Dual-Pulse Laser Resonator with Movable Polarization Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser systems are limited in their ability to generate both nanosecond and sub-nanosecond pulsed laser beams efficiently, as they often require separate setups or adjustments that compromise stability and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A laser system with movable optical blocks and polarization rotators allows for a shared amplifying medium to generate both nanosecond and sub-nanosecond pulsed laser beams by configuring a double pass Master Oscillator Power Amplifier (MOPA) mode without disturbing the nanosecond operation, using a movable optical block and polarization rotators to manage polarization and prevent back reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a shared amplifying medium is used for both nanosecond and sub-nanosecond pulse generation, then device complexity is reduced, but stability and alignment of nanosecond operation may be disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable optical blocks that can dynamically switch between active and passive positions. When the optical block is in the passive position, the nanosecond laser operates stably with the shared amplifying medium undisturbed. When moved to the active position, the optical block enables sub-nanosecond pulse generation without permanently affecting the nanosecond operation, thus maintaining reliability while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical path into distinct segments using movable optical blocks that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the sub-nanosecond generation components to be isolated from the nanosecond laser resonator when not in use, preventing interference and maintaining the stability of nanosecond operation while sharing the amplifying medium.
2Adaptability or versatility
If movable optical blocks are introduced to enable sub-nanosecond pulse generation, then versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable optical blocks serve multiple functions: they act as mirrors for sub-nanosecond pulse generation, serve as polarization rotators, and can be positioned to either enable or disable their influence on the laser system. This multi-functionality allows the system to generate both nanosecond and sub-nanosecond pulses with a single configuration, improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical blocks are designed to automatically perform multiple operations through their fixed optical properties. The polarization rotators inherently rotate polarization without additional control mechanisms, and the movable mirrors automatically direct beams when positioned, reducing the need for complex control systems while maintaining versatility.
3Reliability
If polarization rotators are used to manage polarization and prevent back reflections, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the polarization rotation function with the existing movable mirror structure. The optical blocks that are moved into position to enable sub-nanosecond pulse generation also incorporate polarization rotators, merging two functions into a single component. This reduces the total number of separate components while maintaining the reliability benefits of polarization management and back reflection prevention.
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 high amplification factors (>10 and >100) for sub-nanosecond pulses while maintaining stability and alignment of the nanosecond operation, allowing for versatile and efficient delivery of both pulse durations without additional stabilizing mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling polarizer couples the second pulsed laser beam into the active lasing medium
Implementation Method 2
the first polarization rotator is positioned between the outcoupling mirror and the coupling polarizer
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser system comprising a first laser source (1) with a laser resonator (2) for generating a first pulsed laser beam (3), said laser resonator (2) having a back mirror (4), an outcoupling mirror (5) and an active lasing medium (6) in between. According to the invention the laser system further comprises a second laser source (7) for generating a second pulsed laser beam (8) and a first optical block (9), wherein the first optical block (9) comprises a coupling polarizer (10) and a first polarization rotator (11). The first optical block (9) is movable back and forth between an active position and a passive position, wherein in its active position the first optical block (9) is located between the outcoupling mirror (5) and the active lasing medium (6) such, that the coupling polarizer (10) couples the second pulsed laser beam (8) into the laser resonator (2) of the first laser source (1) while the first polarization rotator (11) is positioned between the outcoupling mirror (5) and the coupling polarizer (10). In the active position of the first optical block (9) a second polarization rotator (13) is located between the first optical block (9) and the back mirror (4).