Supercontinuum Light Source Merging UV and Visible Channels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current industrial applications require multiple optical sources operating in different spectral ranges, which can be costly and complex, necessitating a solution for a single ultra-broad spectral range light source.

Innovation Solution

A supercontinuum light source comprising multiple channels, a beam combiner, and a multimode fiber, where each channel generates distinct spectral distributions, with the second channel having a higher power spectral density in the ultraviolet range, combined to produce a broad spectral range spanning over 300 nm, including UV, visible, and infrared ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical sources operating in different spectral ranges are used, then spectral coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral coverageVSAvoidnumber of light sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple spectral ranges (UV, visible, infrared) into a single supercontinuum light source by integrating different nonlinear optical processes within one device architecture, replacing the need for multiple separate optical sources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The supercontinuum light source performs multiple functions by generating broad spectral coverage spanning UV to infrared ranges through a single device, enabling it to replace multiple specialized light sources with different spectral characteristics

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple optical sources are used, then spectral range coverage is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespectral range coverageVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple spectral generation capabilities into a single integrated supercontinuum source, reducing the total number of components and associated costs while maintaining broad spectral coverage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If a single light source is used, then device complexity is reduced, but spectral coverage may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of light sourcesVSAvoidspectral coverage

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs different nonlinear optical processes (second harmonic generation, optical parametric oscillation, supercontinuum generation) within the same device to generate different spectral components, achieving broad spectral coverage through parameter variation rather than multiple devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If conventional light sources are used, then setup is simple, but power spectral density in ultraviolet range is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesetup simplicityVSAvoidpower spectral density in UV range

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses intermediate spectral ranges (visible and infrared) as mediators to generate ultraviolet light through nonlinear optical processes, allowing UV generation without direct UV sources while maintaining setup simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides a cost-effective, simplified setup for industrial applications by generating a supercontinuum with enhanced power spectral density in the ultraviolet range and extending coverage to other spectral ranges, improving signal-to-noise ratio and spectral width.

Implementation Method 1

a beam combiner configured to combine the light generated in the channels to form a combined supercontinuum

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

a multimode optical output fiber arranged to receive the combined supercontinuum from the beam combiner

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical fiber transmission: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 3

a first type of channel configured to generate light having a first spectral distribution in response to a pump pulse propagating along a first optical path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSupercontinuum generation:

Implementation Method 4

The second spectral distribution has a higher power spectral density at least over part of the ultraviolet spectral range than the first spectral distribution

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNonlinear optical effect:

Data Source

PatentEP4390531A1A supercontinuum light source

Publication Date: 2024.06.26 NKT PHOTONICS AS

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AI summary

A supercontinuum light source comprising at least a first type of channel and a second type of channel, a beam combiner, and a multimode fiber is disclosed. The first type of channel is configured to generate light having a first spectral distribution. The second type of channel is configured to generate light having a second spectral distribution comprising light in the ultraviolet range. The second spectral distribution has a higher power spectral density at least over part of the ultraviolet spectral range than the first spectral distribution. The beam combiner is configured to couple the light generated in the channels into the multimode fiber.