Fiber Optical Parametric Oscillator Wavelength Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source apparatuses using fiber optical parametric oscillators (FOPO) have limited wavelength variable range and varying light intensity due to fixed center wavelength of optical parametric gain, leading to inconsistent signal pulsed light intensity when the center wavelength of signal pulsed light is changed.
Innovation Solution
A light source apparatus with a center wavelength adjustment portion that synchronizes the center wavelength of optical parametric gain with the center wavelength of signal pulsed light, ensuring constant light intensity by adjusting the pulse rate of the exciting pulsed light to match the free spectral interval of the optical oscillator, thereby maintaining consistent optical parametric gain for signal pulsed light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the center wavelength of exciting pulsed light is changed to broaden the wavelength variable range of signal pulsed light, then the wavelength variable range is broadened, but the light intensity of signal pulsed light varies and is not constant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the center wavelength of the exciting pulsed light to broaden the wavelength variable range of the signal pulsed light. By adjusting this parameter, the system achieves wider wavelength tuning capability while the light intensity variation is managed through the oscillator design and feedback mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the center wavelength of optical parametric gain is changed by changing the center wavelength of exciting pulsed light, then the wavelength variable range of signal pulsed light is broadened, but when the center wavelengths do not coincide, the light intensity of signal pulsed light varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms within the optical oscillator to monitor and adjust the light intensity of signal pulsed light. When the center wavelengths of optical parametric gain and signal pulsed light do not coincide, the feedback system compensates for intensity variations to maintain constant output, ensuring reliability across the broadened wavelength range.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters to maintain optimal performance. As the center wavelength of exciting pulsed light is changed to broaden the wavelength range, the system dynamically compensates for misalignment between the optical parametric gain center wavelength and signal pulsed light center wavelength, keeping light intensity constant throughout the tuning range.
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 solution allows for a broadened wavelength variable range of signal pulsed light with constant light intensity, enhancing the efficiency and stability of pulsed light generation, particularly in applications like SRS and CARS imaging.
Implementation Method 1
an optical oscillator including a nonlinear optical medium for generating second pulsed light with a wavelength different from a wavelength of the first pulsed light upon incidence of the first pulsed light on the medium
Implementation Method 2
The fiber optical parametric oscillator uses four wave mixing (a kind of optical parametric effect) that occurs in a nonlinear optical fiber
Implementation Method 3
a center wavelength of a nonlinear gain generated by the nonlinear optical medium is made approximately coincident with the center wavelength of the second pulsed light
Data Source
AI summary
A center wavelength of first pulsed light (exciting pulsed light) is variable, and a pulse rate of the first pulsed light coincides with an integer multiple of a free spectral interval of an optical oscillator at a center wavelength of second pulsed light (signal pulsed light or idler pulsed light). A center wavelength of a nonlinear gain generated by a nonlinear optical medium is made approximately coincident with the center wavelength of the second pulsed light.