Dual Non-Linear Optical Crystal for Terahertz Wave Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-linear optical crystals used for terahertz wave generation suffer from intensity falls in specific frequency regions, limiting the ability to produce terahertz waves with desired output characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A single optical crystal comprising two different non-linear optical crystals, each generating terahertz waves by difference frequency generation from incident light with two different wavelengths, where the crystals are bonded or in close contact, allowing for terahertz waves with different spectroscopic characteristics based on the incidence angle and orientation of the light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single non-linear optical crystal is used for terahertz wave generation, then the device structure is simple, but the intensity of generated terahertz waves falls in specific frequency regions
Solution Approach 1:
The optical crystal is divided into multiple sections along the light propagation direction, with each section containing a different non-linear optical crystal material. This segmentation allows each material to contribute to different frequency regions, preventing intensity falls while maintaining a relatively simple integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple non-linear optical crystal materials are combined in a single optical crystal structure. Each material has different spectroscopic characteristics that complement each other, ensuring high terahertz wave intensity across a broad frequency range without the intensity falls that occur with single-material crystals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different non-linear optical crystals are used to achieve different spectroscopic characteristics, then the terahertz wave generation covers broader frequency ranges, but the device complexity increases due to multiple crystal components
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple non-linear optical crystals with different spectroscopic characteristics are merged into a single integrated optical crystal structure. The crystals are arranged in sequence along the light propagation direction and optically coupled, providing diverse terahertz wave generation capabilities while maintaining a unified device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical crystal structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - each non-linear optical crystal section generates terahertz waves with different spectroscopic characteristics, allowing a single device to cover broad frequency ranges and provide various output characteristics without requiring separate devices for each function.
3Reliability
If mixed crystal containing component A and component B is used, then the fall in intensity in characteristic frequency region is suppressed to some extent, but intensity still falls in frequency regions corresponding to individual components
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of mixing components throughout a single crystal, the invention segments the optical crystal into distinct sections, each containing a different non-linear optical crystal material. This segmentation allows each material to fully utilize its spectroscopic characteristics while the combined structure prevents intensity falls across the entire frequency range.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure of multiple non-linear optical crystal materials arranged in sequence, rather than a mixed crystal. Each material maintains its distinct properties and contributes to different frequency regions, achieving both high intensity across broad frequency ranges and preservation of individual material characteristics.
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 the generation of terahertz waves with distinct spectroscopic characteristics by switching the incidence angle of the light, without the need to replace the optical crystals, thereby overcoming the intensity falls in specific frequency regions.
Implementation Method 1
a first non-linear optical crystal configured to generate first terahertz waves from incident light with two different wavelengths; wherein the first and second non-linear crystals are configured to generate the first and second terahertz waves, respectively, by difference frequency generation
Implementation Method 2
a second non-linear optical crystal configured to generate second terahertz waves from said incident light with said two different wavelengths; wherein the first and second non-linear crystals are configured to generate the first and second terahertz waves, respectively, by difference frequency generation
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical crystal (10) includes a first non-linear optical crystal (10a) that generates terahertz waves corresponding to a difference frequency component in incident light with two different wavelengths by a difference frequency generation, and a second non-linear optical crystal (10b) that generates terahertz waves corresponding to a difference frequency component in incident light with two different wavelengths by a difference frequency generation, the second non-linear optical crystal (10b) being different in material from the first non-linear optical crystal (10a), and the first non-linear optical crystal and the second non-linear optical crystal being disposed in contact or close together.