Temperature Gradient Non-Linear Crystal for Automatic Wavelength Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for generating electromagnetic radiation over a wide wavelength range require manual adjustments and tilting of non-linear optical crystals for phase alignment, making them inefficient and requiring additional steps for frequency conversion, especially for wavelengths shorter than the pump radiation.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a pump laser, an optical parametric oscillator with a non-linear optical crystal, and a non-linear optical device, where the non-linear optical device's crystal is heated to create a temperature gradient, allowing for automatic tuning of the radiation frequency and optimizing power output through controlled temperature adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual adjustment and tilting of non-linear optical crystals is performed for phase alignment, then wavelength tuning range is improved, but device complexity and operation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment and tilting of non-linear optical crystals with automated temperature control of the crystal. By controlling the temperature of the non-linear optical crystal, the phase matching condition is automatically adjusted, eliminating the need for complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms and manual intervention while maintaining wide wavelength tuning capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameter from mechanical tilt angle to temperature. By varying the temperature of the non-linear optical crystal, the phase matching condition is adjusted, which automatically tunes the output wavelength. This parameter substitution simplifies the control mechanism while expanding the practical usability of the system
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequency conversion is performed in multiple steps for wavelengths shorter than pump radiation, then wavelength range is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multi-step frequency conversion processes with a single-step process by utilizing temperature-tuned phase matching in the non-linear optical crystal. This allows direct generation of short wavelengths from the pump radiation without requiring sequential frequency doubling or sum-frequency generation steps, thereby improving conversion efficiency and reducing processing time
3Reliability
If manual correction and readjustment steps are implemented, then frequency stability is improved, but loss of time and operational efficiency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by allowing the non-linear optical crystal to automatically maintain phase matching through temperature control. The system self-adjusts to maintain frequency stability without requiring manual correction or readjustment steps, eliminating time loss while preserving frequency stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control through temperature sensing and regulation of the non-linear optical crystal. The temperature is monitored and adjusted to maintain optimal phase matching conditions, providing automatic frequency stabilization without manual intervention and eliminating the time associated with manual correction steps
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
Enables automatic tuning of electromagnetic radiation over a wide wavelength range without manual adjustments, optimizing power output and stability by controlling the temperature gradient of the non-linear optical crystal, ensuring efficient frequency conversion and maintaining consistent output across varying wavelengths.
Implementation Method 1
an optical parametric oscillator which has a non-linear optical crystal, the optical parametric oscillator being in one Beam path of the pump radiation is arranged, and wherein the optically parametric oscillator is set up in such a way that it generates signal radiation and idler radiation from the pump radiation
Implementation Method 2
a nonlinear optical device which has a nonlinear optical crystal, wherein the non-linear optical device is arranged at least in a beam path of the signal radiation or idler radiation, and wherein the non-linear optical device is set up in such a way that, during operation of the device, it generates electromagnetic radiation from the signal radiation or idler radiation with a frequency that is greater than a frequency of the signal radiation or idler radiation
Implementation Method 3
the non-linear optical crystal of the non-linear optical device being arranged in an oven which is designed in such a way that, during operation of the device, it heats the crystal in such a way that the crystal has a temperature gradient in the beam direction of the signal radiation or idler radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating electromagnetic radiation comprising a pump laser (1), which is arranged such that it generates electromagnetic continuous-wave pump radiation (2) during the operation of the apparatus, an optical parametric oscillator (3) arranged in the beam path of the pump radiation, and having a non-linear optical crystal, wherein the optical parametric oscillator is arranged such that it generates signal radiation and idler radiation (4) from the pump radiation during the operation of the apparatus, and a non-linear optical device (5), having a non-linear optical crystal, wherein the non-linear optical device is arranged at least in a beam path of the signal radiation or idler radiation, and wherein the non-linear optical device is arranged such that, during the operation of the apparatus, it generates electromagnetic radiation (6) from the signal radiation or idler radiation at a frequency that is greater than a frequency of the signal radiation or idler radiation. The non-linear optical crystal of the non-linear optical device (5) is arranged in a furnace which is heated such that the crystal has a temperature gradient in the beam direction of the signal radiation or idler radiation.