Single Pulse Laser Using Manual Mode-Locking and Low Voltage EOM
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing single pulse laser apparatuses for dermatological treatments face challenges with high manufacturing costs, power consumption, and limited pulse width due to the need for high-speed and high-voltage circuits and amplifiers, particularly when using electro-optic modulators for mode-locking, Q-switching, and single pulse output.
Innovation Solution
A single pulse laser apparatus that employs a gain medium rotated at a predetermined angle for manual mode-locking, combined with a linear polarizer, etalon, and electro-optic modulator for Q-switching, which adjusts pulse width and reduces the need for high-speed and high-voltage circuits by utilizing nonlinear polarization rotation and etalon adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high voltage EOM and cavity dumping method are used to output a high energy single pulse, then the pulse energy is improved, but the cost and power consumption increase due to high voltage circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the functions of mode-locking, Q-switching, and single pulse output into separate components: a gain medium for mode-locking, a low voltage EOM for Q-switching, and a pulse picker for single pulse selection. This segmentation eliminates the need for high voltage circuits while maintaining high energy pulse output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The gain medium serves multiple functions: it provides amplification, enables mode-locking through polarization rotation, and contributes to pulse formation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional high voltage components, thereby lowering cost and power consumption.
2Device complexity
If one EOM is used to perform mode-locking, Q-switching, and single pulse output, then the device structure is simplified, but the power consumption increases due to high voltage requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the high voltage requirement from the EOM by using a gain medium for mode-locking and a low voltage EOM only for Q-switching. The pulse picker then selects single pulses without requiring high voltage, thereby reducing overall power consumption while maintaining functional simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the high voltage EOM-based mode-locking mechanism with a gain medium-based polarization rotation mechanism. This substitution eliminates the high voltage requirement for mode-locking while achieving the same functional outcome.
3Power
If an amplifier is used to achieve high output energy, then the pulse energy is improved, but the system volume and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary energy storage in the gain medium through prolonged pumping before the Q-switching event. This preliminary action allows the system to accumulate sufficient energy in a compact volume, eliminating the need for external amplifiers and reducing overall system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the laser cavity, using high reflectivity mirrors (R>99.9%) and optimized pump durations to achieve high energy storage in a compact configuration. This parameter optimization allows high output energy without requiring large amplifier systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a high speed and high voltage switching circuit is manufactured to perform mode-locking, Q-switching, and single pulse output, then the functional capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and power consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the switching functions into separate low-voltage circuits: a Q-switch for Q-switching and a pulse picker for single pulse selection. This segmentation allows each circuit to be designed for its specific function at low voltage, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining full functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses commercially available low voltage EOMs and standard pulse picker components rather than custom high voltage circuits. These off-the-shelf components are cheaper and easier to manufacture, achieving the same functional results without high voltage 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 configuration reduces manufacturing costs and power consumption, allows for adjustable pulse widths from 100 ps to 1 ns, and enables efficient single pulse output, suitable for both medical and industrial applications with reduced circuit complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a gain medium rotated at a predetermined angle and configured to oscillate a laser beam in a manual mode-locking state
Implementation Method 2
an electro-optic modulator configured to perform Q-switching and single pulse switching
Implementation Method 3
an etalon configured to adjust a pulse width of the oscillated laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a single pulse laser apparatus which includes a first mirror and a second mirror disposed at both ends of the single pulse laser apparatus and having reflectivities of a predetermined level or more; a gain medium rotated at a predetermined angle and configured to oscillate a laser beam in a manual mode-locking state; a linear polarizer configured to output a beam having a specific polarized component of the oscillated laser beam; an etalon configured to adjust a pulse width of the oscillated laser beam; and an electro-optic modulator configured to perform Q-switching and single pulse switching.