Deformable Mirror for Laser Transverse Mode Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser light sources cannot efficiently control the transverse mode of laser oscillation light due to fixed phase variation distributions in discontinuous phase elements, making it difficult to selectively output specific transverse modes and requiring complex optical adjustments for mode changes.
Innovation Solution
A laser light source with a main resonator and an external resonator, where the second reflection mirror provides adjustable amplitude or phase variations to determine the transverse mode of laser oscillation light, allowing dynamic control of the output mode through an optically coupled configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a discontinuous phase element with fixed thickness distribution is used to determine transverse mode, then the transverse mode can be selected, but dynamic control of transverse mode is impossible and the phase variation distribution cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the fixed discontinuous phase element with a deformable mirror that can dynamically adjust its surface shape. The deformable mirror includes a reflective surface that can be deformed by actuators (such as piezoelectric elements or MEMS structures), enabling real-time modification of the phase variation distribution. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the laser resonator to switch between different transverse modes on demand, resolving the contradiction between mode selection capability and dynamic control flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a discontinuous phase element is inserted into the laser resonator to control transverse mode, then specific transverse mode can be obtained, but replacing the element requires fine optical re-adjustment which is not easy
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable mirror integrates the phase modulation function directly into a dynamically adjustable component. Instead of replacing discrete phase elements, the system modifies the surface morphology of the deformable mirror through electronic control of actuators. This eliminates the need for physical replacement and complex optical realignment, as the same component can adapt to different mode requirements through surface deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the reflective surface (surface shape/curvature) of the deformable mirror to achieve different phase variation distributions. By controlling the displacement of actuators behind the reflective surface, the system modifies local surface curvature and height, thereby altering the phase profile of reflected light. This parameter-based control enables flexible transverse mode selection without mechanical replacement or complex adjustment.
3Device complexity
If the phase variation distribution is fixed in the discontinuous phase element, then the structure is simple, but the laser oscillation light of specific transverse mode cannot be efficiently obtained when adjustment is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable mirror maintains a relatively simple overall structure similar to a standard mirror, but incorporates a thin deformable layer or integrated actuators that enable dynamic surface modification. This design adds minimal structural complexity while providing the capability to adjust phase variation distribution in real-time, thereby optimizing laser oscillation efficiency for different transverse modes without significantly increasing device complexity.
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 easy control and efficient selection of transverse modes in laser oscillation light, facilitating the output of specific modes without the need for replacing optical elements and simplifying the optical adjustment process.
Implementation Method 1
the second reflection mirror is configured such that it gives amplitude or phase variations to respective positions in the section of a light beam when the light is reflected
Implementation Method 2
the second reflection mirror gives amplitude or phase variations to respective positions in the section of a light beam when the light is reflected
Data Source
AI summary
A laser light source 1 is provided with a first reflection mirror 11, a laser medium 12, an aperture 13, an output mirror 14, a half mirror 15, a light beam diameter adjuster 16, and a second reflection mirror 17, and outputs laser oscillation light 31 reflected by the half mirror 15 to the outside. The main resonator is composed by the first reflection mirror 11 and the output mirror 14 disposed so as to be opposed to each other with the laser medium 12 placed therebetween. The external resonator is composed by the output mirror 14 and the second reflection mirror 17 disposed so as to be opposed to each other. The second reflection mirror 17 is configured such that it gives amplitude or phase variations to respective positions in the section of a light beam when the light is reflected, the second reflection mirror presents an amplitude or phase variation distribution, and determines the transverse mode of the laser oscillation light 31 based on the amplitude or phase variation distribution. Thus, a laser light source capable of easily controlling the transverse mode of the laser oscillation light can be realized.