Q Switch Vibration Timing 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 caused by changes in applied voltage, which conventional methods attempt to suppress rather than utilize effectively.
Innovation Solution
A laser device that actively utilizes the vibration of the Q switch by applying a first voltage to initiate vibration and then switching to a second voltage at a predetermined delay time, maximizing the intensity of the pulsed laser light emitted, with a controller managing the excitation light source and Q switch driving unit to optimize the Q switch's vibration and voltage application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If voltage is applied to the Q switch to change its state, then the Q value of the resonator changes enabling pulsed laser operation, but the electro-optical element vibrates causing reduction in laser output
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of suppressing the Q switch vibration as conventional methods do, this invention inverts the approach by actively utilizing the vibration to enhance laser output. The controller applies voltage to excite the Q switch vibration and strategically times the laser pulse emission to coincide with the vibration phase that maximizes output coupling, thereby converting the harmful vibration into a beneficial effect for increasing pulsed laser power.
2Power
If voltage changes are applied to the Q switch, then pulsed laser operation is achieved, but crystal characteristics change over time reducing output
Solution Approach 1:
The controller applies voltage to the Q switch in advance to establish the desired Q value before the laser pulse is emitted. By pre-positioning the Q switch in the appropriate state and timing the voltage application to account for crystal response characteristics, the system ensures optimal laser output while minimizing the duration of voltage application that could cause crystal degradation.
3Power
If the Q switch is made to vibrate to increase output, then laser power is enhanced, but the timing precision required for voltage application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Q switch vibration occurs at a characteristic periodic frequency determined by its mechanical properties. The controller exploits this periodic behavior by applying voltage at specific phases of the vibration cycle and timing the laser pulse emission to coincide with peak vibration amplitude. This periodic approach allows the system to achieve maximum output enhancement while using relatively simple timing control based on the known vibration frequency, reducing the complexity of precise timing requirements.
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 approach results in higher power pulsed laser light emission compared to conventional methods where Q switch vibration is suppressed, by aligning the voltage change with the period of continued vibration to enhance the intensity of the pulsed laser light.
Implementation Method 1
a Q switch that is disposed in an optical path of the resonator to change a Q value of the resonator according to an applied voltage
Implementation Method 2
the crystal of the electro-optical element is deformed, and the characteristics of the crystal change with time. As a result, an adverse effect, such as a reduction in the output of pulsed laser light, occurs
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
a laser medium that receives the excitation light emitted from the excitation light source and emits laser light
Implementation Method 5
In the living body, the living tissue absorbs the energy of the pulsed laser light, and ultrasound waves (photoacoustic signal) are generated by adiabatic expansion due to the energy
Data Source
AI summary
A Q switch is vibrated by applying a first voltage, and pulsed laser light is emitted by applying a second voltage to the Q switch at a point in time at which a preset delay time has passed from the start of emission of excitation light. Then, in this case, a time which is within a period, for which the vibration of the Q switch continues, and at which the intensity of the pulsed laser light periodically changing due to the vibration of the Q switch is maximized in a case where a point in time of application of the second voltage to the Q switch is changed is set as the delay time.