Optical Parametric Oscillator Frequency Conversion for Tunable Comb Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for generating frequency converted optical frequency combs are costly, complex, and limited in their ability to adjust center frequency and mode spacing, particularly in non-linear optical frequency conversion techniques using optical parametric oscillators.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing a singly resonant, single-frequency optical parametric oscillator with continuous wave or pulsed pump laser radiation, where the pulse duration is longer than the oscillator's steady state time, to generate frequency converted laser radiation with adjustable center frequency and mode spacing by modifying phase matching conditions and cavity settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional non-linear optical frequency conversion techniques are used, then frequency conversion can be achieved, but the conversion process becomes complicated, costly, and lacks broad tuning capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of the optical parametric oscillator from traditional pulsed operation to continuous wave operation, and from multi-mode resonance to single-frequency single-mode resonance. This parameter transformation simplifies the device structure while enabling broad tuning capability through phase matching adjustments in the non-linear medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the complex mode-locked laser source and synchronized optical parametric oscillator system from the traditional frequency conversion setup. By using a simple continuous wave laser combined with a singly resonant optical parametric oscillator, the invention removes the unnecessary complexity while maintaining frequency conversion functionality.
2Power
If optical parametric oscillators are used for frequency conversion, then high power conversion is achieved, but the system requires independently complicated and expensive mode-locked laser sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a singly resonant optical parametric oscillator as an intermediary device that converts simple continuous wave laser radiation into frequency-converted output. This intermediary system enables high power conversion without requiring complex mode-locked laser sources, as the continuous wave laser serves as a simple pump source that the optical parametric oscillator transforms into the desired frequency-converted beam.
3Productivity
If synchronized optical parametric oscillators are used, then frequency conversion is achieved, but fast adjustment of comb mode spacing is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where the comb mode spacing can be rapidly adjusted by changing the pump laser frequency or adjusting the phase matching conditions in the non-linear medium. The singly resonant optical parametric oscillator responds dynamically to these changes, enabling fast adjustment of the output comb spacing without the complexity of synchronized pump laser systems.
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 efficient, low-cost frequency conversion with stable and tunable optical frequency combs, suitable for applications like frequency metrology and dual comb spectroscopy, with the ability to adjust mode spacing and center frequency, reducing complexity and cost compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
optical gain from parametric amplification in a non-linear medium
Implementation Method 2
pairs of signal and idler photons are produced by difference frequency generation from the resonant laser radiation and the pump laser radiation
Implementation Method 3
the non-linear medium is placed in an optical cavity that is resonant for either the signal or idler laser radiation
Data Source
AI summary
A method of practicing the invention includes at least the following steps of generating pump laser radiation having a spectrum containing a plurality of equidistant spectral lines; passing the pump laser radiation through a non-linear medium of a singly resonant, single-frequency optical parametric oscillator, wherein the pump laser radiation is continuously a wave or is pulsed, wherein the pulse duration in the latter case is longer than the time the optical parametric oscillation requires to reach its steady state; and coupling out the non-resonant idler or signal laser radiation from the optical parametric oscillator as usable frequency converted laser radiation. Further provided is a laser device used to carry out the method of the invention.