Harmonic Laser Architecture for Broad-Linewidth Visible and UV Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art laser systems have a limited linewidth of 10-40 GHz, which restricts their power output and spectral range, making them less effective compared to systems with broader linewidths.
Innovation Solution
A laser system with a laser source outputting a first wavelength laser beam in the infrared spectrum and utilizing a series of harmonic generator blocks with crystals like LBO, BBO, and CLBO, operated under non-critical phase matching conditions, to generate and process laser beams with increased linewidth and power, including polarization maintaining optical fibers and mirrors for beam manipulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single-pass harmonic generator with narrow-linewidth pump light is used, then the laser system achieves narrow linewidth output, but the power output is limited and the spectral range is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the harmonic generation process into multiple stages using a series of harmonic generator blocks (e.g., first, second, third harmonic generators) that sequentially process the laser beam. Each block contains crystals (LBO, BBO, CLBO) operated under non-critical phase matching conditions to generate different harmonics, thereby expanding the spectral range and power output while maintaining controllable linewidth characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs polarization-maintaining optical fibers with controllable linewidth characteristics and adjusts the operational parameters of each harmonic generator block dynamically. The system can operate in continuous-wave or quasi-continuous-wave modes with adjustable duty cycles, enabling flexible control over both linewidth and power output according to application requirements.
2Measurement precision
If a narrow-linewidth laser source is used, then the spectral purity is maintained, but the spectral range and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a multi-functional laser system that can generate multiple wavelengths across different spectral ranges (infrared, visible, ultraviolet) using the same core architecture. The series of harmonic generator blocks with different crystal types (LBO for infrared-to-visible conversion, BBO and CLBO for visible-to-UV conversion) enables the system to serve multiple applications including LIDAR, spectroscopy, and materials processing with a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes key operational parameters including the linewidth of the pump laser (using polarization-maintaining fibers with linewidths from narrow to broader ranges), the temperature and orientation of the nonlinear crystals, and the pump power levels to optimize output for different spectral ranges and applications, thereby achieving both spectral purity and broad adaptability.
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 system achieves a significantly broader spectral linewidth, enabling higher power output and improved performance in generating laser beams across the infrared, visible, and ultraviolet spectra, surpassing the limitations of prior art systems.
Implementation Method 1
a single-pass harmonic generator, such as a nonlinear lithium triborate (LBO) crystal, frequency doubling the pump light to output light at a desired signal wavelength
Implementation Method 2
a polarization maintaining optical fiber having a linewidth greater than or equal to 40 or 50 GHz, for conveying the first wavelength laser beam to the first crystal
Implementation Method 3
a first mirror for passing or transmitting the first wavelength laser beam output by the first crystal and for reflecting the second wavelength laser beam output by the first crystal to a second mirror which reflects the second wavelength laser beam to the second crystal
Data Source
AI summary
A laser system includes one or more harmonic generator blocks or elements including one or more crystals for converting a first wavelength (λ1) laser beam into second, third and/or fourth wavelength (λ2, λ3 and/or λ4) laser beams that may be output, with or without the first wavelength (λ1) laser beam, on different beam paths. One or more of the first, second, third and/or fourth wavelength laser beams may travel or traverse in a crystal in one or multiple directions.