Fiber Laser Control Circuitry for Instantaneous Power Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fiber lasers in LiDAR systems face limitations in rapidly changing operating characteristics, leading to saturated output signal power that does not adequately respond to input signals and inability to instantly adjust output power in response to changes in pump power, which is unacceptable for vehicle-based applications.
Innovation Solution
The LiDAR system employs a fiber laser with seed and pump lasers, along with control circuitry to dynamically control seed and pump power and frequency, maintaining a constant excited state ion density, allowing for instantaneous adjustments in output power and repetition rate without affecting the ion density, enabling dynamic pulse intensity control and power savings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional fiber lasers are used in LiDAR systems, then the system structure is simple, but the output signal power becomes saturated and cannot rapidly respond to input signal changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of the fiber laser system by independently modulating both the seed laser power and pump power in real-time. The control circuitry continuously adjusts these parameters to maintain optimal operating conditions, enabling the system to rapidly respond to changing input signals without saturation. This dynamic approach transforms the previously static fiber laser system into an adaptive system that can instantly adjust its output characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes multiple operating parameters simultaneously - specifically the seed power and pump power - to achieve rapid response in output signal power. By modulating these parameters in coordination and maintaining their proper ratio, the system overcomes the saturation limitation of conventional fiber lasers while preserving structural simplicity. The parameter changes enable the system to operate in a regime where output power is proportional to input power across a wide dynamic range.
2Ease of operation
If pump power is changed to adjust output power, then output power can be modified, but the excited state ion density changes causing performance instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs coordinated parameter changes of both seed power and pump power to achieve output power adjustment while maintaining constant excited state ion density. When output power needs to be changed, the control circuitry modifies both parameters proportionally, preserving their ratio and thereby keeping the ion density stable. This approach enables easy output power adjustment without the performance instability that would result from changing pump power alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control by continuously monitoring the relationship between seed power and pump power, and adjusting them to maintain the proper ratio that ensures constant ion density. The control circuitry uses feedback information about the current operating state to make real-time adjustments, ensuring that output power can be adjusted easily while the excited state ion density remains stable throughout operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If seed power and pump power are independently controlled, then output power can be adjusted, but the system cannot maintain constant ion density over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses coordinated parameter changes where both seed power and pump power are modulated together in a controlled manner. The control circuitry ensures that their ratio remains constant during operation, which maintains the excited state ion density at a steady level. This coordinated approach provides flexible output power control through independent adjustment capability while simultaneously preserving ion density constancy over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies periodic modulation to both seed and pump powers in a synchronized manner. By using periodic action with the same frequency and maintaining the proper amplitude ratio, the system achieves flexible output power control while the ion density remains constant due to the balanced periodic excitation. This periodic coordinated control prevents the ion density drift that would occur with independent uncoordinated power adjustments.
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 allows for instantaneous changes in fiber laser output power and repetition rate, ensuring consistent performance and power efficiency, overcoming the limitations of conventional systems by maintaining a stable excited state ion density and enabling precise control of LiDAR system operations.
Implementation Method 1
a fiber laser having an excited state ion density. The fiber laser can include a seed laser and a pump
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments discussed herein refer to LiDAR systems and methods that enable substantially instantaneous power and frequency control over fiber lasers. The systems and methods can simultaneously control seed laser power and frequency and pump power and frequency to maintain relative constant ratios among each other to maintain a relatively constant excited state ion density of the fiber laser over time.