Optical Resonator Etalon Layout for Compact Wavelength Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of reducing the size of optical resonators and laser devices is hindered by the need to dispose wavelength band limiting elements obliquely with respect to the optical axis, complicating the structure and increasing the overall size.

Innovation Solution

The wavelength band limiting element is positioned adjacent to a reflection member with orthogonal flat faces, preventing resonance and allowing for a compact design, while incorporating a saturable absorber and optional features like a heat exhausting substrate to manage size and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If a wavelength band limiting element (etalon) is disposed obliquely with respect to the optical axis, then the wavelength band can be limited effectively, but the size of the optical resonator and laser device increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength band limitingVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of disposing the etalon element obliquely with respect to the optical axis (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by disposing the etalon element perpendicular to the optical axis. This inversion resolves the contradiction by achieving wavelength band limiting without increasing device size, as the perpendicular disposition allows for a more compact configuration while maintaining the wavelength selection function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the disposition parameter of the etalon element from oblique angle to perpendicular angle (90 degrees to the optical axis). This parameter change enables the wavelength band limiting function to be achieved with a reduced device footprint, directly resolving the contradiction between wavelength limiting effectiveness and device size.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If a wavelength band limiting element is added to the optical resonator, then wavelength selection is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength band limitingVSAvoidoptical resonator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the etalon element with existing optical components or integrates it into the resonator structure in a way that adds the wavelength limiting function without proportionally increasing overall device complexity. By combining functions and using a perpendicular disposition that aligns with existing optical paths, the wavelength selection capability is enhanced while minimizing the increase in structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration enables a reduction in the size of the optical resonator and laser device while maintaining desired wavelength output, preventing resonance and ensuring stable polarization direction, thus enhancing efficiency and reducing pulse width and peak intensity.

Implementation Method 1

a laser medium that is disposed between a pair of reflection members, and emits emitted light that has been excited by excitation light that has been predetermined

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStimulated emission: Laser

Implementation Method 2

a wavelength band limiting element that is disposed on a side of emission of the emitted light between the pair of reflection members, includes two reflection flat faces that are orthogonal to an optical axis of the laser medium, and limits a wavelength band of the emitted light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical interference: Fabry-Perot Interferometer

Implementation Method 3

a saturable absorber that is disposed between the laser medium and the wavelength band limiting element, a transmittance of the saturable absorber increasing according to absorption of the emitted light that has been emitted from the laser medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption saturation: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

at least one of the pair of reflection members may include a polarization element, and the polarization element may have respective different reflectances with respect to rays of the emitted light in polarization directions that are orthogonal to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBirefringence: Birefringence

Data Source

PatentUS12603469B2Optical resonator, constituent part of optical resonator, and laser device

Publication Date: 2026.04.14 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

An optical resonator, a constituent part of the optical resonator, and a laser device that enable a reduction in size even if a wavelength band limiting element is disposed in the optical resonator, are provided.An optical resonator including: a laser medium that is disposed between a pair of reflection members, and emits emitted light that has been excited by excitation light that has been predetermined; and a wavelength band limiting element that is disposed on a side of emission of the emitted light between the pair of reflection members, includes two reflection flat faces that are orthogonal to an optical axis of the laser medium, and limits a wavelength band of the emitted light, in which the wavelength band limiting element is disposed in a position that prevents a resonance component outside an intended wavelength range of the wavelength band limiting element from being generated between a reflection member on a laser beam emission side from among the pair of reflection members and the wavelength band limiting element.