Movable Laser Optical Elements for Deep UV Lifespan
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser arrangements in the deep UV range face significant degradation of optical elements due to high UV light intensity, limiting their lifespan to less than 20,000 hours, and existing methods to extend lifespan, such as moving optical elements, introduce vibrations and intensity fluctuations, compromising conversion efficiency and system stability.
Innovation Solution
A laser arrangement with two movably mounted optical elements, where one element converts the laser beam to a higher frequency deep UV range and the second element is a dichroic mirror that reflects this beam at an angle, allowing for distribution of radiation across multiple points on both elements without disrupting the resonator's alignment, thereby enhancing their lifespan by a factor of 10 without significant intensity noise or beam position instability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If optical elements are permanently moved to distribute UV radiation strain, then the lifespan of optical elements is extended, but vibrations and intensity fluctuations occur which compromise conversion efficiency and system stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the optical elements movable rather than stationary. The frequency converter and dichroic mirror are mounted on translation stages that allow them to be repositioned along the optical axis. This dynamic configuration enables the system to distribute UV radiation strain across different positions of the optical elements, extending their lifespan while maintaining alignment through controlled movement rather than permanent relocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Segmentation principle by dividing the optical path into distinct movable segments. The frequency converter and dichroic mirror are separated and independently mounted on translation stages, allowing each element to be moved separately to optimize their positions. This segmentation enables distributed strain management while maintaining overall system coherence and conversion efficiency.
2Productivity
If the beam cross section is reduced to increase power density, then conversion efficiency increases, but the strain on the non-linear crystal increases leading to shorter lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by enabling the non-linear crystal to be moved along the optical axis via a translation stage. This allows the crystal to be repositioned to distribute the high power density strain across different regions of the crystal over time, extending its operational lifespan while maintaining the small beam cross section necessary for high conversion efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the Self-service principle by allowing the optical elements to serve themselves through automated repositioning. The system can autonomously move the frequency converter and dichroic mirror to optimize their positions and distribute strain, eliminating the need for external intervention and maintaining both high efficiency and extended lifespan automatically.
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
The solution significantly extends the lifespan of optical elements in laser arrangements by distributing the UV radiation across multiple points, reducing degradation and maintaining high conversion efficiency, while minimizing mechanical vibrations and intensity fluctuations, thus achieving a lifespan at least 10 times longer than prior art without compromising key parameters like intensity noise and beam stability.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element (3) is provided which is converting a first laser beam (1) having a first frequency into a second laser beam (2) having a second frequency
Implementation Method 2
a second optical element (5) is provided which is reflecting the second laser beam (2) in a direction of reflection
Data Source
AI summary
A laser arrangement has a first optical element, provided and established to convert a first laser beam having a first frequency into a second laser beam having a second frequency, wherein the second frequency is higher than the first frequency, and has a second optical element, which is transmitting for the first laser beam and reflecting for the second laser beam, and which is provided and established to reflect the second laser beam in a direction of reflection. Both the first optical element and the second optical element are movably mounted in such a way that they can be moved relative to a direction of light propagation of the second laser beam.