Electrodeless RF Discharge Ring Laser Gyro Starting Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RF-excited gas laser drive systems, such as those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,837,772 and 5,008,894, suffer from impedance matching issues and unnecessary complexity, leading to unwanted noise during sustained operation in applications like ring laser gyros.
Innovation Solution
An electrodeless RF discharge ring laser gyro system comprising a starting circuit with a switch and a high-voltage source connected to conductive components, a discharge coupling capacitor, and a low-power RF power source, which applies a controlled electrical pulse to initiate and sustain operation, simplifying the circuitry and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lumped constant matching system or quarter wave transmission line is used for impedance matching, then the gas medium breakdown and laser efficiency are improved, but the device complexity and circuit size increase unnecessarily for sustained operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a high voltage pulse (greater than 500 volts) for a short duration (less than 1 second) to the conductive components before normal operation. This preliminary action initiates the discharge and ionizes the gas medium, creating the necessary conditions for sustained low-power operation without requiring complex matching circuits during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from high voltage (greater than 500 volts) during startup to low power (less than 25 watts) during sustained operation. This parameter change allows the use of simplified circuitry after initialization, as the gas medium remains ionized and conductive after the initial pulse, eliminating the need for continuous complex impedance matching.
2Stability of the object's composition
If complex matching circuits are used to maintain impedance matching, then laser operation stability is improved, but unwanted noise is generated during sustained operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex matching circuits (lumped constant matching systems or quarter wave transmission lines) after the initial high voltage pulse has ionized the gas medium. This extraction of unnecessary components eliminates the source of unwanted noise while maintaining stable operation, as the ionized gas medium itself provides the necessary electrical characteristics for sustained low-power operation.
3Reliability
If high power RF energy is applied continuously, then the laser gas ignition and sustained operation are maintained, but energy consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsing of high voltage (greater than 500 volts) for initiation, followed by sustained low-power RF energy application (less than 25 watts). The gas medium, once ionized by the high voltage pulse, remains conductive and allows sustained operation at much lower power levels, significantly reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliable operation.
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 system effectively initiates and maintains operation of the ring laser gyro with reduced noise and complexity, enhancing operational stability and efficiency by using a simplified and miniaturized low-power RF power source.
Implementation Method 1
The DC voltage source provides a voltage greater than 500 volts for less than 1 second to the first and second electrically conductive components
Implementation Method 2
The RF power source applies power sufficient only to operate the ring laser gyro
Implementation Method 3
The discharge coupling capacitor is electrically connected to the RF power source and positioned around a first portion of the laser gas discharge cavity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for starting and operating an electrodeless RF discharge ring laser gyro. In one example, an electrodeless RF discharge ring laser gyro system includes a ring laser gyro, a starting circuit, an RF power source, and a controller. The starting circuit is electrically connected to the ring laser gyro. The starting circuit applies an electrial pulse to the ring laser gyro. The RF power source is electrically connected to the ring laser gyro. The RF power source applies an operating power to the ring laser gyro. The controller is electrically connected to the RF power source and the starting circuit. The controller controls operation of the starting circuit and the RF power source.