Q Switch Vibration Control for Laser Output
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser devices experience a reduction in pulsed laser light output due to vibrations in the Q switch, which are typically considered adverse effects, and existing countermeasures do not effectively utilize these vibrations to enhance output.
Innovation Solution
A laser device design that actively utilizes the vibrations of the Q switch by applying a first voltage to maximize intensity, followed by a second voltage at a preset delay time, optimizing the Q switch's Q value to increase pulsed laser light output, and includes a controller to manage the excitation light and Q switch driving unit for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If voltage is applied to the Q switch to change its Q value, then the pulsed laser light output can be controlled, but vibrations are generated in the Q switch crystal that reduce the output
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a vibration suppression mechanism that detects vibrations in the Q switch crystal and generates counter-vibrations to cancel them out. This allows the system to maintain high pulsed laser light output while actively suppressing the harmful vibrations generated during Q value changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful vibrations generated by Q switch operation into a controllable parameter by using sensors to detect the vibrations and actuators to generate opposing vibrations. This transforms the adverse effect into a manageable phenomenon that can be compensated for in real-time.
2Illumination intensity
If the Q switch voltage is changed rapidly to generate giant pulses, then high intensity pulsed laser light is achieved, but the crystal deformation reduces output over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor the Q switch crystal deformation and vibration states. Based on this feedback, the control system adjusts the applied voltage and generates counter-vibrations to maintain consistent output intensity and reliability over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary vibration suppression measures before the harmful crystal deformation fully develops. By detecting early signs of vibration and deformation, the system preemptively generates counter-vibrations to prevent output reduction before it occurs.
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 approach results in a higher output of pulsed laser light compared to scenarios without Q switch vibrations, enhancing the device's performance by leveraging the vibrational effects to maximize intensity.
Implementation Method 1
a Q switch that is disposed on an optical path of the resonator to change a Q value of the resonator according to an applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
a laser medium that receives the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source and emits laser light
Implementation Method 3
a resonator that includes a pair of mirrors with the laser medium interposed therebetween and that emits pulsed laser light by resonating the laser light between the pair of mirrors
Implementation Method 4
the vibration generated in the case of changing the voltage applied to the electro-optical element used as a Q switch
Data Source
AI summary
In a laser device that emits pulsed laser light by emitting excitation light to a laser medium in a state in which a first voltage is applied to a Q switch and changing the voltage applied to the Q switch from a first voltage to a second voltage after the emission of the excitation light, the application start timing of the first voltage during a normal operation is set to a timing at which the intensity of the pulsed laser light periodically changing due to the vibration of the Q switch is maximized.