Fiber Laser Raman Filter for Oscillation Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fiber laser devices face instability in laser oscillation due to high power density leading to stimulated Raman scattering, resulting in increased power of Raman scattered light, which further destabilizes the laser oscillation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a Raman filter, such as a fiber Bragg grating, slanted fiber grating, or long-period fiber Bragg grating, within the fiber laser device to reflect and attenuate Raman scattered light, thereby reducing its power and stabilizing the laser oscillation. The Raman filter is strategically positioned to satisfy specific attenuation and gain conditions along the light paths to minimize the power of Raman scattered light returning to the high-reflection fiber Bragg grating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If power density of laser light is increased to improve processing ability, then processing ability is improved, but stimulated Raman scattering occurs and laser oscillation becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing abilityVSAvoidlaser oscillation stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful Raman scattered light into a beneficial component by using it as pump light for a Raman amplifier. The Raman amplifier converts the Raman scattered light back to laser light at the desired wavelength, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while maintaining high processing ability. This is achieved by introducing a Raman amplifier module that utilizes stimulated Raman scattering in reverse to convert the unwanted Raman light back into useful laser output.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Reliability

If Raman filter is added to suppress Raman scattered light, then laser oscillation stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser oscillation stabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of simply filtering out the Raman scattered light as a harmful byproduct, the patent converts it into a useful resource by using it as pump light for the Raman amplifier. This approach eliminates the need for additional filtering components while maintaining stability, as the Raman amplifier actively converts the Raman light back into laser light at the desired wavelength, thereby improving efficiency without adding complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 implementation of the Raman filter effectively suppresses the increase in power of Raman scattered light, reducing the likelihood of laser oscillation instability and enhancing the stability of the fiber laser device's operation.

Implementation Method 1

a nonlinear optical effect, such as stimulated Raman scattering, becomes likely to be brought about

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStimulated Raman scattering:

Implementation Method 2

a Raman filter which reflects part of Raman scattered light that is generated by stimulated Raman scattering

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3780298B1Fiber laser device, production method for fiber laser device, and setting method
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 FUJIKURA LTD
  • EP3780298B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3780298B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)
  • EP3780298B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

An increase in power of Raman scattered light is suppressed, and thereby a possibility that oscillation of laser light becomes unstable is reduced. A Raman filter (RF) which reflects part of Raman scattered light is provided to a fiber laser device (FL) so that 10(2×g1×L1-am)/10+10(2×g1×L1+2×g2×L2-2×at-ar)/10<10(2×g1×L1-2×g2×L2-ar) is satisfied.