Compact Laser Source Using Optical Combiner and Erbium-Doped Fiber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact laser sources for applications like range finding are costly to manufacture and often provide more power and size than necessary, due to complex architectures and components such as two-stage gain elements, gratings, and isolators.
Innovation Solution
A low-power, high-quality compact laser source is achieved by combining the outputs of a pump laser and a Fabry-Perot seed laser into an erbium-doped fiber amplifier using an optical combiner, which can be configured for pulsed or continuous wave operation, and is housed in a compact form factor using off-the-shelf or custom components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a two-stage gain element architecture with grating and isolators is used, then laser performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases and device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary components (gratings, isolators, and one stage of the two-stage gain element) from the laser architecture, retaining only the essential elements needed for laser operation. This extraction of non-essential components reduces device complexity and manufacturing cost while preserving core laser performance through the simplified single-stage gain element design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the pump laser and seed laser outputs into a single optical fiber amplifier using an optical combiner, merging multiple functions into a more integrated architecture. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system while maintaining laser performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high power laser source is used, then application versatility is improved, but device size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a configurable laser source that can operate in both pulsed and continuous wave modes, providing dynamic adaptability to different application requirements. This dynamic operation capability allows the laser to deliver high peak power when needed for range finding while maintaining a compact form factor, as the pulsed mode concentrates energy in short bursts rather than requiring continuous high power output that would demand larger cooling and power supply systems.
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 provides high-quality, low-power laser sources at significantly lower costs and in smaller sizes, suitable for various applications including range finding, with improved imaging quality and reduced coherency issues, while maintaining high peak and average power.
Implementation Method 1
an optical combiner combining the outputs of a pump laser and a Fabry-Perot seed laser into an optical fiber amplifier
Implementation Method 2
The fiber amplifier can comprise, for example, erbium-doped fiber
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a low-power, high quality compact laser source. Embodiments include an optical combiner combining the outputs of a pump laser and a Fabry-Perot seed laser into a fiber amplifier. The fiber amplifier can comprise, for example, erbium-doped fiber. Embodiments can include pulsed and continuous wave lasers, depending on desired functionality.