High Power Pulsed Optical Source with Multi-Port Circulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high power pulsed lasers used for industrial applications like marking, cutting, and welding have predetermined pulse characteristics that are difficult to vary, leading to issues such as Stimulated Brillouin Scattering and limited output power due to narrow spectral linewidths, while low-coherence sources provide insufficient power due to broad linewidths.
Innovation Solution
A high power pulsed optical source is developed using a multi-port optical circulator, a seed source for amplified spontaneous emission, and double-pass optical amplifiers with amplitude modulation and spectral filtering to achieve tunable pulse characteristics and increased power output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If narrow spectral linewidth laser sources are used, then laser coherence is improved, but Stimulated Brillouin Scattering occurs and output power is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral linewidth parameter from narrow to broad by using low-coherence seed sources, which eliminates Stimulated Brillouin Scattering while maintaining laser coherence through controlled amplification and modulation processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic control of pulse characteristics including pulse width, peak power, and repetition rate through real-time modulation, allowing the system to adapt and optimize performance while avoiding harmful nonlinear effects
2Object-generated harmful factors
If low-coherence sources with broad linewidths are used, then Stimulated Brillouin Scattering is minimized, but output power becomes insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary spectral filtering to the broad linewidth low-coherence source before amplification, pre-concentrating the spectral content to ensure high output power while maintaining low coherence characteristics that prevent Stimulated Brillouin Scattering
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional laser cavity mechanisms with an external modulation and amplification system, using amplitude modulators and optical amplifiers to generate high power pulses from low-coherence sources without relying on narrow spectral linewidths
3Power
If Q-switching and mode locking techniques are used in high power pulsed lasers, then pulse energy is improved, but pulse characteristics become predetermined and difficult to vary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of pulse characteristics through real-time modulation of the optical signal, allowing pulse width, peak power, and repetition rate to be varied independently without compromising laser performance or requiring cavity geometry changes
4Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional low-coherence sources are used, then Stimulated Brillouin Scattering is reduced, but spectral power density becomes low due to broad linewidths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary spectral filtering to concentrate the broad linewidth spectral content into a narrower bandwidth before amplification, pre-concentrating the spectral power density while maintaining the low-coherence characteristic that prevents Stimulated Brillouin Scattering
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 provides high power, tunable pulsed lasers with real-time control over pulse width, peak power, and repetition rate, optimizing energy extraction efficiency while minimizing Stimulated Brillouin Scattering and enhancing power output compared to conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
The seed source is adapted to provide amplified spontaneous emission
Implementation Method 2
a first double-pass optical amplifier coupled at a first end to a third port of the multi-port optical circulator
Implementation Method 3
coupled at a second end to an amplitude modulator
Implementation Method 4
a first reflective device coupled to a second port of the multi-port optical circulator
Implementation Method 5
a multi-port optical circulator and a seed source coupled to a first port of the multi-port optical circulator
Data Source
AI summary
A high power pulsed optical source includes a multi-port optical circulator and a seed source coupled to a first port of the multi-port optical circulator. The seed source is adapted to provide amplified spontaneous emission. The high power pulsed optical source also includes a first reflective device coupled to a second port of the multi-port optical circulator and a first double-pass optical amplifier coupled at a first end to a third port of the multi-port optical circulator and coupled at a second end to an amplitude modulator. The high power pulsed optical source also includes a second reflective device coupled to the amplitude modulator and an output port coupled to a fourth port of the multi-port optical circulator.