Tilted Transmitter Optical Member for Laser Amplifier Back-Reflection Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser beam amplification devices require additional costly components and increased space due to the use of partially transmitting mirrors, which also complicate cooling and analyzing reverse beams caused by self-lasing or reflections.
Innovation Solution
A compact laser beam amplification device featuring at least one amplifier chamber with a laser-active material and a tilted transmitting optical member that allows for back-reflected beam detection without additional elements, using a deflection mirror to direct the beam to a detection unit, reducing the number of components and enabling efficient analysis of both forward and reverse beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If partially transmitting mirrors are used to analyze the laser beam between amplifier stages, then beam analysis capability is improved, but device complexity and construction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the beam analysis function from separate components and integrates it into the amplifier chamber walls themselves. The transparent or translucent wall material acts as both the chamber boundary and the beam detection element, eliminating the need for separate partially transmitting mirrors and reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The chamber wall serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the laser beam, provides structural support, and enables beam analysis through its transparent or translucent properties. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated analysis components, reducing device complexity while maintaining analysis capability.
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If additional partially transmitting mirrors are used for beam analysis, then measurement capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for expensive specialized mirrors by extracting the measurement function and embedding it directly into the chamber wall material, which can be manufactured using standard techniques for transparent or translucent enclosures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, precision-manufactured partially transmitting mirrors with simpler, potentially replaceable transparent or translucent wall sections that can be manufactured more economically and are easier to maintain or replace if needed.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If partially transmitting mirrors are used in the amplifier system, then beam detection is improved, but cooling difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the cooling problem associated with mirrors by extracting the detection function and placing it in the chamber wall, which already has built-in cooling channels for removing heat from the laser-active material. The wall itself becomes the detection element without introducing new cooling requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the beam detection function with the existing chamber wall structure that already contains cooling channels. This integration allows simultaneous beam analysis and heat removal through the same component, eliminating the cooling difficulties associated with separate mirror elements.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If conventional techniques with additional mirrors are used, then reverse beam analysis is possible, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent or translucent chamber wall serves as a universal detection surface that can analyze both forward-propagating and reverse-traveling beams without requiring different components. This universality simplifies the device by eliminating the need for additional mirrors specifically for reverse beam analysis.
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 results in a cost-effective, compact design that effectively amplifies laser beams while allowing for the detection of back-reflected beams, reducing construction complexity and cooling challenges, and enabling efficient analysis of both forward and reverse laser beams.
Implementation Method 1
a back reflected beam 27 is generated by partial reflection of the laser beam 10 at the transmitting optical member 23
Implementation Method 2
A back reflected beam is directed inside the amplifier chamber to a detection unit
Data Source
AI summary
A device for amplifying a laser beam is provided. The device includes at least one amplifier chamber in which a laser-active material is provided, at least one transmitting optical member delimiting the amplifier chamber and being arranged at a tilt angle, α, with respect to a plane oriented perpendicularly with respect to an optical axis of the laser beam, and at least one detection unit. The laser beam is reflected by the transmitting optical member into a back reflected laser beam, and the detection unit is arranged such that it detects the back reflected laser beam.