Pulse Laser Optical Cavity With Magnetostrictive Beam Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-power lasers are often cumbersome, large, and difficult to configure, limiting their application in various energy and material processing applications due to their size, weight, and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A high intensity pulse laser generation system with an optical cavity and optical path modification device that uses magneto-strictive materials to change the spatial direction of the laser beam, increasing its intensity by circulating or reciprocating it between mirrors, allowing for a compact and efficient high intensity pulse laser system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If high-power lasers are used to achieve high energy output, then energy power intensity is improved, but device size and complexity increase making the system cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the laser generation process into two distinct parts: a compact laser source that generates initial laser beams with moderate power, and an optical cavity that amplifies the beam intensity through multiple reflections. This segmentation allows the high-power function to be achieved without requiring a single large complex laser device, thus resolving the contradiction between power output and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nesting by placing the laser source within or coupled to the optical cavity system, where the cavity acts as a containing structure that multiplies the effect of the compact laser source. The laser beams are injected into the cavity and undergo multiple reflections between mirrors, nesting the amplification process within the cavity structure to achieve high intensity from a compact source.
2Power
If high-power lasers are used to achieve high energy output, then energy power intensity is improved, but device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the system into a lightweight laser source and a compact optical cavity with mirrors, the patent avoids the need for a single heavy high-power laser device. The laser source can be a compact diode or solid-state laser weighing minimal amounts, while the cavity components (mirrors, mounts) are distributed and can be optimized for low weight, collectively achieving high power output without excessive total system weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for mechanically complex high-power laser amplification systems with an optical-based amplification approach using mirrors and cavity resonance. This substitution of mechanical amplification mechanisms with optical field circulation allows for a lighter system design, as optical components like mirrors can be made lightweight compared to the heavy mechanical structures required in conventional high-power laser systems.
3Power
If high-power lasers are used to achieve high energy output, then energy power intensity is improved, but device configuration becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented architecture allows the laser source and optical cavity to be configured and optimized independently. The laser source can be selected and configured based on wavelength and power requirements, while the cavity can be configured with appropriate mirror positions and orientations. This independent configurability simplifies the overall system setup compared to integrating all functions into a single complex high-power laser device.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical cavity serves multiple functions: it amplifies the laser beam intensity, defines the output direction, and can be adjusted for different wavelengths and power levels. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, simplifying the overall configuration and making the system more adaptable to different application requirements without increasing complexity.
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 system achieves a high intensity pulse laser in a compact and spatially efficient manner, reducing size, weight, and cost while maintaining reliability and efficiency, suitable for diverse applications including material processing, energy generation, and defense.
Implementation Method 1
the optical cavity is configured to increase an intensity of a laser beam comprising a pulse from a first energy power intensity to a second higher energy power intensity propagating on a first optical path configured within the optical cavity by circulating or reciprocating at least a portion of the laser beam
Implementation Method 2
uses magneto-strictive materials to change the spatial direction of the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a high intensity pulse laser generation system. The system has a variety of elements. The system has an optical cavity maintained in a vacuum, e.g., 300 Torr and less. In an example, the optical cavity is configured to increase an intensity of a laser beam comprising a pulse from a first energy power intensity to a second higher energy power intensity propagating on a first optical path configured within the optical cavity by circulating or reciprocating at least a portion of the laser beam.