Solid-State Laser Device With Transverse Optical Path Bending
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid-state laser devices used for photoacoustic measurements face challenges in reducing size and simplifying the configuration for easy replacement of excitation light sources, leading to increased device size and complexity, particularly due to the need for large resonator lengths and complex optical path arrangements.
Innovation Solution
A solid-state laser device design featuring a rod-shaped excitation light source with one end portion inside the laser chamber and the other outside, where an optical element bends light emitted from the solid-state laser medium in a transverse direction, allowing the excitation light source to be easily pulled out without interfering with optical components, thus reducing device size and simplifying the configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the excitation light source is accommodated completely inside the laser chamber, then the excitation efficiency is improved, but the device size increases and maintenance becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The excitation light source is divided into two portions: a rod-shaped portion that extends through the laser chamber wall, with one end inside the chamber and the other outside. This segmentation allows the light source to be partially accessible for maintenance while maintaining efficient excitation of the laser medium within the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod-shaped portion of the excitation light source is extracted through the laser chamber wall, allowing it to be pulled out from the outside for easy replacement and maintenance without disassembling the entire laser chamber, thus reducing device size and improving maintainability.
2Length of moving object
If the optical path is bent to reduce device length, then the device size is reduced, but the optical component arrangement becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is bent in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped excitation light source. This dimensional change allows the optical components to be arranged in a compact configuration without increasing the device length in the longitudinal direction, while maintaining simple alignment.
3Volume of moving object
If the resonator length is reduced for compact design, then the device size is reduced, but the pulse width cannot be sufficiently shortened
Solution Approach 1:
By bending the optical path in a transverse direction rather than extending it longitudinally, the resonator can achieve sufficient optical path length for short pulse widths while maintaining a compact device size. The optical components are positioned to create an effective resonator length without increasing the physical device dimensions.
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 design enables a compact solid-state laser device with reduced resonator length, allowing for shorter pulse widths and easier maintenance, while maintaining high excitation efficiency and preventing device enlargement.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element which bends light emitted from one end surface of the solid-state laser medium in a transverse direction is provided to face the one end surface of the solid-state laser medium
Implementation Method 2
a flash lamp which excites the solid-state laser medium
Implementation Method 3
the solid-state laser medium absorbs energy of pulsed light, and an ultrasonic wave (photoacoustic signal) is generated
Implementation Method 4
a solid-state laser medium which is formed in a rod shape, and a flash lamp which excites the solid-state laser medium
Implementation Method 5
a pair of resonator mirrors which resonate light emitted from both end portions of the excited solid-state laser medium
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are a solid-state laser device having an advantage of achieving simplification of a configuration and reduction in size, and a photoacoustic measurement device. In a solid-state laser device which accommodates a solid-state laser medium and an excitation light source having a rod-shaped portion, the excitation light source is provided to be pulled out of a laser chamber. An optical element which bends light is provided at a position separated from the rod-shaped portion such that at least a part of the optical element and at least a part of the rod-shaped portion are at the same position in the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped portion. One resonator mirror is disposed at a position where bent light is incident. Optical components between the optical element and the resonator mirror are provided at positions separated from a path along which the excitation light source is pulled out.