Laser Device Wavelength Tuning via Incident Angle Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser devices do not allow users to change the wavelength of oscillation, making it necessary to select from limited pre-made products or design new devices for specific wavelength requirements, such as adjusting color balance in projectors.
Innovation Solution
A laser device with a light source unit, an optical element, and an output mirror, where the angle-of-incidence changing means, comprising a second lens and lens moving means, allows the integral component unit to move perpendicular to the output mirror, changing the angle of incidence on the optical element and thus the wavelength of emitted light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional laser device uses a fixed wavelength laser element, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the wavelength of oscillation cannot be changed by the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the optical element (diffraction grating) movable rather than fixed. The angle-of-incidence changing means enables the diffraction grating to be positioned at different angles, allowing the wavelength of oscillation to be dynamically adjusted by changing the incident angle of laser light on the grating, thus resolving the contradiction between fixed wavelength and user adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the angle of incidence of laser light on the diffraction grating. By changing this angular parameter, the wavelength selection is adjusted without replacing the laser element itself. The angle-of-incidence changing means modifies this critical parameter to enable wavelength tuning while keeping the basic device structure intact.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional laser device uses a fixed optical path, then the alignment is stable and easy to manufacture, but the angle of incidence on the optical element cannot be varied to change wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing an optical system where a single diffraction grating serves multiple wavelength selection functions. Instead of requiring different optical paths or multiple gratings for different wavelengths, the same grating can be positioned at various angles to select different wavelengths, simplifying the overall system while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the optical path dynamic by enabling movement of the diffraction grating to different angular positions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different wavelength requirements without requiring multiple fixed optical paths, thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving wavelength selection flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional laser device uses a fixed resonator configuration, then the oscillation characteristics are stable, but the wavelength of oscillation is uniquely determined and cannot be changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by introducing a movable diffraction grating that can be positioned at different angles within the fixed resonator configuration. This allows the wavelength of oscillation to be tuned by changing the angle of incidence on the grating while maintaining the stability of the resonator structure itself, thus achieving wavelength tunability without compromising oscillation stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the angular parameter of the diffraction grating to achieve wavelength tuning. By modifying this geometric parameter while keeping the resonator configuration fixed, the system can select different wavelengths from the laser element's emission spectrum, maintaining oscillation stability through the fixed resonator while achieving wavelength adaptability.
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 users to change the wavelength of oscillation by adjusting the angle of incidence, allowing for customizable wavelength output without the need for new devices or selecting from limited pre-made products.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element for determining a wavelength of oscillation emitted from the laser element, on the basis of an angle of the laser light incident on the optical element
Implementation Method 2
the output mirror configured to reflect a part of emission light emitted from the optical element toward the optical element
Implementation Method 3
the light source unit includes a first lens for refracting the light emitted from the laser element to emit parallel light
Implementation Method 4
the angle-of-incidence changing means includes a second lens having an incident surface whose area is larger than an emission area of the light emitted from the first lens, the second lens allowing the light emitted from the first lens to be incident on the incident surface to collect the light
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A laser device that allows its user to change the wavelength of oscillation is obtained. The laser device includes a light source unit provided with a laser element for emitting laser light by forming a laser resonator with an output mirror, the laser element having a rear end surface on which a reflective film is formed; an optical element for determining a wavelength of oscillation emitted from the laser element, on the basis of an angle of the laser light incident on the optical element, the optical element being disposed in an optical path of the laser light emitted from the light source unit; the output mirror for reflecting a part of emission light emitted from the optical element toward the optical element; and angle-of-incidence changing means for changing an angle at which the light emitted from the light source unit is incident on the optical element.