, a common VBG is a 976 wavelength locking module perfectly matched to the highly absorbing, narrow-linewidth yttrium boride (Yb) ion. In some embodiments, the VGB 2250 is positioned between the focusing lens 2230 and the optical fiber 2240, as shown in FIG. 10D.

[0214] In some embodiments, the plurality of diode modules 2210 and core-related modules 2220 are arranged in at least one row 2281 such that their output beams are parallel to one another for each row. Figures 10A, 10B, and 10C show an isometric view, a top view, and a front view of a system in which the plurality of diode modules 2210 (eight diode modules in this example) and core-related modules 2220 are arranged in a row. Figure 10D is an isometric view showing a system having the plurality of diode modules 2210 (seventeen diode modules in this example) and core-related modules 2220 arranged in two rows 2281, 2282.

[0215] In some embodiments, when arranged in two or more rows 2181, 2182, as shown in FIG. 10D, the pump modules at least one polarizer beam combiner 2260 disposed in the optical path of the first beam array 2281; and one or more folding mirrors 2282A for each additional beam row, each folding mirror 2282A configured to reflect and redirect the collimated beams of its corresponding row towards the polarizer beam combiner 2260.

[0216] In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B: Each of the diode modules 2210 includes: a broad area laser (BAL) 2211 configured to output a multimode beam; a fold mirror 2212 associated with the BAL 2211, configured to have an optical path between its associated BAL 2211 and the cladding 2242 of the optical fiber (via a focusing lens 2230); Optionally, at least one lens 2213, 2214 disposed between the BAL 2211 and its associated folding mirror 2212 and configured to adjust the shape of the beam of the BAL 2211.

[0217] 11A-11C, which schematically illustrate a hybrid pump module 2300 that includes at least some features and elements similar to the hybrid pump module 2200 shown in FIGS. 10A-10D. In some embodiments, the core-related module is a seed-related module 2301 configured to output a single-mode beam through an optical lens toward the core of an optical fiber. This seed-related module 2301 is at least one seed input 2311 configured to be coupled to a seed laser device 2702 (FIG. 15) via an optical fiber 2310; a folding mirror 2312 associated with the seed input, disposed in the optical path between the seed input and the core 2241 of the optical fiber via a focusing lens 2230; Optionally, at least one lens 2313 disposed between the seed input and its associated folding mirror 2312 and configured to adjust the shape of the seed beam.

[0218] In some embodiments, The seed-related module 2301 is As shown in FIG. 11A, a tap (not shown) or partial mirror 2305 and monitor 2306 disposed between the seed input 2311 and the optical lens 2313 or folding mirror 2312, configured to sample and monitor the seed beam and alert on backward beam transmission (transmission back to the seed input 2311); As shown in FIG. 11B, a beam amplifier 2315 disposed between the seed input 2311 and the optical lens 2313 or folding mirror 2312, configured to amplify the seed beam; and an isolator 2316, as shown in FIG. 11C, disposed between the seed input 2311 and the optical lens 2313 or folding mirror 2312 and configured to allow transmission of light in only one direction; The method further includes at least one of:

[0219] Reference is now made to Figure 12, which schematically illustrates a hybrid pump module 2400 that includes at least some features and elements similar to the hybrid pump module 2200 shown in Figures 10A-10D. In some embodiments, the core-related module is an output module 2401 configured to receive a beam from the core of an optical fiber via a focusing lens and couple the received beam into an output optical fiber 2411. This output module 2401 is an output fiber 2411, optionally including an end cap element 4209; a folding mirror 2412 associated with the output fiber 2411, the folding mirror 2412 being disposed in the optical path between the core 2241 of the optical fiber and the output fiber 2411; Optionally, at least one lens 2413 disposed between the output fiber 2411 and its associated folding mirror 2409 and configured to adjust the shape of the received core beam; Optimally, a pump dump (not shown).

[0220] In some embodiments, the output module 2400 further includes a tap (not shown) or partial mirror 2405 disposed between the output fiber 2411 and the optical lens 2413 or the folding mirror 2412 and configured to sample the seed beam, and a monitor 2406 configured to monitor and alert on beam backward transmission (transmission back to the folding mirror 2412).

[0221] Reference is now made to Figure 13, which schematically illustrates a hybrid pump module 2500 that includes at least some features and elements similar to the hybrid pump module 2200 illustrated in Figures 10A-10D. In some embodiments, the core-related module is a high-reflection (HR) module 2501 configured to receive a beam from the core 2241 of the optical fiber via a focusing lens and reflect the received beam back to the core 2241 via the focusing lens again. This high reflection (HR) module 2501 is High-reflection (HR) mirror 2511 and a folding mirror 2512 associated with the HR mirror 2511, disposed in the optical path between the core 2241 of the optical fiber and the HR mirror; Optionally, at least one lens 2513 disposed between the HR mirror 2511 and its associated folding mirror 2512 and configured to adjust the shape of the beam associated therewith.

[0222] In some embodiments, the (HR) module 2501 is configured to reflect the received beam back and forth in the form of a fiber resonator.

[0223] In some embodiments, the HR module 2501 further includes an intracavity adjuster 2510 disposed between the HR mirror 2511 and its associated folding mirror 2512 and configured to adjust the amplitude, phase, polarization, or any combination thereof, of the reflected beam. In some embodiments, the intracavity adjuster includes an acousto-optic adjuster or an electro-optic adjuster. In some embodiments, the intracavity adjuster enables pulsed laser behavior.

[0224] Reference is now made to Figure 14, which schematically illustrates a hybrid pump module 2600 that includes at least some features and elements similar to the hybrid pump module 2200 shown in Figures 10A-10D. In some embodiments, the core-related module is a partial reflection (PR) module 2601. This partial reflection (PR) module 2601 is an output fiber 2610, optionally including an end cap 2609; a partially reflecting (PR) mirror 2611 disposed in the optical path of the output fiber 2610; a folding mirror 2612 associated with the PR mirror 2611, the folding mirror 2612 being disposed in the optical path between the core 241 of the optical fiber and the PR mirror 2611; Optionally, at least one lens 2613 disposed between the PR mirror 2611 and its associated folding mirror 2612 and configured to adjust the shape of the beam associated therewith.

[0225] In some embodiments, the hybrid pump module 2200, 2300, 2400, 2500, 2600 assembly is configured to be opto-mechanically aligned by measuring the beam path and adjusting the position and / or orientation of the components as described above. In some embodiments, this adjustment is provided by a jig vacuum catcher. In some embodiments, the adjusted components are at least one selected from any one of the core modules, any one of the diode modules, any one of the seed devices, any one of the BALs, any one of the fold mirrors, any one of the lenses, any one of the beam amplifiers, any one of the tap or partial mirrors and monitors, any one of the isolators, any one of the HR mirrors, any one of the PR mirrors, any one of the seed inputs, the focusing lens, and the VGB.

[0226] In some embodiments, at least some of the lenses 2213, 2214, 2313, 2413, 2513, 2613 configured to shape the cross section of the beam are selected from fast access collimators (FAC) 2213 and slow access collimators (SAC) 2214.

[0227] In some embodiments, at least some of the folding mirrors 2212, 2312, 2412, 2512, 2612 are configured to tap (pass) a portion of the reflected beam for further monitoring purposes (e.g., as shown at 2399 in FIG. 11).

[0228] 15 shows a schematic diagram of a fiber amplification system 2700. In some embodiments of the present invention, This fiber amplification system 2700 includes: an active optical fiber 2740 comprising a core and at least one cladding; In the embodiment described above, a hybrid pump module 2300 includes a seed associated module 2301 coupled to a first end 2744 of an optical fiber.

[0229] As shown in FIG. 15, fiber amplifier system 2700 is configured to receive a seed laser beam from seed laser device 2702 and amplify it into a high-power single-mode laser beam.

[0230] In some embodiments, the fiber amplification system 2700 further comprises a hybrid pump module 2400 including an output module 2401 coupled to a second end 2745 of the optical fiber. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the hybrid pump module 2400 operates as a counter-pump module configured to increase the beam amplification in the active optical fiber 2745 .

[0231] In some embodiments, the fiber amplification system 2700 further includes at least one selected from a pump dump 2703 and an output fiber 2411 having an end cap element 2704 coupled to a second end 2745 of the active optical fiber 2740.

[0232] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, according to various embodiments as described above, fiber amplification system 2700 can be made independent of the number of diode modules while significantly reducing the number of fusion splices required. For example, prior art system 2100 shown in FIG. 9 includes six diodes and requires at least nine fusion splices. System 2700 of the present invention includes at least eight (and may be more) diode modules, yet requires only two fusion splices.

[0233] Reference is now made to Figures 16A and 16B, which schematically illustrate a fiber laser system 2800, according to some embodiments of the present invention. This fiber laser system 2800 is an optical fiber 2840 including a core and at least one cladding; a hybrid pump module 2500 including a high-reflection (HR) module 2501 coupled to a first end 2844 of an optical fiber; and a hybrid pump module 2600 including a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) 2804 (shown in FIG. 16B) or a partial reflection (PR) module 2601 (shown in FIG. 16A) coupled to a second end 2845 of the optical fiber.

[0234] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the hybrid pump module 2600 operates as a counter-pump module configured to increase the beam amplification in the active optical fiber 2840 .

[0235] In some embodiments, the fiber laser system 2800 further includes at least one of a pump dump 2803 and an output fiber including an end cap element 2804 .

[0236] Enhanced frequency conversion using a weak high-frequency seed beam collinearly generated within the primary beam

[0237] Some embodiments of the present invention relate to frequency conversion of high average power laser beams in nonlinear crystals (NLCs). In some embodiments, for the example of frequency doubling of light having a wavelength of 1064 nm, the term "high average power" refers to an output power of greater than 300 W from a continuous laser, while for low-absorption LBO, "high green light output" is greater than 100 W.

[0238] In some embodiments, the present invention provides a means for correcting detrimental phase mismatch (MP) between a fundamental frequency input beam and a frequency converted output beam that may occur at the beginning of a single or multiple output frequency multiplier (PFD) chain of a nonlinear crystal (NLC).

[0239] This application, in some embodiments, discloses a "nonlinear crystal," abbreviated "NLC," or "crystal." Note that these terms are used interchangeably. This application, in some embodiments, discloses an "output frequency multiplier," abbreviated "PFD," or "multiplier." Note that these terms are used interchangeably. This application, in some embodiments, discloses a "nonlinear crystal output frequency multiplier," abbreviated "PFD-NLC," or "NLC multiplier," or "crystal multiplier." Note that these terms are used interchangeably. This application, in some embodiments, discloses a "second harmonic," abbreviated "harmonic." Note that these terms are used interchangeably.

[0240] In some embodiments, two factors are controlled for efficient frequency conversion: the temperature of the interaction region of the crystal and the relative phase between the fundamental beam and the output harmonic beam of the NLC.

[0241] In the prior art, near-optimal crystal parameters in the harmonic conversion region associated with the first NLC multiplier were maintained by an oven, but the oven did not control the phase mismatch that accumulated as the beam propagated from the entrance of the first NLC multiplier (where the first harmonic photons were generated) to the primary harmonic conversion region of the first NLC multiplier. This resulted in poor frequency conversion at high power. This is because a uniform temperature oven (UTO) has only one variable parameter (oven temperature), and the beam's mismatch phase (MP) near the oven's input face is determined by the local temperature at that location. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a means to impose any desired phase difference between the beams at the front face of the first NLC multiplier so that they are optimized by the time they propagate into the harmonic conversion region.

[0242] An approach reported in the literature is the use of two PFD-NLCs with an intermediate phase-mismatch compensator (PMC). A PMC is an optical element that exhibits chromatic dispersion and / or polarization-dependent refractive index. This dispersion can be an intrinsic property of the material or can be imposed by an external field, e.g., an electric field applied to an electro-optic material such as a Pockels cell.

[0243] The advantage of this in-line crystal-PMC-crystal approach is that the dispersive element only acts to generate a controllable phase difference between the co-propagating beams of two wavelengths, and is not required to achieve interference (sub-wavelength) optical path length control for the separately generated beams, thereby significantly reducing sensitivity and stability requirements.

[0244] The important points about the prior art for phase mismatch correction are the following (i) to (v). (i) Each NLC is configured to achieve maximum frequency conversion, i.e., each NLC acts as a PFD, seeking the lowest absorption rating for each type of crystal used. (ii) The PMC corrects the thermally induced mismatch phase (TMP) of the first crystal only after it exits the first crystal. (iii) The PMC, together with temperature and / or angle adjustments, can correct the TMP of the second double crystal multiplier. (iv) To date, there have been no means other than those for temperature or angle adjustment of the first PFD crystal to compensate for TMP in the first crystal placed in a uniform temperature oven (UTO) or to maintain conditions for optimal harmonic conversion in the main harmonic conversion region (or focal region if a focusing lens is used). (v) More complex gradient temperature ovens (GTOs) can eliminate MP within a single oven. However, GTOs require control of the input and output temperatures of the oven if a linear gradient is required, and also require control of the temperature at multiple points along the axis of the oven if the temperature rise due to light absorption varies along the length of the crystal (as when the beam is focused at the center of the crystal).

[0245] In some embodiments, the invention presented herein relates to means for overcoming the limitations described in (iv), for compensating for MP in the first PFD-NLC, i.e., for improving the multiplication efficiency in the first (and subsequent) PFDs.

[0246] In some embodiments of the present invention, as shown in FIG. 17A, the above improvement is provided by generating a low-power second-harmonic seed beam in a "seeder" NLC 3100 placed in the optical path of the high-power fundamental beam 3101 before the first PFD-NLC 3200. The phase difference between the fundamental beam 3101 and the harmonic beam 3202 from the seeder NLC 3100 is controlled by the addition of a PMC 3501. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 17B, the seeder NLC 3100 is placed in a temperature-controlled oven 3701. In some embodiments, the PMC 3502 placed after the seeder crystal 3100 is provided with a feedback control system 3602. The feedback control system 3602 is configured to sample the harmonic light 3202 after the first PFD-NLC 3200 and control the PMC to maximize the harmonic light 3202.

[0247] It is emphasized that the seeder crystal 3100 only needs to generate a low-power harmonic beam 3102 whose phase is controllable relative to the fundamental beam 3101. Therefore, it is not necessary to focus the fundamental beam to a small spot within the seeder crystal 3100, nor is it necessary for the seeder crystal to have approximately the same length (Ls) as the length (Ls) used in the first NLC multiplier 3200.

[0248] Optical absorption at high powers generates lateral and axial temperature variations that affect harmonic conversion. Thus, at all positions along the propagation axis (from the front surface, through any focal point, to the rear surface), the temperature increases with increasing laser power. This necessitates a decrease in oven temperature as the laser power increases.

[0249] In some embodiments, in all cases where a uniform temperature oven (UTO) is used, the temperature along the optical axis becomes more intense toward the latter part of the crystal due to changes in absorption (green light absorption is higher than IR light absorption) and, if a focusing lens is used to increase the laser intensity, cooling varies depending on the laser beam radius. In the prior art scenario, there is no independent control of the initial phase matching between the fundamental and harmonic beams in the first PFD-NLC. The only observable parameter is the output harmonic power, which is affected by what happens along the entire length of the crystal. The prior art scenario is to maximize the amount of harmonic light generated by varying the oven temperature. For phase matching of a focused beam, the main concern is maintaining the correct temperature in the focal region. Varying the temperature to optimize harmonic conversion in the focal region means that the temperature is not optimal at the beginning of the crystal. The resulting MP degrades harmonic conversion. The present invention provides the following improvements:

[0250] In some embodiments, the oven temperature can be readjusted to obtain phase matching in the focal region, but within the UTO, it is not possible to correct for MPs accumulated in the front to mid-portion of the first PFD-NLC.

[0251] In some embodiments, adding a second harmonic seed beam 3102, weaker than the high-power fundamental beam 3101, before the first PFD-NLC 3200 makes it possible to adjust the input phase difference before the first PFD-NLC independently of controlling phase matching in the focal region.

[0252] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a "short" nonlinear crystal (seeder crystal) 3100 is provided in front of the first long PFD NLC 3200. The seeder crystal 3100 is configured to generate a second harmonic beam that is weaker than the strong fundamental beam, with a controllable phase.

[0253] In some embodiments, a PMC 3501 is provided after the seeder NLC 3100 to adjust the IR-green MP. The IR-green MP is adjusted so that the MP of the seeder NLC plus the MP of the first PFD—the first PFD of the first half of the NLC—is equal to zero. ΣMP=MP シーダ +MP 1 / 2PFD =0

[0254] Note that MPs accumulated in the first half of the PFD crystal are more important than those accumulated in the second half. This is because MPs up to the focus strongly influence the multiplication in the focal region. MPs accumulated after the focal region do not strongly degrade the multiplication of the crystal because their intensity has already decreased. In addition, the second half of these MPs can be corrected by the next PMC.

[0255] It should be noted that if heat is generated by absorption in the NLC, the temperature will deviate from that required for phase matching, especially non-critical phase matching (NCPM). The negative effects are: temperature, angular, and spectral bandwidth reduction (this is most important in the focal region where most of the multiplication occurs); and Phase mismatch occurs as the beam propagates through the crystal (even in the weak doubling region, which can reduce the doubling efficiency later and cause back-conversion. The accumulation of MPs is most significant between the entrance face and the edge of the focal region); Examples include:

[0256] In some embodiments, uniform oven temperature readjustment techniques are provided to mitigate some of the thermal effects.

[0257] In some embodiments, adjusting the oven temperature is such that T=T at the focal region. 位相整合 Only one effect can be corrected: either achieving ΣMP=0 by the time the focal region of the NLC is reached or achieving ΣMP=0 by the time the focal region of the NLC is reached.

[0258] In some embodiments, the addition of a seeder NLC and PMC allows the input phase to be set as the conjugate to the phase mismatch of the crystal. Δφ シーダ =(-)MP PFD i.e., independent of the temperature of the focal region of the PFD-NLC.

[0259] In some embodiments, a PMC may not be required. The seeder crystal itself can generate the phase mismatch necessary for optimal multiplication in the output crystal multiplier. This mismatch can be provided by a controlled level of heating of the seeder crystal during passage of the IR beam, or by an intentional shift caused by an operator-imposed oven temperature change. However, remember that changing the oven temperature is a much slower response than rotating the PMC or applying a voltage to an electro-optic PMC device.

[0260] In some embodiments, the PMC can generate the desired or predetermined phase difference (between the fundamental and harmonic beams) no matter what phase difference occurs at the seeder crystal. In some embodiments, the PMC can adjust much faster than changing the oven temperature. In some embodiments, the PMC allows the power of the seeder crystal to remain fixed constant as the phase difference is adjusted.

[0261] In some embodiments, any phase mismatch occurring within the PFD-NLC can be mitigated by the use of a seeder NLC, along with a conjugate mismatch to mitigate MPs occurring due to changes in laser wavelength and / or oven temperature.

[0262] In some embodiments, the techniques described above can be applied to any periodically poled crystal with a constant poling period.

[0263] Reference is now made to Figures 17A-17C, which illustrate several setups 3100 for an apparatus 3000 configured to generate a weak second-harmonic seed beam 3102 and control its phase relative to a high-power input beam (fundamental beam) 3101, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention. In some embodiments, after generating the second-harmonic seed beam 3102 and adjusting the phase offset, the beam is propagated to an output frequency doubling (PFD) crystal 3200. In the illustrated example, one long-wavelength beam is frequency doubled. An achromatic optical element 3402 (achromatic lens or multi-wavelength mirror) can be used to focus both beams 3102, 3103 to the same point on the first PFD crystal 3200, thereby increasing the intensity and thus enhancing the frequency conversion.

[0264] In some embodiments, frequency multiplication is efficient when phase matching occurs.

[0265] In some embodiments, the input waves 3102, 3103 propagate at exactly the same speed through the PFD crystal 3200 from the onset of the first high-frequency photon and exit the edge of the frequency conversion region. In some embodiments, phase matching between the two wavelengths can be achieved in certain crystals by controlling the polarization direction of the beams relative to the crystal axes. The high-frequency beam is automatically polarized along its preferred phase-matching axis.

[0266] In some embodiments, phase matching is a function of the refractive index, which is a function of the propagation relative to the crystal axes, polarization, and crystal temperature. In some embodiments, a particular crystal maintained at a particular temperature for a particular input wavelength is particularly insensitive to propagation angle and / or bandwidth. Frequency conversion in this case is called noncritical phase matching (NCPM). Thus, for example, frequency doubling a 1064 nm beam using LBO maintained at 149.1°C allows the beam to be focused into a relatively long crystal. In some embodiments, the focal length and interaction length are then optimized. However, NCPM is sensitive to temperature and possibly to light absorption. The absorption of green light is approximately four times that of infrared light.

[0267] In some embodiments of the present invention, a novel apparatus 3000 configured for frequency doubling of optical radiation is provided, as shown in Figures 17A-17C. This device 3000 is at least two consecutive nonlinear crystals (NLCs) 3100, 3200, 330 including a first NLC 100, at least one second NLC 3200, and an optional subsequent NLC 3300; The first NLC 100 is configured to receive a fundamental beam 3101 at a fundamental frequency (FF) and output a weak second harmonic beam 3102 at a second harmonic frequency (FH) together with a strong residual beam 3103 at the fundamental frequency (FF), with a power ratio between the weak second harmonic beam 3102 and the fundamental beam 3101 of 5×10 -3 : Less than 1, At least one second NLC 3200 and optional subsequent NLC 3300 are configured to receive a residual beam 3103, 3203 at the fundamental frequency (FF) and a second harmonic beam 3102, 3202 at the second harmonic frequency (FH) from the previous NLC 3100, 3200, and optionally adjust their phase difference for optimal frequency multiplication, and then output a strong frequency-multiplied beam 3202, 3302 at the second harmonic frequency (FH) together with the residual beam 3203, 3303 at the fundamental frequency (FF), with a power ratio of the strong frequency-multiplied beam 3202, 3302 to the fundamental beam 3101 greater than 0.3 to 1.

[0268] In some embodiments, the apparatus 3000 further comprises at least one phase mismatch compensator (PMC) 3502, 3503 configured to correct the phase relationship between the residual beam 3103, 3203 at the fundamental frequency (FF) and the second harmonic beam 3102, 3202 at the second harmonic frequency (FH) before being received by the second NLC 3200 and / or the subsequent optional NLC 3300. In some embodiments, the PMC comprises a chromatic dispersive element whose integral value can be controlled by tilt or applied voltage.

[0269] 17A and 17B show a device 3000 with only one NLC multiplier 3200, while FIG. 17C shows a device with two NLC multipliers 3200, 3300 (a first NLC multiplier 3200 and a second NLC multiplier 3300). 17A and 17B show a device 3000 with a PMC 3502 placed before the first NLC multiplier 3200. 17C shows a device with two PMCs 3502, 3503, with one PMC 3502 placed before the first NLC multiplier 3200 and the other PMC 3502 placed before the second NLC multiplier 3300.

[0270] In some embodiments, the apparatus 3000 further comprises at least one feedback and control system 3602, 3603 configured to sample the intense frequency-doubled beams 3202, 3302 and adjust the PMCs 3502, 3503 accordingly to enable maximizing the output of the intense frequency-doubled beams 3202, 3302 over a wide range of operating conditions.

[0271] Figure 17B shows a feedback and control system 3602 configured to sample the intense frequency-doubled beam 3202 emitted from the second NLC 3200 (which is the first NLC multiplier) and adjust accordingly the PMC 3502 located before the first NLC multiplier 3200. Figure 17C shows a feedback and control system 3603 configured to sample the intense frequency-doubled beam 3302 emitted from the third NLC 3300 (which is the second NLC multiplier) and adjust accordingly the PMC 3503 located before the second NLC multiplier 3300. Both the feedback and control system 3602 and the system 3603 can be arranged in series.

[0272] In some embodiments, the feedback control systems 3602, 3603 include: at least one measurement element (not shown) (e.g., a photodetector); at least one processing element (not shown) configured to analyze data received from the at least one measurement element and, in response, provide control instructions for PMC adjustment; and at least one adjustment element (not shown) configured to adjust the PMCs 3502, 3503 according to control commands (e.g., tilting the PMCs via a motorized rotating device and / or via an applied voltage to the PMCs).

[0273] In some embodiments, the apparatus 3000 further comprises at least one oven 3701, 3702 (shown in FIG. 17B), each configured to regulate the temperature of the NLC 3100, 3200 (seeder NLC 3100 and / or NLC multiplier 3200).

[0274] In some embodiments, the length (LS) of the first NLC 3100 (seeder NLC) is significantly less than the length (LD) of the second NLC 3100 (NLC multiplier). In some embodiments, LS is 10% or less of LD (LS≦0.1LD).

[0275] In some embodiments, the second NLC 3200 and any subsequent NLC 3300 comprise LBO material (for converting continuous wave lasers) and have a length (LD) greater than 40 mm.

[0276] In some embodiments, the fundamental frequency (FF) is characteristic of infrared (IR) light (λF=1064 nm), and therefore the second harmonic frequency (FH) is characteristic of visible light (λH=532 nm).

[0277] In some embodiments, each of the NLCs is configured to have a fundamental beam polarization along its crystal axis (Type 1) or at a 45 degree angle to its crystal axis (Type 2).

[0278] In some embodiments, each of the NLCs comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of BBBO, KTP, LBO, CLBO, DKDP, ADP, KDP, LiIO3, KNbO3, LiNbO3, AgGaS2, and AgGaSe2.

[0279] In some embodiments, the dimensions of the lateral area 3210 of each of the NLCs are larger than the dimensions of the input beam it receives.

[0280] In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 further comprises at least one collimating lens 3401 configured to precisely collimate the input beam. In some embodiments, the apparatus 300 further comprises at least one focusing element 3402, 3403 configured to focus both the frequency-doubled beam and the residual beam onto a subsequent element, e.g., an NLC or a PMC, optionally at its center (3215 in FIG. 17A).

[0281] In some embodiments of the present invention, a novel method for multiplying the frequency of optical radiation is provided. This method is providing a nonlinear crystal (NLC) having a fundamental beam at a fundamental frequency (FF) and a weak second harmonic beam at a second harmonic frequency (FH); and an extraction step of extracting a strong frequency-doubled beam at the second harmonic frequency (FH) together with a residual beam at the fundamental frequency (FF) by the NLC; The power ratio between the weak second harmonic beam and the fundamental beam is 5 × 10 -3 to 1, The power ratio between the strong frequency-doubled beam and the fundamental beam is greater than 0.3:1.

[0282] In some embodiments, the providing step further includes compensating for phase mismatch between the fundamental beam and the weak second harmonic beam by a phase mismatch compensator (PMC), and the method further includes controlling the PMC to enable maximizing the power of the strong frequency-doubled beam.

[0283] Next, let us refer to Figures 18(A) and 18(B). Figure 18(A) shows a schematic diagram of the temperature change along the optical axis of a single crystal that is temperature-tuned for low-power conversion but experiences heating when operated at high power. Figure 18(B) shows the cumulative phase up to an arbitrary position Z within the crystal. The given temperature is (T0 = 149.1°C), where T0(Z) is the on-axis temperature. As shown, the crystal is hottest at the focal region. This is because the area around the heat-generating zone (the beam) through which the heat passes is coldest at the focal position, and the distance the heat must travel before exiting the heat transport zone (the non-irradiated crystal) is longest at the focal position. The temperature distribution is asymmetric with respect to the focal region because more green light is generated as the beam propagates and more light is absorbed in the latter part of the crystal. In this case, MP increases monotonically because every point in the crystal becomes very hot.

[0284] As mentioned above, Figure 18(A) shows a schematic of the temperature change along the optical axis of a single LBO crystal placed in an oven set up for low-power frequency doubling of a 1064 nm beam. In some embodiments, optimal doubling occurs at 149.1 °C. T is higher than the optimal temperature due to heating by the laser beam. The temperature profile is non-uniform because the beam is focused at the center of the crystal, and because green absorption is approximately four times greater than infrared absorption. Due to this heating, optimal doubling does not occur.

[0285] Figure 18(B) shows a schematic of the total phase difference between the fundamental and multiplied beams. Note that even though most of the multiplication occurs in the focal region, the phase mismatch begins at the front of the crystal and accumulates. This accumulation of MPs significantly impacts frequency conversion in the focal region.

[0286] Next, reference is made to Figures 19(A)-(C), which show the addition of a conjugate seed phase difference after readjusting the temperature of the PFD crystal, with the goal of minimizing MP and achieving an optimal temperature in the focal region where most of the frequency conversion occurs. In some embodiments, the conditions shown in Figures 18(A) and 18(B) are considered starting conditions.

[0287] Figure 19(A) shows a solution based on temperature readjustment and phase offset provided by a seeder crystal, according to some embodiments. In the first step, as shown in Figure 19(B), the temperature of the PFD is readjusted, similar to the conventional approach. The feedback parameter is the maximum harmonic output after the first PFD. In some embodiments, the phase of the second-harmonic seed beam generated by the seeder crystal is not optimal. To obtain the optimal phase difference with the seeder crystal, the PMC is varied, as shown in Figure 19(C). This two-step process is repeated until no further improvement is achieved. Simulation results show that, regardless of the initial phase difference, an optimal phase difference is almost always obtained, and this optimal phase difference is very close to the conversion efficiency obtained with perfect PM.

[0288] In some embodiments, the device 3000 as described above can be incorporated into a variety of systems. Non-limiting examples include: Systems for industrial applications such as irradiating poorly infrared absorbing workpieces for cutting, welding, surface treatment or further processing; Systems for scientific applications such as pumping Ti:sapphire to generate femtosecond pulses at high repetition rates and high average powers, or to generate higher frequencies by further sum frequency mixing / additional frequency doubling, or tunable frequencies below the second harmonic by adding an optical parametric oscillator; and Examples include systems for medical applications where rapid invasive procedures are required.

[0289] Simulation Test

[0290] Referring to Figures 20A, 20B, and 20C, we present the results of a series of simulations performed with a 500 W input beam. A 50 mm thick seeder crystal was used to generate a second-harmonic seed beam with a phase difference significantly different from the conjugate phase difference required for MP correction of the PFD-NLC. Note that in terms of the required seeder beam power, a much thinner crystal may be used.

[0291] The models incorporated into the simulation are (a) to (g) below. (a) Absorption per wavelength depends on the axial direction. (b) The beam is focused at the center of the crystal. (c) Transverse temperatures calculated within the beam (heated zone) and in the unirradiated zone (heat transport zone). (d) Calculated phase based on the thermo-optic coefficient and segment propagation length. (e) Multiply by segments using SNLO. (f) The crystal is divided into seven segments, each with a constant beam diameter. (g) Using the output for qualitative analysis.

[0292] Figures 20A-20C show three cases of axial temperature offset from the optimum temperature (dashed blue line). The input laser power was 500 W and a 50 mm seeder crystal was used. The test results are as follows: The black line and black circle show the temperature change if the oven is not readjusted from low power. The orange line and squares indicate the temperature offset after temperature adjustment to obtain maximum multiplied output. The green line and triangles indicate the PMC readjustment temperature and the temperature after the final (small) readjustment. The optimization goal was set to T0(Z) = 149.1 °C at the center of the focal region. The heat transport along the input surface was assumed to be equal to the internal heat transport. The heat transport across the input surface was assumed to be zero. Other boundary conditions were tested.

[0293] Figure 20B shows the phase difference between the fundamental wave (input) and the multiplied beam when using a seeder-NLC. The phase of the PMC was adjusted to obtain optimal multiplication at the center of the PFD-NLC. This strategy consistently achieved optimal multiplication.

[0294] Figure 20C shows the green beam output as the beam propagates through the PFD. Note the significant poor conversion before temperature and PMC readjustment. Also note that adding PMC after temperature adjustment increases the output by a factor of 1.3, reaching the calculated output without phase mismatch.

[0295] Table 1 summarizes the simulation results for doubling a 500 W input beam with and without a 50 mm seeder crystal.

[0296] [Table 1]

[0297] Table 2 summarizes the test results for doubling a 500W input beam with and without a 10mm seeder crystal.

[0298] [Table 2]

[0299] The key points that can be seen from the above simulation tests are as follows: To correct for the temperature and PMC phase mismatch, two independent parameters are required. Although we analyzed the temperature-induced phase mismatch, the temperature + PMC correction technique is also applicable to other causes of MP. Acceptable phase matching was achieved over the long cross section of the PFD using the analyzed focusing geometry and a uniform temperature oven. Compensation can significantly improve performance, bringing it up to PFD performance levels without incurring MP.

[0300] The use of (seeder crystal + PMC) is perfectly compatible with multiple PFDs, where each additional PFD is preceded by a corresponding PMC. Continuing the simulation with a second PFD crystal suggests that approximately 350 W (70% efficiency) can be achieved.

[0301] The purpose of one experimental test was to demonstrate that injection of a weak seed beam with a controlled fundamental harmonic phase difference, as in some of the embodiments described above, can produce better frequency multiplication from an "output multiplier" than configurations that do not use a seed crystal. This test is characterized by the following (a) to (c). (a) Lower the first oven temperature to generate a weak seed beam. Seed beam profiles for different non-resonant temperatures are shown in Figure 21. The best profile is obtained when the temperature corresponds to the second peak, providing the desired power output. In this case, 190 mW was selected. (b) Determine the optimal second oven temperature: Pw ≈ 220 W + P2w ≈ 30 W. (c) The second oven temperature is increased to simulate additional heating. This is done twice: once with the PMC held at a fixed angle, and once with the PMC rotated to obtain maximum multiplication. Two seeder outputs were tested to distinguish between input power amplification and phase effects.

[0302] Figures 22A and 22B show experimental results with and without a seeder beam, comparing them. Figure 22A shows a 0.643W seeder, and Figure 22B shows a 0.188W seeder. The orange (top) shows the results with a seeder beam, and the blue (bottom) shows the results without a seeder beam. 22A and 22B are (1) At the optimum temperature of the 0.643 W seeder, there is a difference between the results for "with seeder beam" and "without seeder beam," which indicates power amplification and phase effects. (2) At the optimum temperature for the 0.188W seeder, there is no difference between the results with and without the seeder beam. At higher temperatures, only the phase mismatch effect is observed. The difference (horizontal and / or vertical) indicates an improvement.

[0303] Figure 23 shows the added value of using a seeder beam, calculated as follows: (P 2W-シーダあり -P 2W-シーダなし ) / (P 2W-シーダあり ) vs. second oven temperature The maximum value appears on the wing and does not return to double the peak value, making it appear modest.

[0304] In some embodiments, commercially available products produce a constant power beam with fluctuations on the order of SD = ±1.5%. The wider the temperature bandwidth of the multiplier, the easier it is to maintain this stability.

[0305] Table 3 shows the width of the temperature regulation curve at the 98.5% level. Therefore, the bandwidth without the seeder beam (without seeder) is narrower than the capability of the oven control circuit. The bandwidth with the seeder beam (with seeder) is feasible.

[0306] [Table 3]

[0307] Figure 24 shows that the seeder beam provides a phase effect by presenting a green output beam versus PMC rotation. (1) Reverse conversion (output reduction) can be caused by phase control alone. (2) The output can be adjusted by rotating the PMC, which keeps the oven temperature constant. (3) Only a 0.19 W seeder caused a 7 W output drop. Thus, phase control was confirmed.

[0308] Therefore, according to some of the embodiments described above, the above-described seeder simulation tests lead to the conclusion that a seed beam can be used to provide >200 W of green light output from a single beam.

[0309] Performance enhancement of harmonic conversion systems using an actively controlled phase mismatch compensator between two crystals

[0310] In some embodiments, the present invention provides for the addition of dynamic control to the PMC using feedback or lookup tables to enhance the performance of the frequency conversion system, which in some embodiments can provide at least one of improved stability in the presence of temperature fluctuations in the oven housing the crystal, changes in the average power of the laser, and the ability to tune the harmonic beam.

[0311] In some embodiments, the PMCs described herein comprise glass windows. In some embodiments, the PMCs are generally applicable to any optical element that exhibits chromatic dispersion that is a function of an externally controllable parameter.

[0312] 25A, 25B, and 25C show an apparatus 4000 configured to multiply the frequency of an input of optical radiation 4101 to provide an output beam 4400 having a second harmonic frequency 4302. FIG. This device 400 is at least two consecutive nonlinear crystals (NLCs) 4200, 4300, each configured to receive a first beam 4201, 4203 at a fundamental frequency (FF) and, optionally, a second beam 4202 at a second harmonic frequency (FH) from the previous NLC, and to output an intense frequency-doubled beam 4202, 4302 at the second harmonic frequency (FH) together with a residual beam 4203, 4303 at the fundamental frequency (FF); At least one phase mismatch compensator (PMC) 4503 arranged between the two NLCs, the at least one PMC being configured to correct the phase relationship between the residual beam 4203 at the fundamental frequency (FF) and the second harmonic beam 4202 at the second harmonic frequency (FH) before being received by the subsequent NLC; and an electric rotating device 4650 provided for each PMC, configured to be able to actively rotate the PMC, thereby actively adjusting the correction of the phase relationship between the residual beam and the second harmonic beam.

[0313] In some embodiments, This device 4000 is The device further includes at least one feedback and control system configured to sample the intense frequency-doubled beam in real time and responsively tilt the PMC in a continuous or stepwise manner by a motorized rotation device to continuously enable maximum power output of the intense frequency-doubled beam.

[0314] In some embodiments, the feedback and control system includes at least one beam splitter 4610, at least one measurement element (e.g., a photodiode 4620), at least one processing element 4630, and at least one control element 4640 configured to control the motorized rotation device 4650.

[0315] In some embodiments, the PMC includes an optically transparent window that exhibits chromatic dispersion and is configured such that the distance required for a beam to pass through the window varies relative to the angle of rotation of the window. In some embodiments, the PMC includes a plate (e.g., a transparent plate polished on both sides) that exhibits chromatic dispersion and is configured such that the distance required for a beam to pass through the plate varies relative to the angle of rotation of the plate.

[0316] In some embodiments, the motorized rotation device 4650 is configured to rotate the PMC in a stepwise and / or continuous motion in a continuous, real-time manner.

[0317] In some embodiments, the motorized rotating device is further configured to rotate the PMC in a dither pattern bounded by upper and lower limits.

[0318] In some embodiments, the feedback and control system is configured to use a dithering scheme to provide at least one of the following: Minimizing the inverse transformation in the subsequent NLC, thereby maximizing the power of the output beam; maximizing the inverse transformation in the subsequent NLC, thereby minimizing the power of the output beam; Adjusting the power of the output beam to a predetermined value between a maximum and a minimum value (optionally during static or dynamic operating conditions selected from changing the input laser power and changing the oven temperature).

[0319] In some embodiments, the motorized rotation device is configured to rotate the PMC in a toggle mode between a maximum harmonic conversion state and a minimum harmonic conversion state to turn the output beam on and off.

[0320] In some embodiments, the motorized rotating device is configured to rotate the PMC to provide a flat-top pulse having a controlled rise and fall time and a controllable duration.

[0321] In some embodiments, the motorized rotating device is configured to provide shaped harmonic pulses by rotating the PMC according to a look-up table.

[0322] In some embodiments, the apparatus 4000 further comprises at least one dichroic beam splitter 4801 configured to separate at least a portion of the residual beam 4303 from the output beam 4400.

[0323] In some embodiments, the power ratio between the launched intense frequency-doubled beam and the launched fundamental beam is greater than 0.3:1.

[0324] In some embodiments, the apparatus 4000 further comprises at least one oven each configured to regulate the temperature of the NLC.

[0325] In some embodiments, the PMC is configured to be actively controlled to minimize power fluctuations due to fluctuations in the temperature of the oven housing the NLC.

[0326] In some embodiments, at least one of the NLCs comprises an LBO and its length (LD) is sufficient to achieve significant harmonic generation. In some embodiments, at least one of the NLCs comprises an LBO and its length (LD) is greater than 40 mm.

[0327] In some embodiments, the fundamental frequency (FF) is characteristic of infrared (IR) light (λF=1064 nanometers nm), and therefore the second harmonic frequency (FH) is characteristic of visible light (λH=532 nm).

[0328] In some embodiments, each of the NLCs is configured to have a fundamental beam polarization along its crystal axis or at a 45 degree angle to its crystal axis.

[0329] In some embodiments, each of the NLCs comprises at least one material selected from the group consisting of BBBO, KTP, LBO, CLBO, DKDP, ADP, KDP, LiIO3, KNbO3, LiNbO3, AgGaS2, AgGaSe2.

[0330] In some embodiments, the lateral dimensions of each of the NLCs are larger than the dimensions of the input beam it receives.

[0331] In some embodiments, the apparatus 4000 further comprises at least one achromatic focusing element 4231, 4232, 4232 configured to focus the fundamental and harmonic beams onto the NLC.

[0332] In some embodiments of the invention, the apparatus 4000 further comprises at least one collimating lens 4406 configured to make the transmitted beam rays precisely approximately parallel. In some embodiments, the apparatus 4000 further comprises at least one focusing element 4404, 4405, such as an achromatic lens or mirror, configured to focus both the frequency doubled beam and the residual beam onto a subsequent element, for example an additional NLC.

[0333] In some embodiments, the PMC consists of a thin (approximately 1 mm) anti-reflection coated fused silica window, which uses the inherent chromatic dispersion of the material to impose a controllable amount of phase difference between the fundamental and harmonic beams passing through the material.

[0334] The following example shows that, according to some embodiments, enhanced performance is achieved through active control of the PMC. In some embodiments, the PMC is mounted on a motorized rotating (or tilting) base 4650. In some embodiments, the fundamental harmonic phase difference increases with the rotation angle α of the PMC, as shown in Figures 26(A) and 26(B). As the rotation (or tilt) angle α (angle from the PMC positioned perpendicular to the beam, α=0) increases, the light path through the PMC increases. Figure 26(B): P1>P0, where P0 is the light path when α=0 and P1 is the light path when α>0.

[0335] In some embodiments, the optimal rotation angle that provides the optimal output beam (e.g., a beam with a user-specified power) 4400 is selected as a result of rotating to a predetermined position based on a lookup table (a predetermined table based on a previous database) or using the feedback system 4603 shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B. FIG. 25C illustrates an apparatus that does not use a feedback system. In some embodiments, as shown in FIGS. 25A and 25B, feedback is achieved by sampling the output beam 4400 using a power measurement detector (e.g., a photodiode, 4620 in FIG. 25B). In some embodiments, in both embodiments (lookup table and feedback system), a computer (or microprocessor) 4630 is used to transmit control signals to the motorized rotation device 4650 using driver electronics 4640.

[0336] In some embodiments, a feedback algorithm is used to continuously adjust the rotation angle of the PMC to find and maintain the maximum doping efficiency (e.g., by a factor of 2) to reduce green light output fluctuations caused by temperature stability limitations of the oven used to maintain a constant crystal temperature, for example, as shown in Figure 27. In some embodiments, feedback control can be used to correct the angle of the PMC to overcome changes in laser input power that cause changes in crystal temperature due to differences in light absorption.

[0337] In some embodiments, the opposite of frequency doubling is inverse conversion. The frequency-doubled light generated in the first crystal can be converted back to the fundamental frequency in the second crystal by adjusting the phase difference. A PMC is effective in introducing such an inverse phase difference. Therefore, by rotating the PMC, frequency doubling can be maximized or minimized. As a result, harmonic pulses can be generated by switching the angle of the PMC between low green light output (LG) and high green light output (HG) to toggle the beam output between "off" and "on."

[0338] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 27, a method 5000 is provided for activating (“on”) and / or deactivating (“off”) the frequency-doubled output beam from the apparatus 4000 described above. This method 5000 is a sampling step 4710 of sampling in real time and measuring the output beam; a decision step 4720 of continuously or frequently determining whether the output beam has reached a maximum value (for an "on" output) or a minimum value (for an "off" output); If the determination at decision step 4720 is "NO", then step 4740 rotates the PMC and then returns to sampling step 4710 to repeat the method; If the determination at decision step 4720 is "YES," maintaining the current PMC rotation angle αMAX (or αMIN), and then returning to sampling step 4710 to repeat the method for either a dynamic input beam and / or a dynamic oven temperature.

[0339] In some embodiments, the "on" / "off" states are long enough to achieve optimal maximum / minimum values. In some embodiments, for faster "rise" or "fall" times ("on" / "off"), rotating the PMC includes toggling the PMC between two predetermined states to rapidly adjust the harmonic output beam.

[0340] Testing of apparatus 4000 and method 5000 demonstrated that the rise time (30 ms) of output beam 4400 activation ("on") is limited only by the particular data communications hardware used. In some embodiments, the rise time is limited only by the inertia of the rotating system, the torque, and the precision of the motorized rotating device toggling between two positions ("on" / "off"). In this way, rise times of less than 1 ms in phase toggle mode can be achieved.

[0341] In some embodiments, Figure 25B schematically illustrates the above-described apparatus 4000, including two nonlinear crystals (NLCs) 4200, 4300, in the configuration used in the following demonstration tests. The demonstrated harmonic conversion setup uses two nonlinear crystals placed in an oven and separated from each other by an actively controlled phase-mismatch compensator (PMC) plate. The PMCs 4503 are attached to a motorized rotating device whose position is computer-controlled using feedback provided by a lookup table or a photodiode sampling the harmonic output beam. In this setup, the beam is focused onto each crystal to maximize the conversion efficiency per crystal. In some embodiments, as used in this test setup, the NLC comprises lithium triborate (LBO) oriented for Type 1 noncritical phase matching. As shown, the NLC is housed in a resistive oven that maintains a temperature of approximately 149.1 ± 0.15 °C. The optimal temperature varies as a function of input power due to optical absorption at the fundamental and harmonic wavelengths. The degree of crystal absorption is an important factor. A typical variation in optimum temperature is several degrees of fundamental beam power between 10 W and 250 W.

[0342] In some embodiments, the sensitivity to temperature scale changes is inversely proportional to the crystal length. In the tested devices, the individual crystals are at least 40 millimeters (mm) long, with two output crystal multipliers per device. The requirement is typically ±1% harmonic output stability. This translates to an oven temperature stability requirement of approximately ±0.04°C, in this example, with two crystal passes (tested by passing one crystal twice) undergoing identical temperature changes. Such temperature stability exceeds the capabilities of most ovens and control circuits. The oven control circuit operates by applying an electrical pulse to a heating resistor when the temperature drops below a predetermined level. This increases the crystal temperature, but inevitably causes overshoot.

[0343] 28A and 28B show schematic diagrams of the crystal temperature and multiplied power fluctuations over time due to undershoot / overshoot in an oven's control circuit, according to some embodiments of the present invention. FIG. 28A shows the change in oven temperature without exceeding the optimal temperature for frequency multiplication, while FIG. 28B shows the oven temperature above the optimal temperature for frequency multiplication. In a typical system, the characteristic heating and cooling times are approximately one minute. As shown in FIG. 28A, the harmonic light output fluctuations mimic the frequency of the oven's temperature fluctuations when the temperature does not exceed the optimal temperature point. As shown in FIG. 28B, once the oven temperature exceeds the optimal temperature point, the frequency of the harmonic output fluctuations increases to twice the frequency of the temperature fluctuations (if the temperature fluctuations are symmetrical around the optimal temperature point). This result is caused by the fact that the harmonic output peaks (either halfway up or halfway down) each time the optimal temperature point is exceeded, but the output decreases for both positive and negative ΔT.

[0344] In some embodiments, temperature changes result in a phase mismatch between the fundamental and harmonic light, so a phase mismatch compensator (PMC) plate can be used to add a conjugate phase to nullify the phase mismatch introduced by the oven. In some embodiments, the temperature of the oven is continuously changed, so the rotation of the PMC is also continuously changed. For this reason, the PMC is placed on a motorized rotation stage. In some embodiments, the rotation angle of the PMC is varied by dither control. In some embodiments, dither control is a deliberately applied form of noise used to randomize quantization errors and prevent large-scale patterns.

[0345] FIG. 29 illustrates power stabilization using dither control for a rotating PMC configured to overcome oven undershoot / overshoot, according to some embodiments of the present invention. As shown, the active PMC response is indicated by vertical time lines. At the end of each response period, the rotation direction and speed are evaluated. Due to the time delay between the crystal starting to heat or cool and the PMC reorienting, an error occurs, resulting in a drop in power output. As shown, high-frequency, small-amplitude, rotational dither control is applied to the PMC. In some embodiments, the upper limit of the dither frequency is determined by the physical inertia plus the integration of the feedback signal and the system's response time. In some embodiments, the lower limit of the dither frequency is determined by application requirements or the height / depth of the power fluctuations caused by the dither. In some embodiments, the optimal PMC induction phase is not constant, but rather sawtooth, with a period equal to the period of the oven temperature fluctuations. In addition to this slow change, there is a change in the dither phase. If the dither control properly tracks the oven fluctuations, the harmonic power output will fluctuate at twice the dither frequency. If there is an error in the PMC phase (for example, immediately after the crystal starts to heat up after turning on the oven, or if there is a lag between processing the feedback signal and transmitting the control signal to the PMC), the output will drop and high frequency fluctuations will drop down to the dither frequency.

[0346] In some embodiments, dither control with feedback is used to optimize the PMC angle after changing operating conditions, as shown in Figure 30. Also, in some embodiments, dither control with feedback is used to maintain the harmonic output at its maximum while reducing the variation from a typical value of approximately ±3.7% with static PMC, as shown in Figure 31(A). Also, in some embodiments, continuous dither control is used to reduce the PMC to approximately ±1.6% when the PMC is operated with active feedback control, as shown in Figure 31(B) (the upper right portion shows an expanded view of the time period from 1440.5 to 1442.7 seconds). For these measurements, a feedback photodiode was monitored. Note: Figure 30 shows the green light output of the feedback-controlled PMC when rotating to its maximum power level (Pω = 80 W). The sawtooth pattern during the power ramp is a result of the PMC dither control. Data was acquired using a feedback photodiode. Figures 31(A) and 31(B) show a comparison of the power fluctuations without continuous feedback PMC stabilization (Figure 31(A)) and with continuous feedback PMC stabilization (Figure 31(B)). Figures 31(A) and 31(B) show a 10-minute window over a 60-minute run time. For these measurements, the feedback photodiode was monitored.

[0347] In some embodiments, additional insight can be gained by looking at the power meter data in the frequency domain. This is shown in Figure 32, which analyzes a one-hour run using a fast Fourier transform (FFT). The bottom graph shows the case with a stabilization algorithm, while the top graph shows the case without a stabilization algorithm. When run without a stabilization algorithm, the harmonic conversion started with optimal phase matching but drifted over time. Thus, two offset peaks were observed, one at the characteristic temperature response frequency of the oven and the other at twice that frequency. Also note the presence of elevated low-frequency power just beyond the constant power spike at 0 Hz. Note: At 0 Hz, there is a point with a value equal to 1. This is the constant power component of the signal. In some embodiments, a perfectly stable beam contains only this one point, which is another indicator of power drift. With continuous dither stabilization, the results are significantly different. The power fluctuations generated by the oven were reduced by about five times, and the low-frequency drift was also significantly reduced. The dither stabilization algorithm produced high-frequency components beyond the range of the plot. These frequencies exceeded the frequency response of the Ophir50 (150) output meter I was using.

[0348] In some embodiments, high levels of back-conversion are achieved and maintained using the same techniques used to maximize harmonic conversion in the two NLC devices 4000. In some embodiments, the only parameter varied is the infrared (IR)-green phase difference. A simulation of this effect is shown in Figure 33. Figure 33 shows a Smith nonlinear optics (SNLO) simulation of the effect of rotating the PMC plate on the harmonic output for various input powers. A typical low-green to high-green output ratio of more than 10 times was experimentally achieved at high powers (LG / HG < 0.10). In some embodiments, this result can be used to modulate ("on" / "off") a high-power continuous-wave (CW) green beam. This is important because simply turning the fundamental beam on and off only slightly increases the rise time. Note: The reason for this is that high power doubling requires a reduced oven temperature to account for IR+green absorption. When the laser is first turned on, the temperature is too low and the doubling efficiency is low. As infrared light is absorbed, the crystal heats up and produces more green light. Absorption of green light further increases the crystal's temperature, approaching optimal high-power values. In some embodiments, full doubling efficiency cannot be achieved until the crystal has reached thermal equilibrium through absorption of the fundamental light and then the green light.

[0349] 34A and 34B show a comparison of the rise times (from minimum to maximum power) achieved according to some embodiments by rapidly turning the input laser beam "on" as shown in FIG. 34A, or by toggling the position of the PMC as shown in FIG. 34B. The IR input power was 246 W and the maximum green power was 75 W. The thermopile power meter (τ rise = 2 seconds) to make the measurements shown in Figure 34A, and a feedback photodiode was used to measure the trace (τ riseWe obtained a response time of 30 ms. In this test setup, the rise time of the PMC activation system is limited by the communication time between the photodiode and the computer and between the computer and the PMC rotation stage. The dashed line shows the rise time of the fiber laser during fast turn-on. The dotted line shows the much slower rise time of the green output. This slow response is due to the time required to reach thermal equilibrium, first due to IR absorption, and then due to green absorption in response to the generation of more green output. The much faster response when using the PMC toggle is a result of the fact that the first crystal is at thermal equilibrium while the second crystal is partially heated by infrared absorption. By minimizing inertia and appropriately selecting the motorized rotation device and control circuitry, sub-millisecond rise times can be achieved.

[0350] It should be noted that more complex pulse shaping is a simple extension of this technique: in some embodiments, pulses of arbitrary shape can be generated as long as the time-dependent PMC relative angle can be obtained, programmed, and then executed.

[0351] In some embodiments, the device 4000 as described above can be incorporated into a variety of systems. Non-limiting examples include: Systems for industrial applications such as irradiating poorly infrared absorbing workpieces for cutting, welding, surface treatment or further processing; Systems for scientific applications such as pumping Ti:sapphire to generate femtosecond pulses at high repetition rates and high average powers, or to generate higher frequencies by further sum frequency mixing / additional frequency doubling, or tunable frequencies below the second harmonic by adding an optical parametric oscillator; and Examples include systems for medical applications where rapid invasive procedures are required.

[0352] While certain features of the invention have been illustrated and described herein, various modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will occur to those skilled in the art. It is therefore to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. 1. A method for adjusting a laser beam provided by a laser system comprising at least one seed laser device and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and selectively provide an amplified laser beam, the method comprising: The coherent beam combining (CBC) system comprises: a plurality of phase adjusters, each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at a CBC point, configured to be optically connected to a seed beam, at least one beam splitter that splits the seed beam into multiple beams all of the same wavelength, a plurality of optical amplifiers, and optionally at least one beam combiner; at least one control circuit configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly; The method comprises: providing the laser beam by controlling the phase adjuster to activate the laser beam to provide constructive beam interference at the CBC point; ceasing to provide the laser beam by controlling the phase adjuster to deactivate the laser beam to provide destructive beam interference at the CBC point; The laser system includes: a fast optical modulator (FOM) configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and adjust its bandwidth; activating the laser beam to provide the laser beam; activating the laser beam by controlling the fast optical modulator (FOM) to provide the seed beam having a first bandwidth (Δω) set to enable constructive interference at a CBC point of the coherent beam combining (CBC) system, thereby providing the laser beam; the step of ceasing to provide the laser beam by deactivating the laser beam further comprises: deactivating the laser beam by controlling the fast optical modulator (FOM) to provide the seed beam with a second bandwidth (Δω2; Δω2>Δω1) set to disable constructive interference at the CBC point, thereby ceasing to provide the laser beam; A method characterized by:

2. 10. The method of claim 1, activating the laser beam to provide the laser beam; providing the laser beam by controlling the phase adjuster to provide constructive interference at the CBC point; the step of ceasing to provide the laser beam by deactivating the laser beam further comprises: and controlling the phase adjuster to provide destructive interference at the CBC point and ceasing to provide the laser beam.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of controlling the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference to provide the laser beam comprises adjusting the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference at a maximum intensity.

4. 4. The method of claim 3, 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of controlling the phase adjusters to provide the destructive interference and ceasing to provide the laser beam comprises controlling half of the adjusted phase adjusters to add half a phase (π) to the laser beam.

5. 4. The method of claim 3, 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of controlling the phase adjusters to provide the destructive interference and ceasing to provide the laser beam includes adjusting some of the adjusted phase adjusters.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein each of the phase adjusters is adjusted individually.

7. 4. The method of claim 3, further comprising adjusting the laser beam by adjusting some of the phase adjusters adjusted to provide the laser beam at maximum intensity; 10. The method of claim 9, wherein adjusting the phase adjuster comprises adjusting the intensity of the laser beam to an intensity equal to a predetermined percentage of the maximum intensity.

8. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the step of controlling the phase adjuster to provide the destructive beam interference and ceasing to provide the laser beam comprises adjusting the phase adjuster to provide the destructive beam interference at a minimum intensity.

9. A method for adjusting a laser beam provided by a laser system comprising at least one seed laser device and a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and selectively provide an amplified laser beam, comprising: The coherent beam combining (CBC) system comprises: a plurality of phase adjusters, each arranged to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at a CBC point, configured to be optically connected to a seed beam, at least one beam splitter that splits the seed beam into multiple beams all of the same wavelength, a plurality of optical amplifiers, and optionally at least one beam combiner; at least one control circuit configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly; The method comprises: providing the laser beam by controlling the phase adjuster to activate the laser beam to provide constructive beam interference at the CBC point; ceasing to provide the laser beam by controlling the phase adjuster to deactivate the laser beam to provide destructive beam interference at the CBC point; The laser system includes: a first seed laser apparatus configured to provide a first seed beam having a first bandwidth (Δω1); a second seed laser device configured to provide a second seed beam having a second bandwidth (Δω2; Δω2>Δω1) wider than the first bandwidth; an optical switch configured to link only one of the first seed beam and the second seed beam to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system; the first bandwidth (Δω1) is set to enable the constructive beam interference at a CBC point of the coherent beam combining (CBC) system; the second bandwidth (Δω) is set to disable the constructive beam interference at the CBC point; activating the laser beam to provide the laser beam; controlling the optical switch to link the first seed beam to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system to activate the laser beam to enable the constructive beam interference, thereby providing the laser beam; the step of ceasing to provide the laser beam by deactivating the laser beam further comprises: controlling the optical switch to link the second seed beam to a CBC system to deactivate a laser beam to disable the constructive beam interference, thereby ceasing provision of the laser beam. A method characterized by:

10. The method according to claim 9, activating the laser beam to provide the laser beam; providing the laser beam by controlling the phase adjuster to provide constructive interference at the CBC point; the step of ceasing to provide the laser beam by deactivating the laser beam further comprises: and controlling the phase adjuster to provide destructive interference at the CBC point and ceasing to provide the laser beam.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the step of controlling the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference to provide the laser beam comprises adjusting the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference at a maximum intensity.

12. The method of claim 11, 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of controlling the phase adjusters to provide the destructive interference and ceasing to provide the laser beam comprises controlling half of the adjusted phase adjusters to add half a phase (π) to the laser beam.

13. The method of claim 11, 10. The method of claim 9, wherein the step of controlling the phase adjusters to provide the destructive interference and ceasing to provide the laser beam includes adjusting some of the adjusted phase adjusters.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein each of the phase adjusters is adjusted individually.

15. The method of claim 11, further comprising adjusting the laser beam by adjusting some of the phase adjusters adjusted to provide the laser beam at maximum intensity; 10. The method of claim 9, wherein adjusting the phase adjuster comprises adjusting the intensity of the laser beam to an intensity equal to a predetermined percentage of the maximum intensity.

16. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of controlling the phase adjuster to provide the destructive beam interference and ceasing to provide the laser beam comprises adjusting the phase adjuster to provide the destructive beam interference at a minimum intensity.

17. 1. A method for adjusting a laser beam provided by a laser system, comprising: The laser system includes: at least one seed laser device; at least one optical polarization combiner (OPC) configured to receive a seed beam of the seed laser device and adjust a polarization direction thereof, wherein the adjusting of the polarization direction comprises providing at least two polarization components to the seed beam, one of the polarization components having a predetermined polarization direction (P1); a coherent beam combining (CBC) system configured to receive the polarization-adjusted seed beam and to provide an amplified laser beam, the CBC system including a plurality of phase adjusters configured to be optically connected to the polarization-adjusted seed beam, a plurality of optical amplifiers, at least one beam splitter, and optionally at least one beam combiner, each arranged to enable constructive beam interference at a CBC point; and at least one control circuit configured to monitor the beam interference at the CBC point and control at least one of the plurality of phase adjusters accordingly; a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the amplified laser beam and transmit only beam components having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) to an output of the laser system and reflect beam components having other polarization directions, thereby selectively providing the laser beam; The method comprises: activating the laser beam by controlling the optical polarization combiner (OPC) to provide a beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) greater than 50% of the total intensity of the beam, thereby providing the laser beam; deactivating the laser beam by controlling the optical polarization combiner (OPC) to provide a beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) at an intensity (I1) of 50% or less of the total intensity of the laser beam, thereby ceasing to provide the laser beam; controlling the phase adjuster to provide the constructive beam interference at the CBC point at least during the step of providing the laser beam; Including, A method characterized by:

18. 18. The method of claim 17, The method further comprises adjusting the laser beam by controlling the optical polarization combiner (OPC) to provide a beam component having the predetermined polarization direction (P1) with an intensity (I1) equal to a predetermined percentage of the total intensity of the seed laser beam.

19. 19. The method of claim 17 or 18, The optical polarization combiner (OPC) a beam splitting assembly configured to receive an input beam having a first polarization direction (P1) and to output a first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a first intensity (I1) and a second output beam (B2(I2, P1)) having the first polarization direction (P1) and a second intensity (I2), wherein the sum of the first intensity and the second intensity (I1+I2) is equal to the intensity of the input beam; a polarization converter configured to receive one of the first output beam and the second output beam (B1 or B2) output from the beam splitting assembly and convert the polarization thereof; a polarizing beam splitter (PBS) configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the polarization-converted second output beam (B2(I2, P2)) and combine them to generate a third beam as an input to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system; or a coupler configured to receive the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the polarization-converted second output beam (B2(I2, P2)) and combine them before splitting them into two output beams, and providing only one of the two split output beams as an input to the coherent beam combining (CBC) system. A method characterized by:

20. 20. The method of claim 19, The beam splitting assembly includes: a beam splitter configured to receive an input beam and split the input beam into two beams; a phase adjuster configured to adjust the phase of one of the two beams; a coupler configured to receive the two beams and provide an interference thereof at two interference locations to provide the first output beam (B1(I1, P1)) and the second output beam (B2(I2, P1)); an electronic control device configured to monitor one of the two interference locations and control the phase adjuster accordingly to enable constructive or destructive beam interference at the monitored interference location and to provide destructive or constructive beam interference at an unmonitored interference location; controlling the optical polarization combiner (OPC) includes controlling the phase adjuster. A method characterized by:

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