Dual-Comb Source Using Microresonators for Compact Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical dual-comb source apparatuses, which rely on mode-locked femtosecond lasers, face challenges in miniaturization, making them unsuitable for mobile or wearable applications due to increased volume and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of a continuous wave laser or multimode laser in conjunction with optical microresonators, where the laser emits spectrum components corresponding to resonance frequencies of the microresonator modes, generating two optical frequency combs with different mode intervals, and an electrooptical modulator or locking mechanism can be employed to enhance frequency locking and efficiency, allowing for a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mode-locked femtosecond laser is used to generate optical frequency combs, then the measurement precision and reliability are improved, but the volume and device complexity increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating parameters of the laser system by using continuous wave lasers instead of mode-locked femtosecond lasers, and operates optical microresonators in different regimes to generate frequency combs at reduced wavelengths, thereby achieving compact device volume while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/optical complex mode-locked laser system with a simpler continuous wave laser system combined with optical microresonators, substituting a bulky mechanical system with a more compact optical configuration that achieves the same frequency comb generation function
2Reliability
If a mode-locked femtosecond laser is used to generate optical frequency combs, then the reliability of dual-comb generation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mode-locked femtosecond laser system with a simpler continuous wave laser system combined with optical microresonators, reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability of dual-comb generation through alternative physical mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from ultrafast pulsed lasers to continuous wave operation with microresonator-based frequency comb generation, simplifying the device architecture while preserving measurement reliability through different physical principles
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical dual-comb source apparatuses are used, then the spectral range and measurement capability are improved, but the portability and ease of operation deteriorate due to increased volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the wavelength parameters by generating frequency combs at reduced wavelengths using optical microresonators, which enables compact device design for portable applications while maintaining adaptability across different spectral ranges through可调 laser sources and resonator design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal platform using continuous wave lasers and optical microresonators that can generate frequency combs across multiple spectral ranges, enabling a single compact device to perform multiple measurement functions rather than requiring separate specialized 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 approach enables the miniaturization of optical dual-comb source apparatuses, facilitating their use in mobile and wearable devices while maintaining the capability to generate optical frequency combs across various spectral ranges.
Implementation Method 1
an optical microresonator configured to resonate the laser light to generate two optical frequency combs
Implementation Method 2
an electrooptical modulator configured to modulate a frequency of the laser light
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
Provided is an optical dual-comb source apparatus (10b) comprising: a continuous wave laser light source (19) having a multimode in which at least two transverse modes or at least two longitudinal modes of light are simultaneously emitted and configured to output laser light (24); a first optical microresonator (21) comprising a first nonlinear material with a refractive index which is variable based on a light intensity, wherein the first optical microresonator has a plurality of different resonance modes; and a second optical microresonator (22) comprising a second nonlinear material with a refractive index which is variable based on a light intensity, wherein the second optical microresonator has a plurality of different resonance modes, wherein the first optical microresonator (21) and the second optical microresonator (22) are each configured to interact with the laser light (24) and thereby generate a first optical frequency comb (C1) and a second optical frequency comb (C2), the second optical frequency comb having a mode interval different from a mode interval of the first optical frequency comb, and an input/output coupler (27) configured to input the laser light emitted by the continuous wave laser into each of the first optical microresonator (21) and the second optical microresonator (22) and to output the first optical frequency comb (C1) and the second optical frequency comb (C2) generated by the first and second optical microresonators (21, 22).