Rotary Mirror Control for Diffraction-Grating Laser Beam Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The efficiency of combining light beams by a diffraction grating in semiconductor laser devices decreases when the current applied to semiconductor laser elements changes, as the optimal angle of incidence of the light beams on the diffraction grating also changes with the wavelength variation.
Innovation Solution
A semiconductor laser device with a rotary mirror and a controller that adjusts the angle of incidence of light beams on the diffraction grating by rotating the mirror in response to changes in current applied to the optical amplifiers, maintaining optimal angles for efficient beam combination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If the current applied to semiconductor laser elements is changed to achieve higher output power, then the optical output is improved, but the wavelength of emitted light changes causing the optimal angle of incidence on the diffraction grating to change, which decreases the efficiency of combining light beams
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rotary mirror that can dynamically adjust its rotation angle in response to changes in the current applied to the semiconductor laser elements. This dynamic adjustment mechanism allows the system to maintain optimal beam combination efficiency across varying operating conditions by changing the angle of incidence on the diffraction grating according to the actual wavelength being emitted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the mirror's rotation angle to compensate for wavelength variations. By adjusting this geometric parameter in response to current changes, the system maintains the optimal angle of incidence condition for the diffraction grating, thereby preserving beam combination efficiency while allowing output power to vary.
2Productivity
If the angle of incidence of light beams on the diffraction grating is optimized for a specific wavelength, then the efficiency of combining light beams is improved, but the system cannot adapt when the wavelength changes due to current variations
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary mirror provides dynamic adaptability by enabling real-time adjustment of the optical path angle. This dynamic mechanism allows the system to adapt to wavelength changes caused by current variations, maintaining optimal beam combination efficiency across different operating conditions rather than being fixed for a single wavelength.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where changes in operating current are detected and used to control the rotation angle of the mirror. This feedback loop ensures that the angle of incidence on the diffraction grating is continuously optimized according to the actual emission wavelength, maintaining high beam combination efficiency under varying conditions.
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 efficiency of combining light beams by the diffraction grating is maintained, preventing a decrease in efficiency due to current changes, and allows for higher optical output with reduced power consumption.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction grating that receives the light beam from each of the plurality of optical amplifiers
Implementation Method 2
a rotary mirror that is rotatable and is disposed in an optical path between the plurality of optical amplifiers and the diffraction grating
Data Source
AI summary
A semiconductor laser device is controlled by a controller and includes a plurality of optical amplifiers that each emit a light beam, a diffraction grating that receives the light beam from each of the plurality of optical amplifiers, and a rotary mirror that is rotatable and is disposed in an optical path between the plurality of optical amplifiers and the diffraction grating. The controller rotates the rotary mirror in accordance with a current applied to the plurality of optical amplifiers, and an angle of incidence of the light beam on the diffraction grating changes in accordance with the current applied.