Laser Gain Medium Positioning via Coupling Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
High power laser systems experience failures due to significant temperature changes causing thermal expansion and contraction of the gain medium within the cooling system, leading to movement and potential failure of the laser system.
Innovation Solution
A laser resonator design featuring a cylindrical gain medium with a depression in its outer surface and a corresponding depression in the cooling jacket, along with a coupling member that restricts movement along the central axis, maintains the gain medium's position during thermal expansion and contraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the gain medium is allowed to undergo thermal expansion and contraction during power cycling, then the cooling system can effectively cool the gain medium, but the gain medium moves within the cooling system causing laser system failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by designing a securing mechanism that adapts to the dynamic thermal expansion and contraction of the gain medium. The mechanism includes a securing member with a first engagement feature that couples to the gain medium and a second engagement feature that couples to the cooling system, allowing the system to dynamically accommodate dimensional changes while maintaining positional stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary securing mechanism between the gain medium and the cooling system. This intermediary component (the securing member with engagement features) mediates the thermal expansion and contraction forces, preventing direct movement between the gain medium and cooling system while still allowing effective heat transfer.
2Reliability
If the gain medium is rigidly fixed to prevent movement, then positional stability is improved, but thermal expansion and contraction are restricted causing potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is designed to be dynamically compliant, allowing the gain medium to expand and contract thermally while maintaining positional stability. The engagement features provide a controlled connection that permits dimensional changes without rigid constraint, preventing thermal stress damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection between gain medium and cooling system from rigid to compliant. The securing member with its specific engagement features creates a connection that maintains positional stability while accommodating thermal parameter changes through controlled movement.
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
Prevents laser system failure by stabilizing the gain medium's position within the cooling system, ensuring consistent operation despite temperature changes during power cycling.
Implementation Method 1
Cooling liquid is circulated through the cooling jacket to extract heat from the gain medium
Implementation Method 2
Cooling liquid is circulated through the cooling jacket to extract heat from the gain medium
Implementation Method 3
power cycling of the optical pump source causes the gain medium to undergo significant temperature changes. Such temperature changes result in the thermal expansion and contraction of the gain medium
Data Source
AI summary
A laser resonator comprises a cylindrical gain medium, a cooling system and a coupling member. The cylindrical gain medium comprises a central axis, an outer side surface, two opposing end faces and a first depression in the outer side surface. The cooling system comprises a cooling jacket disposed around the gain medium that defines a cooling cavity, in which cooling fluid is guided over the side surface of the gain medium. In one embodiment, the cooling jacket comprises a second depression. The coupling member is received within the first and second depressions. Movement of the first depression along the central axis relative to the cooling jacket is restricted by the coupling member.