Controlled Optical Filament Placement via Phase Singularities
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Solution Overview
Problem
The formation of optical filaments is generally uncontrolled, leading to arbitrary placement within laser beams and prolonged plasma densities that can cause energy discharges between filaments, reducing the effectiveness of energy transfer.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use a laser pulse and optical elements to control the placement of optical filaments within a beam cross-section, generating plasma filaments as seeded channels to guide energy propagation, with the optical elements imparting phase singularities or inhomogeneities to manage filament placement and prevent energy discharges between them.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If optical filaments are generated within a laser beam, then optical intensity increases and plasma is formed, but the placement of optical filaments within the beam cross-section is arbitrary and uncontrolled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces localized optical inhomogeneities (phase plates, lenses, or refractive index variations) at specific positions within the laser beam to create controlled regions of high optical intensity. These local modifications cause optical filaments to form at predetermined locations rather than arbitrarily, achieving both high intensity and controlled placement simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-establishes the conditions for filament formation by introducing optical inhomogeneities before the laser pulse propagates. Phase plates or lenses are positioned in advance to shape the beam profile, ensuring that filaments will form at desired locations when the high-intensity pulse passes through the modified beam
2Use of energy by moving object
If plasma densities are generated by optical filaments, then energy transfer is enabled, but plasma lifetimes exceed optical filament pulse lengths causing prolonged plasma densities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple discrete optical filaments spaced at specific distances rather than a single continuous filament. This segmentation allows each plasma filament to be independently controlled and timed, enabling energy transfer through a sequence of plasma channels while managing overall plasma duration and preventing excessive plasma persistence
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic or pulsed laser excitation to create plasma filaments in a controlled sequence. By using multiple pulses with appropriate timing and spacing, the system enables continuous energy transfer through sequentially formed plasma channels while allowing each individual plasma to decay, thus managing plasma lifetime
3Use of energy by moving object
If multiple optical filaments are generated to improve energy transfer, then energy propagation is enhanced, but energy discharges between filaments occur reducing effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and pre-positions optical inhomogeneities at specific locations and distances apart before laser propagation. This preliminary arrangement ensures that resulting plasma filaments are spaced at optimal distances that prevent electrical breakdown between them, thereby enabling reliable energy transfer without discharges
Solution Approach 2:
The patent carefully controls critical parameters including the distance between optical filaments, laser pulse duration, pulse intensity, and wavelength. By optimizing these parameters, the system achieves plasma filament spacing and temporal characteristics that prevent energy discharge between filaments while maintaining effective energy propagation
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 controlled formation and placement of optical filaments to suppress energy discharges, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of energy transfer through plasma filaments by spacing them to prevent unwanted voltage breakdowns, allowing for wireless energy propagation.
Implementation Method 1
propagating the laser pulse may include ionizing the gas along the optical filament
Implementation Method 2
the optical elements imparting phase singularities or inhomogeneities to manage filament placement
Implementation Method 3
the beam of light begins to self-focus. The beam may focus such that the optical intensity increases significantly
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods herein provide for the controlled formation of plasma filaments. For example, a system that radiates energy through a gas includes a laser that generates a laser pulse, and an optical element with which the laser propagates the laser pulse to control placement of an optical filament within a beam cross-section of the laser pulse. The optical filament may thereby generate a plasma filament, which may propagate energy. In this regard, an energy source may provide energy such that the plasma filament directs propagation of the energy for delivery to an application. The energy may be electrical energy, electromagnetic energy, optical energy, or a combination thereof. Generally, the optical element may impart at least one phase singularity within the laser pulse. Alternatively or additionally, the optical element may include at least one optical inhomogeneity.