Folded Laser Cavity Layout for Deformation-Stable Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-energy solid-state laser devices with large cavity lengths are sensitive to deformation of optical elements due to environmental factors, leading to instability in output power and potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A laser device structure incorporating a gain medium, zero-degree reflective mirror, first and second retro-reflective mirrors, and an output coupling mirror, where the retro-reflective mirrors maintain perpendicular reflective surfaces to stabilize the optical path and compensate for optical base plate deformation, ensuring stable high-energy output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a large cavity length is used to achieve a large size of fundamental transverse mode, then the laser device can achieve high energy output, but the device becomes sensitive to deformation of optical elements due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetric optical path design where the retro-reflective mirror creates a folded optical path that is asymmetric relative to the gain medium. This asymmetric configuration allows the optical path to be decoupled from the physical deformation of the optical base plate, enabling high energy output while maintaining output stability despite environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The retro-reflective mirror acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the gain medium and the output coupling mirror. By introducing this intermediate component with its unique retro-reflective property, the system achieves a decoupled optical path that is insensitive to base plate deformation, thus resolving the contradiction between high energy output and output stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If environmental temperature difference and vibration act on the housing, then stress is transmitted to the optical base plate causing deformation, but the deformation leads to change in pitch and yaw angles of optical components and decrease in output power
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of environmental temperature differences and vibrations into a beneficial outcome. By using the retro-reflective mirror's unique optical property, the system transforms the deformed optical path that would normally cause power loss into a configuration that maintains stable output. The deformation that would normally be harmful is effectively utilized to create a deformation-insensitive optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path design incorporates beforehand cushioning by using the retro-reflective mirror to create a pre-compensated optical configuration. The optical path is designed in advance to be insensitive to deformation, so when environmental factors cause stress and deformation, the system is already prepared to maintain stable output power without suffering the usual negative effects.
3Reliability
If the optical base plate deforms due to stress and temperature difference, then the pitch and yaw angles of optical components change, leading to output failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical optical alignment system with an optical-based solution using the retro-reflective mirror. Instead of relying on precise mechanical alignment that is sensitive to deformation, the system uses the retro-reflective optical property to create a path that is inherently insensitive to mechanical deformation, thus reducing sensitivity to deformation while maintaining output stability.
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 novel structure enhances the laser device's tolerance to environmental changes, maintaining stable output and beam quality by passively compensating for optical base plate deformation, thereby improving environmental adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
the second-direction radiation light is configured to be incident on the zero-degree reflective mirror, totally reflected by the zero-degree reflective mirror
Implementation Method 2
the first retro-reflective mirror is arranged in a vertical direction; the incident light is configured to be incident on the first retro-reflective mirror, and emitted after passing through the first retro-reflective mirror
Data Source
AI summary
A laser device includes a gain medium, a zero-degree reflective mirror, a first retro-reflective mirror, a second retro-reflective mirror, and an output coupling mirror. The gain medium is used to generate radiation light; the zero-degree reflective mirror has a common optical axis with the gain medium, and the zero-degree reflective mirror is used to totally reflect second-direction radiation light that is incident on the zero-degree reflective mirror in an optical-axis direction; the first-direction radiation light and the first emitted light are spaced from and parallel to each other in opposite directions; the first emitted light and the second emitted light are spaced from and parallel to each other in opposite directions; a resonant cavity is formed between the zero-degree reflective mirror and the output coupling mirror; the output coupling mirror is used to transmit and output first partial radiation light, and reflect second partial radiation light.