Fiber Laser Pulse Width Control via Optical Switch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fiber laser devices face challenges in accurately controlling the pulse width of pulsed output light due to transient characteristics of laser diodes, making it difficult to maintain consistent pulse width and intensity in both single-pulse and continuous emission modes.
Innovation Solution
A fiber laser device with a seed light source, an optical switch, and a control unit that adjusts the optical switch's transmission state to control the pumped state of the active element in the optical fiber, allowing for precise control of pulse width and peak intensity by varying the duration of the optical switch's non-transmission state and the intensity of the amplification pumping light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the intensity of laser light from the laser diode is increased to control the pumped state of the optical fiber, then the pulse width of emitted light can be adjusted, but the transient characteristics of the laser diode cause difficulty in accurately controlling the pulse width
Solution Approach 1:
An optical switch is introduced as an intermediary component between the laser diode and the optical fiber. The optical switch precisely controls the timing and duration of light transmission to the optical fiber, thereby accurately controlling the pumped state and the resulting pulse width of emitted light, while avoiding the transient characteristics issues of directly controlling laser diode intensity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct electrical control of laser diode intensity with optical control through the optical switch. This substitution allows for more precise and reliable control of the pumped state by using optical switching mechanisms that are less susceptible to transient electrical characteristics
2Illumination intensity
If pulsed output light is emitted to increase the intensity of output light, then the intensity is improved, but it is difficult to maintain consistent pulse width and intensity in both single-pulse and continuous emission modes
Solution Approach 1:
The optical switch is activated in advance to precisely control the timing of light transmission to the optical fiber. By pre-setting the switch timing relative to the laser diode pulsing, the system ensures consistent pumped state and maintains uniform pulse width and intensity characteristics across both single-pulse and continuous emission modes
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit monitors the output light characteristics and adjusts the optical switch timing and duration accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the pumped state of the optical fiber is optimized to maintain consistent pulse width and intensity in both single-pulse and continuous emission operations
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 accurate and stable control of pulse width and peak intensity of the output light, ensuring that the pulse width and intensity of single-pulse output light are consistent with continuous output, effectively addressing the challenges of transient diode characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a seed light generation pumping light source that emits seed light generation pumping light, a seed light generation optical fiber on which the seed light generation pumping light is incident and to which an active element that is pumped by the seed light generation pumping light is added
Implementation Method 2
an optical switch which is optically coupled to the seed light generation optical fiber and switches between a transmission state and a non-transmission state of light with a specific wavelength that is propagated through the seed light generation optical fiber, increases a level of a pumped state of the active element in the seed light generation optical fiber when the optical switch is in the non-transmission state
Implementation Method 3
an amplification pumping light source that emits amplification pumping light, an amplification optical fiber on which the seed light and the amplification pumping light are incident and to which an active element that is pumped by the amplification pumping light is added, and amplifies the seed light
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A fiber laser device (1) emits pulsed output light. A control unit (70) instructs an amplification pumping light source (30) to emit amplification pumping light in a state in which seed light generation pumping light is emitted from a seed light generation pumping light source (10) and an optical switch (23) is changed to a transmission state. The control unit (70) changes the optical switch (23) from the transmission state to a non-transmission state, with the amplification pumping light being emitted from the amplification pumping light source (30). When seed light is emitted, the control unit (70) changes the optical switch (23) to the transmission state again. The control unit (70) controls a period for which the optical switch (23) is in the non-transmission state and controls the intensity of the amplification pumping light emitted from the amplification pumping light source (30).