Double Trigger Laser Apparatus for Pulse Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional single pulse laser apparatuses face challenges in achieving high output stability and single pulse energy due to the need for high-speed and high-voltage circuits, leading to increased costs, power consumption, and limitations in amplifier usage, as well as incomplete mode-locking which restricts the generation of high energy picosecond pulses.
Innovation Solution
A single pulse laser apparatus is designed with a resonator incorporating an electro-optic modulator and an acousto-optic modulator for Q-switching and mode-locking, along with photodiodes, synchronizers, and delay units to generate a double trigger system that synchronizes pulses and adjusts pulse width using an etalon, optimizing energy concentration and output stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If conventional pulse picker or cavity dumping methods are used to output single picosecond pulses, then single pulse energy can be achieved, but high-speed and high-voltage circuits are required which increase circuit design burden, production costs, and power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single EOM into two separate functional components: an electro-optic modulator for Q-switching and an acousto-optic modulator for mode-locking. This segmentation eliminates the need for high-voltage driving circuits while achieving both Q-switching and mode-locking functions independently, thereby reducing circuit design burden and power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the high-voltage electro-optic modulator system with a combination of low-voltage electro-optic modulator and acousto-optic modulator. The acousto-optic modulator uses acoustic waves instead of high voltage to achieve mode-locking, substituting the mechanical/electrical high-voltage system with an acoustic field-based system.
2Use of energy by moving object
If one electro-optic modulator is used to perform both mode-locking and Q-switching, then high energy single pulse can be output, but high voltage driving circuits are required which increase power consumption and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single EOM into two separate modulators with distinct voltage requirements. The electro-optic modulator operates at low voltage for Q-switching, and the acousto-optic modulator operates at low voltage for mode-locking, eliminating the need for expensive high-voltage driving circuits and reducing overall production cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the modulators by using different physical mechanisms (electro-optic effect vs. acousto-optic effect) with different voltage requirements. This parameter change from high-voltage electro-optic operation to low-voltage dual-modulator operation reduces both power consumption and production cost.
3Reliability
If high voltage EOM is used to perform both mode-locking and Q-switching, then high energy picosecond single pulse can be generated, but high speed and high voltage switching circuits must be fabricated which increase complexity and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the high-voltage single EOM system into two low-voltage modulators. The electro-optic modulator handles Q-switching with simple low-voltage circuits, and the acousto-optic modulator handles mode-locking with simple acoustic drive circuits, eliminating the need for complex high-speed high-voltage switching circuits while maintaining reliable high energy pulse generation.
4Reliability
If mode-locking is not completely performed in conventional systems, then high energy picosecond single pulse cannot be generated, but using conventional methods with complete mode-locking requires high voltage circuits which increase power consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the high-voltage electro-optic mode-locking mechanism with a low-voltage acousto-optic mode-locking mechanism. The acousto-optic modulator uses acoustic waves to create periodic refractive index changes, achieving complete mode-locking without requiring high voltage, thereby maintaining reliable mode-locking while reducing power consumption.
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 double trigger system enhances output stability and increases single pulse energy by synchronizing mode-locked and Q-switched pulses, suppressing additional pulses and improving energy concentration, resulting in a more efficient and stable laser output.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-optic modulator configured to perform Q-switching
Implementation Method 2
an acousto-optic modulator configured to perform mode-locking
Implementation Method 3
a first photodiode configured to measure a laser beam oscillated by the resonator
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a double trigger type single pulse laser apparatus configured to suppress additional pulses to increase single pulse energy and improve stability of output as compared to a conventional single trigger type single pulse laser apparatus. According to the present invention, there is provided a single pulse laser apparatus including a resonator which has a first mirror, a second mirror, a gain medium, an electro-optic modulator and an acousto-optic modulator configured to respectively perform Q-switching and mode-locking, the single pulse laser apparatus including a first photodiode configured to measure a laser beam oscillated by the resonator.