Hollow Waveguide Radiation Broadening via Acoustic Modulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiation broadening systems face difficulties in quickly and efficiently changing the wavelength of output radiation.

Innovation Solution

A radiation broadening system comprising a hollow optical waveguide containing a gas medium and one or more transducers configured to generate an acoustic mode in the gas medium, allowing for modulation of the wavelength spectrum and selection of a desired spectrum using an optical switch synchronized with the acoustic mode.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If existing radiation broadening systems are used, then broadband radiation can be generated, but changing the wavelength of output radiation is difficult and slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength switching speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic control of the acoustic mode frequency and amplitude to modulate the wavelength spectrum of broadened radiation in real-time. By varying the acoustic parameters, the system can rapidly switch between different wavelength ranges without physical reconfiguration, resolving the contradiction between fast wavelength switching and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the gas medium through acoustic excitation, specifically modulating pressure and density variations via acoustic waves. These parameter changes enable dynamic tuning of the radiation broadening characteristics, allowing rapid wavelength switching while maintaining a compact system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If acoustic mode is generated in gas medium, then wavelength spectrum can be modulated rapidly, but system complexity increases due to transducers and synchronization requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength selection efficiencyVSAvoidtransducer and control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic transducer system serves multiple functions: it generates the acoustic mode, modulates the gas medium parameters, and controls the wavelength spectrum of output radiation. This multi-functionality improves productivity by consolidating control mechanisms while managing system complexity through integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs synchronization between the optical switch and acoustic mode, implying feedback control mechanisms that coordinate the timing and parameters of acoustic excitation with optical switching. This feedback approach enables efficient wavelength selection while maintaining manageable system complexity through coordinated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enables rapid and precise selection of a desired wavelength spectrum, improving the flexibility and efficiency of radiation broadening processes.

Implementation Method 1

one or more transducers configured to generate an acoustic mode in the gas medium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic mode: Sound

Implementation Method 2

making use of non-linear, higher order effects. The input radiation (which may be produced using a laser) may be referred to as pump radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNon-linear optical effects: Kerr Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4535071A1Radiation broadening system
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 ASML NETHERLANDS BV
  • EP4535071A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4535071A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4535071A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A radiation broadening system comprising a hollow optical waveguide containing a gas medium and one or more transducers configured to generate an acoustic mode in the gas medium.