Compact Laser Source With Frequency Modulators For Atom Interferometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing navigation systems require large and power-intensive laser setups for precise wavelength generation, making them unsuitable for compact and low-power applications like atom interferometers, which need multiple finely-tuned wavelengths for high navigational accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A compact laser source utilizing a single seed laser, beam splitter, and multiple channels with frequency modulators, optical filters, and amplifiers integrated on a photonic motherboard, reducing size and power requirements while enhancing spectral purity and minimizing sidebands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple finely-tuned lasers are used to generate several precisely controlled wavelengths, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigational accuracyVSAvoidlaser system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple laser functions into a single laser source by integrating frequency modulators that can generate multiple precisely controlled wavelengths from one laser, replacing the need for multiple separate lasers while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single laser source is designed with multi-functionality to perform multiple wavelength generation tasks through frequency modulation, allowing one device to replace several specialized lasers while maintaining the required precision for navigational measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple finely-tuned lasers are used to generate several precisely controlled wavelengths, then measurement precision is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigational accuracyVSAvoidlaser system volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple laser systems into a single compact source by using frequency modulators attached to one laser, eliminating the need for multiple separate laser devices and reducing overall system volume

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The frequency modulators are integrated onto the laser device, nesting additional functional elements within or on the laser structure itself, thereby generating multiple wavelengths from a compact base unit without requiring separate laser devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Measurement precision

If multiple finely-tuned lasers are used to generate several precisely controlled wavelengths, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenavigational accuracyVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power requirements of multiple lasers into a single laser source, using frequency modulation to generate multiple wavelengths from one powered device, thereby reducing total power consumption while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Device complexity

If a single laser source with frequency modulators is used to generate multiple wavelengths, then device complexity is reduced, but spectral purity may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser system complexityVSAvoidspectral purity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms in the frequency modulators to precisely control and stabilize the generated wavelengths, ensuring that spectral purity is maintained despite using a single laser source with multiple modulation functions

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

The solution enables a compact, efficient laser source capable of generating multiple finely-tuned wavelengths, reducing size and power consumption, and improving navigational accuracy in systems like atom interferometers.

Implementation Method 1

Each channel may comprise a frequency modulator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

an optical filter, with one channel for each desired wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 3

an optical amplifier

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical amplification:

Implementation Method 4

a frequency doubler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency doubling: Second Harmonic Generation

Data Source

PatentUS11545815B1Compact laser source with frequency modulators generating multiple lines

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 NATIONAL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS OF SANDIA LLC

AI summary

A compact laser source and a single sideband modulator used therein is disclosed. The compact laser source includes a seed laser and one or more channels, with each channel generating one or more output laser beams having corresponding different wavelengths. The compact laser source can be formed in whole or in part on a single optical motherboard to thereby minimize space and power requirements. By employing the disclosed single sideband modulator, harmonics in the generated output laser beams can be minimized. The compact laser source finds application in an atom interferometer (AI) system, which may be used to measure gravity, acceleration, or rotation of the AI system.