Optical Pulse Compression Using Acoustic Resonator Dispersion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical systems for temporal compression or stretching of optical pulses are limited by the length of dispersive optical fibers, which restricts the amount of stretching or compressing and can cause linear dispersion that distorts pulses, and are often wavelength-restricted by the fiber material.

Innovation Solution

An optical system comprising a first and second optical component with reflective surfaces, at least one of which is coated with a group delay dispersion (GDD) coating, allowing for efficient temporal compression or stretching of optical pulses through multiple reflections, enabling longer path lengths without large mirrors and mitigating beam divergence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a long dispersive optical fiber is used to guide and propagate the light pulse, then the amount of stretching or compressing is improved, but the device complexity and pulse distortion increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse durationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/optical fiber-based dispersive system with an acoustic resonator system. The acoustic resonator uses sound waves to create a moving refractive index grating that provides the necessary dispersion for pulse stretching and compression, eliminating the need for long optical fibers and reducing device complexity while avoiding linear dispersion distortion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of moving object

If a long dispersive optical fiber is used, then the amount of stretching or compressing is improved, but linear dispersion distorts the pulses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepulse durationVSAvoidpulse distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the optical fiber dispersive medium with an acoustic resonator that uses acoustic waves to create a time-varying refractive index structure. This acoustic-based approach provides the necessary group delay dispersion for pulse manipulation while avoiding the linear dispersion effects that cause pulse distortion in optical fibers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the fiber material is changed to accommodate different wavelengths, then the wavelength range is improved, but the device complexity and material constraints increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength rangeVSAvoidmaterial constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic resonator system serves multiple wavelength ranges using the same basic structure and material (e.g., silica gel or porous glass). The resonator's acoustic field mechanism is wavelength-agnostic, allowing it to provide group delay dispersion for various wavelengths without requiring changes to the fundamental device structure or material composition, thus achieving universality across different wavelength ranges.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system achieves efficient alignment and enhanced compression or stretching performance, allowing for longer path lengths and improved pulse duration control, suitable for various applications including imaging and telecommunications, with the GDD coating enabling tunable pulse compression or stretching across different wavelengths.

Implementation Method 1

Because of the chromatic dispersion of the optical fiber, different frequency components experience different refractive indices and travel at different speeds along the fiber. This separates different frequency components in time.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChromatic dispersion: Dispersion (of waves)

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the reflective surface and the non-flat reflective surface is coated with a group delay dispersion coating

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGroup delay dispersion:

Implementation Method 3

a first optical component comprising a reflective surface disposed across from a second optical component. In one or more cases, the second optical component includes a non-flat reflective surface disposed across from the first optical component. In one or more cases, a portion of the first optical component is configured to allow an optical pulse to pass through the first optical component and reflect off the non-flat reflective surface.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11428863B2Devices, systems, and methods for temporal compression or stretching of optical pulses

Publication Date: 2022.08.30 EDMUND OPTICS

AI summary

The disclosure relates generally to optical systems, and more particularly, optical systems for temporal compression or stretching of optical pulses.