Multiple Wavelength Raman Laser With Grating Fiber

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current high-powered optical systems using nonlinear optical wavelength conversion are limited in producing wavelengths beyond those achievable by standard lasers, such as 1064 nm, and lack the ability to easily select multiple wavelengths, which restricts applications like super-resolution microscopy.

Innovation Solution

A synchronously pumped Raman laser system that operates at two wavelengths, utilizing a Raman fiber with gratings to narrow the spectral bandwidth of Raman-shifted light, allowing efficient conversion to multiple frequencies using nonlinear crystals like periodically poled lithium niobate, enabling the generation of new wavelengths and easy selection through poling region manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If nonlinear optical wavelength conversion is used on 1064 nm laser light, then wavelength conversion to visible light can be achieved, but the available wavelengths are limited by the nonlinear conversion processes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewavelength selection capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of wavelength conversion system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamically可调 (tunable) Raman laser wavelengths that can be adjusted to different values, allowing the system to adapt to various nonlinear conversion requirements. This dynamic wavelength selection capability enables versatile applications while maintaining a relatively simple system architecture compared to multiple fixed-wavelength laser sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If standard nonlinear frequency doubling is used to convert 1064 nm to 532 nm, then visible light can be produced, but new wavelengths beyond standard conversion processes cannot be reached

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to new wavelengthsVSAvoiddiversity of output wavelengths
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes Raman laser wavelength tuning to change the input wavelength parameter for nonlinear conversion processes. By varying the Raman laser wavelength, the system can generate a diverse range of output wavelengths that extend beyond standard frequency doubling capabilities, thereby increasing both adaptability and wavelength diversity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If continuous wave laser is used for STED microscopy, then fluorescence depletion can be achieved, but highest resolution requires pulsed operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicroscopy resolutionVSAvoidpulse duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements pulsed Raman laser operation synchronized with the STED microscopy timing requirements. The periodic pulsed action provides the necessary temporal resolution for highest precision microscopy while maintaining system simplicity through regular pulse train operation rather than complex continuous modulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 effectively produces narrow bandwidth Raman lines, enabling efficient conversion to visible wavelengths, enhancing the capability to generate multiple output frequencies and improving resolution in applications like STED microscopy.

Implementation Method 1

A synchronously pumped Raman laser system that operates at two wavelengths, utilizing a Raman fiber with gratings to narrow the spectral bandwidth of Raman-shifted light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStimulated Raman scattering:

Implementation Method 2

allowing efficient conversion to multiple frequencies using nonlinear crystals like periodically poled lithium niobate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNonlinear optical wavelength conversion:

Implementation Method 3

utilizing a Raman fiber with gratings to narrow the spectral bandwidth of Raman-shifted light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP2564477B8Multiple wavelength raman laser
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 IPG PHOTONICS CORP

AI summary

A pulsed laser system may include a Raman fiber that is configured to act as multiple wavelength Raman laser. The fiber is configured to receive a pulsed input beam from an input source and convert the input beam to an output beam having narrow band outputs at first and second frequencies.