Laser Pulse Generator Synchronization for Nanosecond Jitter Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser pulse generators experience output jitter due to the lack of synchronization between the start event and the output clock, particularly when generating nanosecond laser pulses, and rely on logic circuits like FPGAs that cannot produce such pulses without jitter.
Innovation Solution
A laser pulse generator with a pulse shape generation device, digital-to-analog converter, synchronization circuit, and clock stopping element, which synchronizes the output signal with a trigger signal to control the clock stopping element, ensuring precise timing and minimal jitter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a logic module (FPGA) is used to generate laser pulse shape, then the pulse shape can be generated flexibly, but nanosecond laser pulses with duration in the 25 nanosecond range cannot be generated without jitter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the jitter-inducing logic module (FPGA) from the pulse generation system and replaces it with a dedicated pulse shape memory and digital-to-analog converter architecture. This separation allows the system to achieve both flexible pulse shaping through the memory and jitter-free timing through the direct memory-to-DAC path, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a synchronization circuit as an intermediary between the trigger signal and the clock signal. This mediator synchronizes the start event with the output clock, eliminating jitter while preserving the flexibility of pulse shape generation. The synchronization circuit acts as a bridge that reconciles the timing requirements with the flexible memory-based approach.
2Ease of operation
If pulse-on-demand triggering is used, then the operator can start the laser pulse arbitrarily, but output jitter occurs since the start event does not correlate to the output clock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the synchronization circuit that monitors the trigger signal and adjusts the clock signal accordingly. The synchronization circuit uses the trigger event as feedback to synchronize the output clock, ensuring that arbitrary operator-initiated triggers always correlate precisely with the pulse generation timing, thereby eliminating jitter while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization action by preparing the clock signal in advance based on the trigger event. The synchronization circuit anticipates the trigger and pre-synchronizes the clock, ensuring that when the operator initiates a pulse arbitrarily, the timing is already aligned and jitter-free. This preliminary action prevents the jitter that would otherwise occur from uncorrelated triggering.
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 the generation of nanosecond laser pulses with adjustable temporal shapes and minimal jitter, allowing for precise control and synchronization without the need for FPGAs, achieving sub-nanosecond timing accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a digital-to-analog converter connected to the pulse shape memory, configured to generate an output signal in time with a clock signal arriving at a first connection
Implementation Method 2
a synchronization circuit, which includes a third connection for connecting a trigger signal line transmitting a trigger signal, configured to control the clock stopping element according to the trigger signal and the output signal
Implementation Method 3
a clock stopping element connected to the first connection, the synchronization circuit being configured to control the clock stopping element according to the trigger signal and the output signal output at the second connection
Data Source
AI summary
A laser pulse generator includes a pulse shape generation device. The pulse shape generation device includes a pulse shape memory for storing data, a digital-to-analog converter connected to the pulse shape memory, a first connection for supplying a clock signal, and a second connection for outputting an output signal. The digital-to-analog converter is configured to generate the output signal in time with the clock signal arriving at the first connection. The laser pulse generator further includes a synchronization circuit. The synchronization circuit includes a third connection for connecting a trigger signal line transmitting a trigger signal. The synchronization circuit is connected to the second connection. The laser pulse generator further includes a clock stopping element connected to the first connection. The synchronization circuit is configured to control the clock stopping element according to the trigger signal and the output signal output at the second connection.