Tunable High Power Laser Using Opposing Magnetic Fields

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Free-electron lasers are limited by their bulkiness, fixed output wavelength, and alignment sensitivities, which restrict their applications and power output.

Innovation Solution

A system that generates a high power energy beam laser by configuring a magnetic field structure with toroid coils and magnetic or diamagnetic materials, allowing for tunable output wavelength through adjustable magnetic fields and electric current modulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If traditional free-electron lasers use heavy magnetic structures, then magnetic field generation is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser power outputVSAvoidmagnetic structure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional heavy mechanical magnetic structures with an optical cavity system that uses mirrors and resonant optical fields to generate and sustain the magnetic field necessary for lasing. This substitution of mechanical/magnetic components with an optical system eliminates the bulkiness while maintaining the required magnetic field for free-electron laser operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters by using optical resonance conditions to generate magnetic fields rather than traditional electromagnets. By tuning the optical cavity length and mirror properties, the system achieves the necessary magnetic field strength without the weight penalty of conventional magnetic structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional free-electron lasers use fixed magnetic structures, then magnetic field stability is achieved, but the output wavelength becomes fixed and not tunable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavelength tunabilityVSAvoidmagnetic field stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic tunability by making the optical cavity length adjustable. By changing the distance between mirrors or adjusting the cavity geometry, the resonant frequency and thus the output wavelength can be tuned in real-time while maintaining stable lasing conditions through controlled feedback mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The optical cavity system serves multiple functions: it provides the magnetic field generation, determines the resonant frequency for wavelength selection, and enables tuning across different wavelengths. This multi-functional approach allows wavelength adaptability without sacrificing the stability needed for reliable laser operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If traditional free-electron lasers use complex optical elements, then laser generation is achieved, but alignment sensitivity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealignment sensitivityVSAvoidlaser power output

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of magnetic field generation, optical resonance, and laser amplification into a single integrated optical cavity system. By combining these functions rather than using separate components, the system reduces the number of alignment-critical interfaces while maintaining high power output through the unified resonant structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 a lighter, more versatile, and high-power laser system with real-time wavelength tunability, overcoming the limitations of traditional free-electron lasers.

Implementation Method 1

each coil generates a first magnetic field in response to electric current flowing in the coil

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A magnetic or diamagnetic material enclosing the first plurality of coils and the second plurality of coils

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field compression: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11271355B2Apparatus and method for generating a high power energy beam based laser

Publication Date: 2022.03.08 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

A system for generating an energy beam based laser includes an apparatus for receiving an energy beam and for generating an energy beam based laser. The apparatus is configurable or controllable for tuning an output wavelength of the laser generated by the apparatus using the energy beam. The apparatus includes a first component for producing a first magnetic field oriented in a first direction and a second component for producing a second magnetic field oriented in a second direction substantially opposite to the first direction. A channel through the apparatus is defined by the first component and the second component through which the energy beam passes to generate the laser at an output of the apparatus. The apparatus is configurable or controllable for modifying at least one of the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field for tuning the output wavelength of the laser.