Tunable Pulsed UV Light Source Using Supercontinuum and Nonlinear Crystal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical measurement systems require high-cost and complex setups for tunable pulsed light sources, especially in the UV range, which are not economically viable for widespread bio-optical applications, and lack efficient solutions for extending tunability into the visible and near-IR wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A tunable pulsed light source utilizing a supercontinuum light source with a non-linear crystal, where the crystal's position, orientation, and temperature are adjustable to achieve frequency doubling, enabling output in the UV range with at least 1 μW power, and optionally extending into visible and near-IR wavelengths using a simple and inexpensive frequency doubling setup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional tunable light sources (Ti:sapphire lasers, optical parametric oscillators) are used to achieve UV wavelength coverage, then measurement precision and wavelength tunability are improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex traditional tunable light sources with a supercontinuum light source combined with a simple dispersive element and wavelength selector. The supercontinuum source provides broad spectral coverage (including UV) through nonlinear optical processes in a photonic crystal fiber, eliminating the need for complex Ti:sapphire laser systems and optical parametric oscillators. This approach uses readily available, cost-effective components to achieve the same measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The supercontinuum light source serves multiple functions: it provides broad spectral coverage from UV to near-IR wavelengths, generates high peak power pulses for nonlinear optical processes, and enables wavelength selection through simple dispersive elements. This single source replaces multiple specialized lasers and oscillators that would otherwise be needed to cover different wavelength ranges.
2Power
If high intensity light is used for frequency doubling in non-linear crystals, then output power is improved, but crystal degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs frequency doubling and other nonlinear optical conversions before the light enters the dispersive element and wavelength selector. By completing these high-intensity nonlinear processes early in the optical path, the converted wavelengths are generated with sufficient power, and subsequent lower-intensity light passes through the dispersive elements and crystal, minimizing degradation from repeated high-intensity exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is segmented into distinct functional sections: a nonlinear conversion section where high-intensity frequency doubling occurs, followed by a dispersion and wavelength selection section where lower-intensity light is used. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high output power in the nonlinear section while protecting the crystal from continuous high-intensity exposure that would cause degradation.
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 low-cost, efficient tunable light source with sufficient output power for bio-optical measurements, capable of spanning the UV range and potentially extending into visible and near-IR wavelengths, overcoming the limitations of previous systems by using a supercontinuum light source with a non-linear crystal adjustment mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a non-linear crystal, which can be adjusted to enable tuning the output spectrum of the tunable source such that it comprises wavelengths in the UV range
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a tunable optical light source spanning the UV-range and possible also the visible and near-IR wavelengths. The tunable optical light source includes an input light source, a focusing element, a non-linear crystal arranged to convert the frequency of at least part of the output spectrum of the super continuum source, and a holding unit for the non-linear crystal. The input light source is a super continuum light source with a spectral bandwidth of at least about 300 nm and the holding unit is adjustable for changing the frequency converted output wavelength of the non-linear crystal wfc such that the lowest obtainable output wavelength wUV of said tunable light source is ultraviolet. The disclosure further relates to an illumination source and an optical measurement system.