External Phase Shifter for Laser Frequency Chirping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser systems that produce chirped laser light often require varying laser current or temperature, which can be impractical and inefficient for applications like imaging, ranging, and optical communications.
Innovation Solution
The use of external phase shifters and driving circuits that apply a time-varying input voltage to the laser light, causing a quadratic phase shift, allowing for the generation of frequency-chirped light without relying on laser current or temperature variations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If laser current or temperature is varied to produce chirped laser light, then frequency chirping is achieved, but system complexity and control difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the chirping function from the laser itself by introducing an external phase modulator. The laser generates stable light without chirping, and the phase modulator independently applies the desired frequency chirp through external phase modulation, separating the light generation function from the frequency modulation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a phase modulator as an intermediary device between the laser and the application. This mediator applies the frequency chirp through phase modulation without requiring direct manipulation of laser current or temperature, simplifying control while achieving the desired frequency sweeping effect.
2Measurement precision
If external phase shifters are used for frequency chirping, then precision and control are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the control parameter from laser current/temperature to external phase voltage. By controlling the phase modulator with a voltage signal that varies quadratically with time, precise frequency chirping is achieved through electrical parameter control rather than thermal or current control, improving precision while keeping the laser operation stable.
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 efficient and controlled chirping of laser light, reducing random phase jumps and unwanted harmonics, thereby improving the precision and efficiency of laser systems in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
a phase shifter that shifts the phase of the laser light in response to an input voltage; and a driving circuit that generates the input voltage, wherein the generated input voltage varies as a function of time such that the phase of the laser light is shifted quadratically
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure describe systems, methods, and structures including integrated laser systems that employ external chirping structures that may advantageously include phase shifters and/or one or more filters. Further aspects of the present disclosure describe systems, methods, and structures including laser systems that employ external chirping structures that may advantageously include optical phased arrays.