Multi-Pass Laser Amplifier Layout for Thermal Lensing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diode-pumped solid-state laser systems face challenges such as thermal lensing and reduced operational lifetime due to high power pumping and confined seed signal injection within compact facets.
Innovation Solution
A laser system incorporating a multi-stage amplifier configuration, where a seed signal is amplified through multiple first and second amplifier stages, utilizing curved mirrors and reflectors with high reflectance and transmission areas to manage thermal effects and optimize seed signal distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high power pumping is applied to the laser gain media within a confined facet region, then the power output is improved, but thermal lensing occurs within the gain media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the gain media into multiple discrete elements (first gain media element, second gain media element, third gain media element) arranged in a spatial array. This segmentation allows the pump energy to be distributed across multiple elements rather than concentrated in a single confined facet, reducing thermal lensing in each individual element while maintaining high overall power output through the combined array.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-facet geometry to a two-dimensional array of gain media elements. By arranging elements in rows and columns with specific pitch dimensions, the system distributes pump energy across a larger area in multiple dimensions, eliminating the confined facet geometry that causes thermal lensing while preserving the laser output function.
2Ease of operation
If seed signal is injected into the gain media within compact facet confines, then the laser operation is maintained, but the operational lifetime of the gain media decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser operation across multiple gain media elements, each receiving a portion of the total pump energy and seed signal. This distribution reduces the energy density and operational stress on each individual element, thereby extending the operational lifetime of each element while maintaining continuous laser operation through the array as a whole.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning from a single compact facet to a two-dimensional array of elements, the patent distributes the seed signal injection across multiple locations. This spatial distribution reduces the confinement effects and energy density at any single point, decreasing degradation rates and extending the operational lifetime of each gain media element.
3Power
If multiple amplifier stages are used to amplify the seed signal, then the laser power is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple gain media elements into a single integrated amplifier stage that functions as a unified system. By merging the functionality of multiple elements into one stage with shared pump and seed signal distribution, the system achieves high power output without the complexity of multiple separate amplifier stages, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining power improvement benefits.
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 multi-stage amplifier configuration effectively reduces thermal lensing and extends the operational lifetime of the gain media by distributing the seed signal energy more evenly and efficiently across the gain media, while minimizing parasitic signal generation.
Implementation Method 1
A second amplifier stage may be configured to receive the amplified seed signal from the first amplifier stage and output an amplified output signal
Implementation Method 2
at least one first amplifier pump source configured to output at least one pump signal to the first amplifier stage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
A laser system having a multi-pass amplifier system which includes at least one seed source configured to output at least one seed signal having a seed signal wavelength, at least one pump source configured to output at least one pump signal, at least one multi-pass amplifier system in communication with the seed source and having at least one gain media, a first mirror, and at least a second mirror therein, the gain media device positioned between the first mirror and second mirror and configured to output at least one amplifier output signal having an output wavelength range, the first mirror and second mirror may be configured to reflect the amplifier output signal within the output wavelength range, and at least one optical system may be in communication with the amplifier system and configured to receive the amplifier output signal and output an output signal within the output wavelength range.