All-Fiber Brillouin Laser for Switchable High-Order Transverse Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-order mode all-fiber lasers have fixed transverse mode outputs, limiting their potential for high-capacity and integrated communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A transverse mode switchable all-fiber high-order mode Brillouin laser is achieved by using a 1×N optical switch to inject pump light of a specific order into a ring cavity, utilizing Brillouin non-linear gain in few-mode fiber for resonance amplification, with components including a narrow linewidth pump laser, optical amplifier, fiber mode selection couplers, and a few-mode fiber ring cavity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an all-fiber laser structure is used, then cost is reduced and stability is improved, but the transverse mode order becomes fixed and cannot be switched
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic switching mechanism using a 1×N optical switch to enable the all-fiber laser to dynamically select different transverse modes. The optical switch allows the laser to transition between fixed and variable mode states, resolving the contradiction by making the mode selection dynamic rather than static, while preserving the all-fiber structure's stability and cost advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the all-fiber laser structure multi-functional by enabling it to output multiple transverse modes through the optical switch and mode selection coupler. This allows a single all-fiber laser device to serve multiple functions (different mode outputs) without sacrificing the inherent stability and cost benefits of the all-fiber architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical stretching or heating is used to tune fiber Bragg grating, then wavelength tunability is achieved, but device complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical stretching and heating methods with an optical-based tuning mechanism. By using optical switches and mode selection couplers to control the laser output, the system achieves wavelength and mode tunability without mechanical components, thereby reducing structural complexity and improving reliability while maintaining adaptability.
3Productivity
If high-order mode laser beams are generated for mode division multiplexing, then transmission capacity increases, but the requirement for transverse mode switchability becomes critical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic mode switching capability that enables the laser to rapidly transition between different high-order transverse modes. This dynamic control through the optical switch allows the system to support mode division multiplexing by providing the required mode switchability, thereby enabling increased transmission capacity through multiple mode channels.
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
This solution enables fast, accurate, and low-loss switching of laser beams between different order modes, producing high-purity, stable, and compact high-order mode laser beams with enhanced transmission capacity and system integration.
Implementation Method 1
based on the Brillouin non-linear gain of the few-mode fiber in the ring cavity, the present invention realizes the resonance amplification of a specific order transverse mode in the ring cavity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a transverse mode switchable all-fiber high-order mode Brillouin laser. The laser comprises a narrow linewidth pump laser, an optical amplifier, a 1×N optical switch (N≥2), a fiber mode selection coupler group, a first polarization controller, a fiber circulator, a fiber coupler, a second polarization controller, and a few-mode fiber. Based on the Brillouin nonlinear gain of a few-mode fiber in a ring cavity, the present invention realizes the resonance amplification of a specific order transverse mode in the cavity, and obtains the transverse mode switchable high-order mode laser beam output. The present invention, adopting an all-fiber structure, has the advantages of simple structure, low cost, easy fiber system integration, high stability and narrow linewidth of outputted laser beams, etc., and improves the practicality and reliability of high-order mode lasers.