Visible-Laser Sum-Frequency UVC Generation With Compact Beam Combining
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for generating coherent ultraviolet C-band (UVC) radiation from visible spectrum lasers lack efficiency and compactness, which limits their application in sterilization and other fields where specific wavelengths are required.
Innovation Solution
A laser source device comprising a pump laser system, combinator, and nonlinear frequency generation module that employs sum-frequency generation using second-order nonlinear crystals, with tunable mechanisms for wavelength and intensity control, and photonic integrated circuits to enhance conversion efficiency and compactness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional methods are used to generate coherent UVC radiation from visible lasers, then the system can produce UVC light, but the conversion efficiency is low and the device size is large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser diodes emitting at different visible wavelengths into a single beam using a combiner, then directs this combined beam through a nonlinear crystal to generate UVC radiation via sum-frequency generation. This merging approach increases conversion efficiency while consolidating multiple components into a more compact device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes nonlinear optical parameter changes by passing visible laser beams through a nonlinear crystal, where the frequency and wavelength parameters are transformed through sum-frequency generation to produce coherent UVC radiation at wavelengths between 190-240 nm, achieving high conversion efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple laser diodes are used to generate different wavelengths, then wavelength tunability is achieved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the laser source into multiple independent laser diodes, each emitting at a specific visible wavelength. This segmentation allows selective combination of different wavelength beams through the combiner, enabling wavelength tunability of the final UVC output while keeping each individual laser diode simple and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The nonlinear crystal serves multiple functions: it acts as both the frequency conversion medium for generating UVC radiation and as the phase-matching element for different wavelength combinations. This multi-functionality allows the same component to handle various wavelength inputs from different laser diodes, reducing overall system complexity.
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 solution enables efficient generation of UVC light in the 190-240 nm range, ensuring effective sterilization and safety by providing a compact, high-conversion-efficiency UVC laser device that can be tuned for specific applications.
Implementation Method 1
employs nonlinear optical phenomenon of sum-frequency generation for providing a UVC light beam
Data Source
AI summary
A laser source device including a pump laser system, a combinator, and nonlinear frequency generation module. The pump laser system is made of one of more laser diodes, each of which generates one or more light beams whose wavelengths are in the visible spectral range having a wavelength in the range 380 nm to 740 nm. The combinator allows passing of the light beams from the pump laser system and combines them and couples them to the next module. The nonlinear frequency generation module allows passing of the light beams and, while passing through, employs nonlinear optical phenomenon of sum-frequency generation for providing a UVC light beam.