Wavelength-Converting Optical Fiber With Seed-Light Amplification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light-emitting devices struggle to increase the intensity of wavelength-converted light, limiting their efficiency and performance in applications such as lighting systems and endoscopes.
Innovation Solution
A light-emitting device comprising an optical fiber with a wavelength converting portion containing a rare earth element material, excited by excitation light to produce spontaneous and amplified spontaneous emissions, which are then amplified by seed light to produce stimulated emissions of higher intensity and different wavelengths, enhancing the device's light output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light transmission fiber with wavelength converting core is used, then wavelength converted light can be produced, but the intensity of wavelength converted light is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing seed light at a specific wavelength (560-580nm) before the wavelength conversion process is complete. This seed light initiates stimulated emission in the wavelength converting core, amplifying the spontaneous emission and producing high-intensity wavelength converted light. The seed light is introduced through a light introducing unit that couples it into the fiber core, ensuring it reaches the wavelength converting material at the optimal point to trigger efficient stimulated emission and achieve high intensity output.
2Illumination intensity
If excitation light intensity is increased to improve wavelength converted light output, then more wavelength converted light is produced, but energy loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the seed light wavelength to match the emission spectrum of the wavelength converting material (560-580nm). This wavelength parameter optimization enables efficient stimulated emission that amplifies the wavelength converted light output. By carefully selecting and controlling the seed light wavelength parameter, the system achieves high wavelength converted light intensity while maintaining efficient energy conversion, as the seed light energy is optimally matched to the energy levels of the wavelength converting material.
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 increases the intensity of light with different wavelengths, improving color rendering performance and efficiency, making it suitable for various applications including lighting systems and endoscopes.
Implementation Method 1
The wavelength converting material is excited by excitation light to produce a spontaneous emission of light having a longer wavelength than the excitation light
Implementation Method 2
The wavelength converting material also amplifies the spontaneous emission of light to produce an amplified spontaneous emission of light
Data Source
AI summary
A light-emitting device includes an optical fiber, a first light source unit, and a second light source unit. The optical fiber includes a wavelength converting portion. The wavelength converting portion is provided between a light incident portion and a light emerging portion. The wavelength converting portion contains a wavelength converting material. The wavelength converting material is excited by excitation light to produce a spontaneous emission of light having a longer wavelength than the excitation light and amplifies the spontaneous emission of light to produce an amplified spontaneous emission of light. The first light source unit makes the excitation light incident on the light incident portion. The second light source unit makes seed light, causing a stimulated emission of light to be produced from the wavelength converting material that has been excited by either the excitation light or the amplified spontaneous emission of light, incident on the light incident portion.