Short-Wavelength Light Supply via Segmented Frequency Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for supplying short-wavelength light below 300 nm suffer from high absorptivity in light guides, leading to limited transmission length and rapid aging, as well as thermal influences that can affect measurement accuracy in climate-controlled chambers.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising two subassemblies, where a light source generates a longer wavelength light that is then reduced to the desired short wavelength using a frequency doubler or sum frequency mixer, with the second subassembly housed in a climate-controlled chamber, reducing thermal influence and minimizing light absorption in the guide.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If short-wavelength light (wavelength < 300 nm) is transmitted through a light guide, then the light can be delivered to the measurement head, but the transmission length is very limited due to high absorptivity of the fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate subassemblies: a first subassembly containing the light source that generates longer wavelength light, and a second subassembly containing the frequency multiplication means that converts the light to short wavelength. The light guide only transmits the longer wavelength light from the first to the second subassembly, avoiding direct transmission of short-wavelength light through the fiber and thus reducing absorption losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The light guide acts as an intermediary that transmits only the intermediate longer wavelength light between the two subassemblies. By using this intermediary approach, the system avoids the problem of direct short-wavelength light transmission through the fiber, which would cause high absorption and limited transmission length.
2Reliability
If the illumination device (solid-state laser with frequency multiplication) is positioned outside the climate-controlled chamber, then thermal influences on measurement results are reduced, but the service life of the light guide deteriorates due to rapid aging from color centers
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination device is segmented into two subassemblies with different locations: the first subassembly (light source) is positioned outside the climate-controlled chamber where thermal influences are minimized, while the second subassembly (frequency multiplication means) is positioned inside the chamber near the measurement head. The light guide transmits longer wavelength light from outside to inside the chamber, avoiding direct exposure to short-wavelength light that causes color center formation and aging.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system are placed in different environmental conditions according to their requirements: the light source operates in the thermally stable environment outside the chamber, while the frequency multiplication and measurement components are located inside the chamber where precise environmental control is needed for accurate measurements.
3Ease of operation
If the light source generates short-wavelength light directly, then the illumination wavelength is available at the exit, but all heat sources including the illumination device must be positioned inside the climate-controlled chamber, negatively influencing measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination system is segmented into two functionally separate subassemblies that can be independently positioned: the light source subassembly outside the chamber and the frequency multiplication subassembly inside the chamber. This segmentation allows the heat-generating light source to be placed outside the climate-controlled environment while still delivering the required short-wavelength illumination to the measurement area inside the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The wavelength parameter of the light is changed during transmission: the light source generates longer wavelength light that is transmitted through the light guide, and then the frequency multiplication means converts this light to the required short wavelength inside the climate-controlled chamber. This parameter change approach allows separation of the heat source from the measurement environment.
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 configuration allows for longer transmission distances and improved service life of the light guide while keeping heat sources outside the climate-controlled chamber, enhancing measurement accuracy and flexibility in device arrangement.
Implementation Method 1
the wavelength originally generated by the solid-state laser is modified by being conveyed to a device for frequency multiplication, in particular to a frequency doubler or a sum frequency mixer
Implementation Method 2
the wavelength originally generated by the solid-state laser is modified by being conveyed to a device for frequency multiplication, in particular to a frequency doubler or a sum frequency mixer
Implementation Method 3
Such devices make use of nonlinear effects that occur in certain crystals in response to high field strengths, thus generating the short-wavelength light
Implementation Method 4
The light from the light source of the first subassembly is directed by a light guide into the second subassembly
Implementation Method 5
When short-wavelength light (at a wavelength shorter than 300 nm) is transmitted in a light guide, however, the relatively high absorptivity of the fiber means that the transmission length is very limited
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention broadly comprises a device for supplying light at an illumination wavelength shorter than 300 nm. The device includes a first subassembly, having a light source for delivering light at a wavelength that is at least twice as long as the illumination wavelength; a second subassembly having at least one means for wavelength reduction; and a light guide that guides the light from the light source of the first subassembly into the second subassembly. The present invention also broadly comprises a method for supplying light at an illumination wavelength shorter than 300 nm.