Laser-Driven Photon Source Drive Optics Wavelength Shift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser-driven photon sources emit a significant amount of ultraviolet radiation, which is often inefficient and can cause solarization of components, as the desired wavelength band for inspection applications typically includes wavelengths longer than UV, leading to inefficient radiation generation and adverse effects on the source's operation.
Innovation Solution
The drive optics of the laser-driven photon source are configured to maintain a point spread function that shifts the peak output wavelength of the black body radiation within the desired wavelength band by increasing the focused beam diameter and altering the spatial intensity distribution, reducing plasma temperature and enhancing radiation output in the desired wavelength range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If laser energy is increased to increase output radiation, then plasma temperature increases and more output radiation is generated, but the peak wavelength shifts to shorter wavelengths (UV region) which is not in the desired wavelength band
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the point spread function parameters of the drive optics to alter the spatial intensity distribution of the laser beam. This changes the plasma excitation characteristics, shifting the peak emission wavelength from UV to the desired wavelength band while maintaining adequate radiation output power.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses partial action by intentionally not maximizing the laser energy to achieve the absolute highest plasma temperature. Instead, it uses just enough energy to maintain plasma while the point spread function configuration ensures the radiation peaks in the desired wavelength band, avoiding excessive UV generation.
2Temperature
If UV radiation is generated to maintain plasma, then plasma temperature is sufficient for radiation output, but solarization of LDPS components occurs and component lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spectral distribution parameters by configuring the point spread function to shift emission from UV to longer wavelengths. This reduces the harmful UV radiation that causes solarization while maintaining plasma temperature through optimized spatial intensity distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potentially harmful UV radiation into beneficial longer-wavelength radiation by adjusting the point spread function. The same laser energy that would produce harmful UV is now directed to produce useful radiation in the desired wavelength band, turning a harmful effect into a beneficial one.
3Illumination intensity
If conventional point spread function is used to maintain plasma, then sufficient plasma brightness is achieved, but radiation output efficiency in the desired wavelength band is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the point spread function parameters to match the desired wavelength band requirements. This alignment ensures that the plasma emission spectrum peaks where it is most useful, maximizing radiation output efficiency in the desired wavelength band while maintaining sufficient plasma brightness for inspection applications.
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 configuration increases the efficiency of radiation output within the desired wavelength band, reduces solarization, and prolongs the lifespan of components by minimizing UV radiation, while maintaining sufficient plasma brightness for inspection applications.
Implementation Method 1
drive optics operable to focus drive radiation so as to maintain a plasma
Implementation Method 2
spectral position of a peak output wavelength of a black body portion of output radiation emitted by said plasma
Implementation Method 3
Plasmas are generated in a gaseous medium by the application of energy through electric discharge, and laser energy
Implementation Method 4
Plasmas are generated in a gaseous medium by the application of energy through electric discharge, and laser energy
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a laser-driven photon source comprising drive optics which focus drive radiation so as to maintain a plasma. The point spread function of the drive optics has a point spread function (75) which is configured such that a spectral position of a peak output wavelength of a black body portion of output radiation emitted by said plasma within a desired wavelength band.