Integrated Mode Locker for Fiber Laser Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional polarization additive pulse mode-locked (P-APM) fiber lasers are prone to ambient interferences such as pressure, shake, and temperature variations due to their large size, making it difficult to design a compact and stable laser system that resists these interferences.
Innovation Solution
The integration of mode-locking components like retardation waveplates and a polarization dependent isolator into a single, compact structural body within a fiber laser system, allowing for a stable and compact design that reduces ambient interference effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the mode locking unit components are disposed loosely in the laser system, then the assembling size of the whole system becomes very big, but the respective components are likely to be interfered by various ambient factors, degrading the performance of laser
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple mode locking components (retardation waveplates, polarization dependent isolator, rotators) into a single integrated mode locking unit with a unified structural body. This consolidation reduces the overall assembling size while protecting all components from ambient interferences simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between compact size and interference resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests multiple functional components within a hierarchical structure where retardation waveplates are mounted on rotators, which are disposed within the mode locking unit's structural body. This nested arrangement allows compact integration while maintaining the functional independence of each component, achieving both small size and stability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the volume of the mode locker is sizeable, then it is hard to design a compact laser system resisting the interferences of the above factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the polarization dependent isolator and retardation waveplates into a single integrated unit with a unified structural body, eliminating the need for separate housings for each component. This merging approach achieves comprehensive protection against ambient interferences while minimizing the total volume of the mode locker.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode locking unit's structural body serves multiple functions simultaneously: it houses the polarization dependent isolator, mounts the retardation waveplates, provides mechanical stability, and protects all components from ambient interferences. This multi-functionality reduces the overall volume while maintaining resistance to environmental factors.
3Reliability
If components of the mode locking unit are disposed loosely, then the assembling size is very big, but the mode-locking mechanism is likely to be interfered by ambient factors such as pressure, shake, and temperature variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges all mode locking components into a single integrated unit with a unified structural body, ensuring that all components are held in fixed relative positions. This integration eliminates loose dispositions while maintaining compact size, thereby ensuring the stability of the mode-locking mechanism against ambient factors like pressure, shake, and temperature variation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the laser system into distinct functional modules, with the mode locking unit being a self-contained module housing all necessary components. This segmentation allows the mode locking unit to be designed as a compact, stable entity that can be integrated into the larger laser system without requiring large assembling size.
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 compact design enhances the stability of the laser system by reducing the impact of ambient factors, enabling temperature stabilization and maintaining a stable mode-locking mechanism, while also allowing for easy integration and adjustment of the retardation waveplates.
Implementation Method 1
Several retardation waveplates are disposed on the rotors and can be rotated together with the rotors. Each waveplate is adjusted to an angle, such that the laser can be mode-locked automatically.
Implementation Method 2
A polarization dependent isolator is disposed within the central hollow region of the bar structural body so that laser beam can only propagate in one direction.
Data Source
AI summary
A mode locking device of fiber laser includes a bar structural body, having a central hollow region, extending along a reference line of the bar structural body. The central hollow region has two ends coupled with two collimators on a fiber laser loop. A polarization dependent isolator is disposed within the central hollow region of the bar structural body such that the laser ca propagate only in one direction. Several rotors are disposed within the central hollow region of the bar structural body. Each rotor has a protruding piece, for rotating the rotor along the reference line. The laser beam travels along the reference line and passes through the rotors. Several retardation waveplates are disposed on the rotator structures and can be rotated together with the rotors. Each waveplate is adjusted to an angle, such that the laser can be mode-locked automatically.