Multi-Wavelength Laser Pulse Optical Arrangement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional two-photon fluorescence microscopy and sum frequency mixing are limited by the need for exact coordination between the laser and sample, restricted material applications, and low signal emission due to restrictive wavelength requirements and lower transition probabilities.
Innovation Solution
An optical arrangement using two synchronized laser pulse generators producing pulses with different central wavelengths for multi-photon absorption, allowing interaction inside the object and enabling a variety of new interactions and increased transition probabilities by varying laser radiation parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional two-photon fluorescence microscopy uses a single laser wavelength, then the laser and sample must be exactly coordinated, but this restricts the number of available laser media and reduces flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the laser excitation into multiple independent wavelength components (first laser pulse with first central wavelength, second laser pulse with second central wavelength). This segmentation allows each laser to be independently selected and coordinated with the sample, providing flexibility in choosing appropriate wavelengths for different samples while maintaining precise wavelength coordination through independent control of each laser pulse generator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal excitation system that can handle multiple samples with different absorption characteristics by using multiple laser wavelengths. The optical arrangement can be applied to various materials and samples without requiring reconfiguration of the entire laser system, as each laser pulse generator can be independently adjusted to match the specific requirements of different samples.
2Productivity
If two-photon absorption uses photons of identical energy, then the process is simplified, but the transition probability is much lower than for one-photon processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the energy parameters of the photons involved in the two-photon absorption process by using laser pulses with different central wavelengths (first central wavelength ≠ second central wavelength). This parameter change allows the system to exploit resonant intermediate states and other quantum mechanical effects that enhance the transition probability, while the independent control of each laser enables precise coordination to achieve the desired excitation transitions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sum frequency mixing is used, then new interactions can be excited, but the application is limited to materials with χ(2) susceptibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal excitation method that works with a broad range of materials including those without χ(2) susceptibility. By using multiple laser pulses with different wavelengths, the system can excite transitions in various materials through different mechanisms (two-photon absorption, sum frequency generation, or other non-linear optical processes), making the optical arrangement applicable to diverse materials without requiring specific material properties.
4Measurement precision
If conventional microscopy uses single-photon absorption, then the setup is simple, but the spatial resolution and penetration depth are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the excitation process into multiple independent laser pulse generators, each capable of producing pulses with specific wavelengths and temporal characteristics. This segmentation enables precise control over the excitation process, achieving high spatial resolution through focused laser pulses while maintaining the ability to penetrate deeper into samples by using appropriate wavelength selections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic pulsed laser excitation rather than continuous illumination. The synchronized laser pulses provide periodic excitation that enhances the non-linear optical effects while maintaining high spatial resolution through the focused pulse geometry. The periodic action allows for efficient energy delivery and precise temporal control of the excitation process.
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 approach provides a flexible and precise method for examining or processing objects with enhanced spatial and temporal resolution, capable of interacting with a wide range of materials and exciting previously inaccessible transitions, thereby improving signal emission and material information acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
multi-photon absorption takes place at the target position with the involvement of at least one photon of the first laser pulse and at least one photon of the second laser pulse
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical arrangement (20) and to a method of examining or processing an object (46). Here, a first laser pulse with a first central wavelength and a second laser pulse with a second central wavelength different from the first central wavelength are generated. Both pulses are superimposed in or on the object (46) such that multi-photon absorption takes place there with the involvement of at least one photon of the first laser pulse and at least one photon of the second laser pulse.