Supercontinuum Laser Spectroscopy System Speckle Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample investigation systems using electromagnetic radiation face limitations in achieving high intensity, directional beams over a wide wavelength range without passing through beam splitters and objective lenses, and struggle with speckle reduction and detector optimization for coherent spectra.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a supercontinuum laser source providing a high intensity, highly directional coherent spectrum from 400 to 4400 nm, combined with speckle reducers and wavelength modifiers, and utilizes advanced detector systems with beam splitters and gratings to optimize wavelength detection across a broad range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional light source is used to provide electromagnetic radiation over a wide wavelength range, then the wavelength range is broad, but the beam intensity and directionality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a supercontinuum laser source that generates electromagnetic radiation across a broad wavelength range (400-4400 nm) through non-linear optical processes, fundamentally changing the parameter of wavelength distribution while maintaining high intensity and directionality. This resolves the contradiction by providing both wide spectral coverage and concentrated beam energy simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If the beam passes through beam splitters and objective lenses, then the optical path is established, but the beam intensity is reduced and the optical path becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates beam splitters and objective lenses from the optical path by directly coupling the supercontinuum laser source to the sample. This extraction of unnecessary optical components maintains beam intensity while simplifying the optical configuration, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and beam intensity preservation.
3Measurement precision
If a single detector is used to detect electromagnetic radiation over a wide wavelength range, then the device complexity is low, but the detection precision and wavelength-specific optimization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection system into multiple detectors, each optimized for specific wavelength ranges. This segmentation allows each detector to operate at peak efficiency for its designated range, significantly improving measurement precision while the modular architecture keeps system complexity manageable.
4Speed
If a coherent laser source is used to provide directional beam, then the directionality is high, but speckle noise is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces speckle reducers as intermediary components between the supercontinuum laser source and the sample. These devices mitigate speckle noise while preserving the high directionality and intensity of the coherent beam, resolving the contradiction by filtering harmful speckle effects without compromising beam quality.
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 enables consistent intensity and improved spectral analysis over a large wavelength range, enhancing sample investigation capabilities without the need for reconfiguration and addressing limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
Non-linear processes include self-phase modulation, four-wave mixing, soliton dynamics and cross-phase modulation
Implementation Method 2
Non-linear processes include self-phase modulation, four-wave mixing, soliton dynamics and cross-phase modulation
Implementation Method 3
Non-linear processes include self-phase modulation, four-wave mixing, soliton dynamics and cross-phase modulation
Implementation Method 4
Non-linear processes include self-phase modulation, four-wave mixing, soliton dynamics and cross-phase modulation
Implementation Method 5
the refractive index of a material at a given frequency depends on the amplitude of electromagnetic radiation applied, (ie. the non-linear Kerr effect)
Implementation Method 6
said detector system comprises a multiplicity of detector elements which can detect wavelengths guided thereinto into via at least one selection the group consisting of: at least one beam splitter
Implementation Method 7
at least one grating; and said system further comprises a second source that provides wavelengths within a range longer or shorter than that provided by said supercontinuum laser
Data Source
AI summary
Reflectometer, spectrophotometer, ellipsometer, and polarimeter systems having a supercontinuum laser source of coherent electromagnetic radiation over a range of between 400 nm to between 4400 nm and 18000 nm, and another source of wavelengths to provide between 400 nm and as high as at least 50000 nm; a stage for supporting a sample and a detector of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the source provides a beam of electromagnetic radiation which interacts with a sample and enters a detector system optionally incorporating a wavelength modifier, where the detector system can be functionally incorporated with combinations of gratings and/or combination dichroic beam splitter-prisms, which can be optimized as regards wavelength dispersion characteristics to direct wavelengths in various ranges to various detectors that are well suited to detect them.