Light Source Device Using Pulsed and Continuous Wave Lasers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light source devices using laser beams to excite gases in emission tubes face instability in maintaining high-temperature plasma states, leading to short device lifetimes and high power requirements, which are costly and impractical.
Innovation Solution
A light source device configuration that combines a pulsed laser oscillator and a continuous-wave laser oscillator, with their beams superposing along the light emission tube, using the continuous-wave beam to maintain the high-temperature plasma state and the pulsed beam to initiate it, allowing for stable discharge and extended device life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a pulsed laser beam is used to excite the gas, then the discharge can be initiated, but the high-temperature plasma state cannot be maintained stably
Solution Approach 1:
The laser excitation is divided into two distinct modes: a pulsed laser component for initiating discharge and a continuous-wave laser component for maintaining the plasma state. This segmentation allows each laser type to perform its optimal function without the drawbacks of using only one type.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulsed laser operates in periodic pulses to repeatedly initiate and reinforce the plasma state, while the continuous-wave laser provides constant maintenance. The periodic pulsed action ensures stable plasma generation despite the intermittent nature of the excitation.
2Reliability
If a continuous laser beam with sufficient intensity is used, then the plasma state can be maintained, but the tube sphere is heated causing breakages
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous laser power is segmented into a lower-power continuous-wave component for plasma maintenance and a high-power pulsed component for discharge initiation. This reduces the continuous thermal load on the tube while maintaining plasma stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser operating parameters are changed from a single high-power continuous mode to a combination of low-power continuous mode and high-power pulsed mode. This parameter transformation allows plasma maintenance with reduced average power input, preventing tube overheating.
3Reliability
If a continuous laser beam with high output is used, then the plasma state can be maintained, but the laser device becomes large and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The laser system is segmented into two independent laser devices: a pulsed laser device for discharge initiation and a continuous-wave laser device for plasma maintenance. Each device can be optimized separately, allowing the use of smaller, less expensive continuous-wave laser compared to a single high-power continuous laser.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous-wave laser operates at partial power level sufficient only for plasma maintenance, while the pulsed laser provides the excessive peak power needed for discharge initiation. This partial action approach reduces the requirements for the continuous laser device, making it smaller and more cost-effective.
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 stabilizes the high-temperature plasma state, reduces power requirements, and extends the device's lifespan by using a smaller, less costly laser device while maintaining efficient light emission.
Implementation Method 1
a pulsed laser oscillator part emitting a pulsed laser beam towards said light emission tube
Implementation Method 2
the gas is excited and light is emitted
Implementation Method 3
a continuous-wave laser oscillator part emitting a continuous-wave laser beam towards said light emission tube
Implementation Method 4
the gas is excited and light is emitted
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
A light source device (10) wherein the high-temperature plasma state after the start of the lighting is maintained stably and the light emission can be maintained stably and a decrease of the lighting life cycle by means of a heating of the light emission tube (1) is suppressed comprises a light emission tube (1), in which a light emitting means is enclosed, and a pulsed laser oscillator part (2) emitting a pulsed laser beam towards said light emission tube (1), wherein a continuous-wave laser oscillator part is provided emitting a continuous-wave laser beam towards said light emission tube (1).