Nonlinear Crystal Thermal Waveguide for Broad-Range Wavelength Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavelength conversion technologies using nonlinear optical crystals are limited to providing light with a single wavelength and fail to effectively change the wavelength over a wide range.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength conversion device utilizing a nonlinear optical crystal with a thermal waveguide formed by guide, signal, and pump lights of different wavelengths, where the position of the crystal is adjusted to control the output wavelength, and optical systems adjust spot sizes to enhance conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single wavelength light is provided to the nonlinear optical crystal, then the wavelength conversion is simple, but the output wavelength range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple light sources (guide light source, signal light source, and pump light source) with different wavelengths to illuminate the nonlinear optical crystal simultaneously. This merging of multiple light sources enables the output wavelength to be adjusted across a broad range by varying the combination of input wavelengths, thereby resolving the contradiction between simple configuration and wide wavelength range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable optical systems that allow dynamic control of the light paths and intensities from multiple sources. By dynamically adjusting which light sources are active and their respective parameters, the system can adaptively change the output wavelength, achieving versatility while maintaining manageable device complexity through controlled adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to expand wavelength range, then the output wavelength range increases, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nonlinear optical crystal serves multiple functions by simultaneously receiving guide light, signal light, and pump light from different sources. This multi-functional use of the crystal allows it to perform wavelength conversion across a broad spectrum without requiring separate conversion stages, thereby expanding the wavelength range while avoiding proportional increases in overall device complexity.
3Productivity
If the light spot size is reduced to increase intensity, then the conversion efficiency increases, but the alignment precision requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs optical systems that focus and concentrate the light from multiple sources into a localized region within the nonlinear optical crystal. By creating a concentrated interaction region with high intensity, the system achieves high conversion efficiency. The local quality enhancement through focusing compensates for the increased alignment precision requirements, as the concentrated light path provides a more defined interaction zone.
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 control of output light wavelength over a broad range with increased conversion efficiency by adjusting the position and characteristics of the nonlinear optical crystal and optimizing light spot sizes.
Implementation Method 1
a guide light source that provides guide light traveling in a first direction within the nonlinear optical crystal such that a thermal waveguide penetrating the nonlinear optical crystal is formed
Implementation Method 2
a signal light source that provides signal light having a first wavelength (λ1) and traveling in a second direction opposite to the first direction through the thermal waveguide, and a pump light source that provides pump light having a second wavelength (λ2) and traveling in the second direction through the thermal waveguide, wherein an output light including a wavelength component corresponding to a sum of energies of the first wavelength (λ1) and the second wavelength (λ2) is provided from the thermal waveguide
Data Source
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AI summary
A wavelength conversion device includes a nonlinear optical crystal, a guide light source configured to provide a guide light traveling in a first direction within the nonlinear optical crystal such that a thermal waveguide penetrating the nonlinear optical crystal is formed, a signal light source configured to provide a signal light having a first wavelength (λ1) and traveling in a second direction opposite to the first direction through the thermal waveguide, and a pump light source configured to provide a pump light having a second wavelength (λ2) and traveling in the second direction through the thermal waveguide, wherein an output light including a wavelength component corresponding to a sum of energies of the first wavelength (λ1) and the second wavelength (λ2) is provided from the thermal waveguide.