Solid-State Laser Layout for Replaceable Excitation Source
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Solid-state laser devices face challenges in downsizing while maintaining easy replacement of excitation light sources and protecting optical components from dust and debris.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state laser device design featuring a linear resonator with an output mirror and rear mirror on a straight line, a laser rod, and optical members including a Q-switch, all housed on a common base within a housing. The excitation light source is held parallel to the laser rod and can be easily inserted or extracted, with a holding part allowing for longitudinal movement, and the device includes a partition plate to prevent dust adhesion and a cooling system for the light source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the excitation light source is exposed from the housing for easy replacement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional housing structures and sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into a main housing body and a separate lid that can be opened and closed. The excitation light source is accessible by simply opening the lid, which segments the housing into a fixed main body and a removable cover, simplifying the replacement operation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The excitation light source is extracted from the fully enclosed housing structure and positioned in a location that is accessible when the lid is opened. This extraction allows the light source to be replaced without disassembling the entire housing, reducing the complexity of the replacement process while maintaining protective enclosure when closed.
2Reliability
If optical components are sealed within the housing to protect from dust, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is segmented into a main body containing the optical components and a separate lid that provides access. The optical components remain sealed within the main housing body for protection, while the lid can be opened to allow maintenance personnel to access and replace the excitation light source without compromising the sealed environment of the optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the sealed housing containing optical components. It provides a controlled access point that allows maintenance operations on the excitation light source while maintaining the dust-protection seal for the optical components when closed.
3Productivity
If the device is downsized to reduce volume, then productivity is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to limited space for component replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The compact housing is segmented with a removable lid that provides access to the excitation light source. This segmentation allows the overall device volume to be minimized while still providing adequate access space for component replacement through the lid opening, resolving the conflict between downsizing and maintainability.
Solution Approach 2:
Access to the excitation light source is provided through the lid opening in the vertical dimension, allowing maintenance personnel to access components from above without requiring lateral space. This dimensional approach enables compact horizontal footprint while maintaining ease of operation for component replacement.
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 enables further downsizing of the device while ensuring easy replacement of the excitation light source and effective protection of optical components, enhancing the device's efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a rod-shaped excitation light source that extends parallel to the laser rod and emits excitation light that excites the laser rod
Implementation Method 2
an output mirror and a rear mirror which are disposed on a straight line and form a linear resonator
Implementation Method 3
a cooling system for the light source
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Provided a solid-state laser device capable of easily replacing an excitation light source and capable of being downsized more than before. Provided is a solid-state laser device (1) in which a linear resonator including an output mirror (11) and a rear mirror (12), a laser rod (13), and optical members(15 to 19) are provided on a common base (51) and are contained in a housing (50) having the base (51) as a portion. A holding part (31) is provided to hold an excitation light source (20) that extends parallel to the laser rod (13) on a side of the laser rod (13) opposite to the base (51). The optical members (15 to 19) including a Q-switch are disposed between the laser rod (13) and the rear mirror (12). An upper end position (11e) of the output mirror (11) is at a position lower than a lower end position of the excitation light source (20) held by the holding part (31), with the base (51) as a reference. The holding part (31) holds the excitation light source (20) so as to be capable of being inserted and extracted with respect to the output mirror (11) side in a longitudinal direction of the excitation light source (20).