Optical Pulse Source With Pre-Conversion Modulation for UV Pulses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for generating optical pulses at wavelengths not directly producible by lasers, such as UV, are inefficient and introduce inter-pulse noise, and the modulation capabilities of directly modulated semiconductor lasers are insufficient to compensate for shape perturbations caused by optical amplifiers and frequency converters.

Innovation Solution

An optical pulse source comprising a first and second laser, optical modulation apparatus, optical amplification apparatus, and optical frequency conversion apparatus, where laser light pulses are formed before frequency conversion, allowing for efficient power usage and compensation of shape perturbations through amplitude and phase modulation, and utilizing SHG, SFG, or DFG for noise suppression.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If cw laser light is frequency converted to desired wavelength and then amplitude modulated to form output pulses, then output pulses can be generated at wavelengths not directly producible by lasers, but the system requires high average optical power and generates inter-pulse noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength rangeVSAvoidaverage optical power

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by forming amplitude modulated laser light pulses at the laser wavelength before frequency conversion. The modulation apparatus modulates the laser light at the desired pulse repetition frequency and duty cycle in advance, so that the frequency conversion process operates on already-formed pulses rather than continuous wave light, eliminating inter-pulse noise and reducing average power requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements periodic action by using the modulation apparatus to create pulsed laser light with specific pulse repetition frequencies and duty cycles before frequency conversion. This periodic modulation at the input stage ensures that the frequency converted output also exhibits clean periodic pulse formation without inter-pulse noise, while allowing efficient use of average optical power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Adaptability or versatility

If directly modulated semiconductor lasers are used to generate laser pulses for UV frequency conversion, then output pulses can be formed at desired wavelengths, but the modulation capabilities are limited and cannot compensate for shape perturbations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodulation capabilityVSAvoidpulse shape control

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an external modulation apparatus as an intermediary between the laser source and frequency conversion process. This separate modulation stage provides enhanced control capability that can compensate for shape perturbations introduced by optical amplifiers and frequency converters, achieving superior pulse shape control compared to direct laser modulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback control where the modulation apparatus is configured to compensate for shape perturbations caused by downstream optical amplification and frequency conversion processes. This feedback mechanism allows the system to maintain precise pulse shape control despite the inherent distortions introduced by these optical components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 more power-efficient generation of optical pulses with desired peak power and shape, effectively suppressing inter-pulse noise and compensating for perturbations introduced by amplification and frequency conversion processes.

Implementation Method 1

The optical frequency conversion apparatus is configured to perform optical frequency conversion using sum frequency generation (SFG), difference frequency generation (DFG) or second harmonic generation (SHG)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSum frequency generation (SFG):

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifference frequency generation (DFG):

Implementation Method 3

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSecond harmonic generation (SHG): Second Harmonic Generation

Implementation Method 4

The optical amplification apparatus is configured to amplify the first laser light pulses and a second one of the laser light at the first wavelength or the laser light at the second wavelength

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStimulated emission:

Data Source

PatentUS20250291210A1Optical pulse source, optical system for rydberg excitation and method of forming optical pulses

Publication Date: 2025.09.18 NKT PHOTONICS AS

AI summary

An optical pulse source including: a first laser configured to output laser light at a first wavelength; a second laser configured to output laser light at a second wavelength; optical modulation apparatus configured to apply amplitude modulation to a first one of the laser light at the first wavelength or the laser light at the second wavelength to form first laser light pulses; optical amplification apparatus configured to amplify the first laser light pulses and a second one of the laser light at the first wavelength or the laser light at the second wavelength; and optical frequency conversion apparatus configured to perform optical frequency conversion using the first laser light pulses and the second one of the laser light at the first wavelength or the laser light at the second wavelength to form output laser light pulses at a third wavelength, shorter than the first wavelength and the second wavelength.