Laser Beam Output Apparatus for Multi-Wavelength Pulsed Irradiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring objects, such as living organisms, using pulsed light of multiple wavelengths face accuracy issues due to the need for significant time gaps between irradiations, which can be affected by object movement, and lack techniques for immediate sequential irradiation with pulsed light of different wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A laser beam output apparatus that includes a pulsed laser output section, an optical path determining section, a wavelength changing section, and a multiplexer, allowing for the simultaneous or immediate sequential output of pulsed light of different wavelengths by using multiple optical paths and non-linear optical crystal substrates to change wavelengths and control timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pulsed light of multiple wavelengths is irradiated sequentially with significant time gaps, then different wavelengths can be measured, but measurement accuracy decreases due to object movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wavelength selection process into multiple optical paths (first optical path for first wavelength, second optical path for second wavelength) that are selectively activated. By segmenting the optical system and using optical path determining sections to direct pulses through different paths, the system can switch between wavelengths without requiring long time gaps, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy while still enabling multi-wavelength irradiation.
2Measurement precision
If immediate sequential irradiation with pulsed light of different wavelengths is implemented, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single optical system by using optical path determining sections that can direct pulses through different paths. The wavelength changing sections and multiplexer are shared resources that serve multiple optical paths, allowing immediate sequential irradiation with different wavelengths without requiring completely separate systems for each wavelength, thus controlling device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (optical path determining sections, wavelength changing sections, multiplexer) that mediate between the light source and the output. These intermediaries enable rapid wavelength switching by directing pulses through different optical paths and changing wavelengths on-demand, achieving immediate sequential irradiation without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
3Speed
If multiple optical paths are used for different wavelengths, then immediate sequential irradiation is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical path determining sections, wavelength changing sections, and multiplexer as universal components that can handle multiple wavelengths and optical paths. These components perform multiple functions: directing pulses through different paths, changing wavelengths on-demand, and multiplexing outputs. This multi-functionality enables fast switching between wavelengths without requiring separate dedicated components for each wavelength, thus controlling optical path complexity.
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
Enables accurate and efficient irradiation with pulsed light of multiple wavelengths without significant time gaps, improving measurement accuracy and addressing movement-related errors by allowing immediate switching between wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength changing section that receives light beams traveling, respectively, through the plurality of optical paths and changes the light beams to have their respective different wavelengths for output
Implementation Method 2
the optical path determining section may be an acousto-optical modulator or an acousto-optical deflector
Data Source
AI summary
A laser beam output apparatus includes a pulsed laser output section, an optical path determining section, a wavelength changing section, and a multiplexer. The pulsed laser output section outputs a laser beam having a predetermined wavelength as first pulses. The optical path determining section receives the first pulses and determines one among a plurality of optical paths for each of the first pulses for output. The wavelength changing section receives light beams traveling, respectively, through the plurality of optical paths and changes the light beams to have their respective different wavelengths for output. The multiplexer multiplexes outputs from the wavelength changing section.