Non-linear Crystal Wavelength Conversion via Optical Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for converting light containing image information from one wavelength interval to another are not compact, reliable, or cost-effective, and they do not achieve high conversion efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a non-linear crystal for optical mixing with a laser beam, allowing multiple phase match conditions to process incoming electromagnetic radiation, enabling the generation of images in different wavelength intervals and combining them to achieve higher resolution and larger acceptance cones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single phase match condition is used in the non-linear crystal, then the system is simple and compact, but the acceptance cone is limited and image resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the imaging process into multiple segments by applying multiple discrete phase match conditions. Each phase match condition processes a specific spatial part of the object space, and the results are combined to form a complete high-resolution image. This segmentation allows the system to achieve large acceptance cones and high resolution without requiring a single complex phase match condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the phase match condition parameter space by introducing multiple discrete phase match conditions (first, second, etc.). This dimensional extension in the parameter space allows the system to access different spatial parts of the object space, effectively increasing the acceptance cone and improving image resolution without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple phase match conditions are applied to process different spatial parts, then larger images and higher resolution are achieved, but the device complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the object space into multiple spatial parts, each processed by a corresponding phase match condition. This segmentation strategy allows the system to manage complexity by handling smaller, discrete portions of the image separately and then combining them, rather than processing the entire high-resolution image in a single complex operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary actions by pre-defining multiple discrete phase match conditions that correspond to different spatial parts of the object space. These phase match conditions are prepared in advance, allowing the system to efficiently process different spatial regions without requiring complex real-time adjustments, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a broad wavelength interval is processed, then more information is captured, but conversion efficiency decreases and the system becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the wavelength interval processing by associating different phase match conditions with different wavelength ranges. Each phase match condition is optimized for a specific wavelength range, allowing the system to maintain high conversion efficiency and reliability for each segment while collectively covering a broad wavelength interval through the combination of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing each phase match condition for a specific wavelength range rather than using a single uniform condition for all wavelengths. This localized optimization ensures that each processing segment operates at peak efficiency for its designated wavelength range, maintaining high conversion efficiency and reliability while achieving broad overall wavelength coverage.
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 system provides a compact, reliable, and cost-effective method for converting light, enabling higher resolution and larger image processing with a wider acceptance cone, and allows for the selection of a limited wavelength interval for monochromatic image conversion.
Implementation Method 1
interaction between the incoming electromagnetic radiation in the first wavelength interval and the laser beam provides processed electromagnetic radiation comprising electromagnetic radiation in a second wavelength interval
Implementation Method 2
setting a plurality of phase match conditions within the non-linear crystal for the incoming electromagnetic radiation propagating in a first direction within the non-linear crystal
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system and a method for processing electromagnetic radiation. In particular, the present invention relates to conversion of light, such as light (28) comprising image information (34), from one wavelength interval to another wavelength interval. More in particular, the present invention relates to wavelength conversion of incident light (28) by means of optical mixing with a laser beam in a non- linear crystal (14). The method according to the present invention comprises receiving incoming electromagnetic radiation (28) and a laser beam (12) in a non- linear crystal, setting a plurality of phase match conditions within the non- linear crystal (14), obtaining a plurality of images of the processed electromagnetic radiation (30), and providing a first combined image (42) comprising a first part of a first image and comprising a second part of a second image. The wavelength conversion is realized in an intra -cavity arrangement by for example sum- frequency generation between the intra-cavity laser light (12) and the in-coupled radiation (28).