Variable Reflectivity Beam Splitter for Laser Pulse Stretching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional laser pulse stretching units are difficult to reconfigure to change the temporal profile of the output beam, requiring mechanical adjustments and replacement of refocusing optics, which is time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A laser pulse stretching unit comprising a beam splitter and a reconfiguration device that changes the reflectivity of the beam splitter to alter the temporal profile of the output beam without adjusting the length of the delay lines, allowing for quick reconfiguration by replacing or repositioning the beam splitter with different reflectivities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional laser pulse stretching units use fixed refocusing optics in delay lines, then the beam is kept from diverging, but the device becomes difficult to reconfigure for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the beam splitter reflectivity variable rather than fixed. The beam splitter's reflectivity can be changed to different values (e.g., 50/50, 70/30, 90/10 splits) to adjust the temporal profile of the output beam for different applications, while the refocusing optics remain fixed and continue to maintain beam quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional laser pulse stretching units require replacement of refocusing optics to change temporal profile, then the temporal profile can be optimized, but the reconfiguration process requires time-consuming mechanical adjustments and realignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the variable parameter (beam splitter reflectivity) from the fixed refocusing optics. By placing different beam splitters with various reflectivity values in the delay line, the system can optimize the temporal profile for different applications without removing or realigning the refocusing optics, significantly reducing reconfiguration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the reflectivity parameter of the beam splitter to achieve different temporal profiles. By using beam splitters with different reflectivity values (50%, 70%, 90%), the system can optimize performance for various applications without mechanical reconfiguration of the delay line optics.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional laser pulse stretching units use fixed beam splitter reflectivity, then the device is simpler to manufacture, but it cannot be easily reconfigured for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics by using variable beam splitter reflectivity while keeping the overall device structure simple. The refocusing optics remain fixed and easy to manufacture, while the beam splitter can be swapped or adjusted to change reflectivity, providing application flexibility without complicating the manufacturing process.
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 rapid and cost-effective adjustment of the output beam's temporal profile, optimizing it for various applications without the need for extensive mechanical reconfiguration or realignment of delay lines, thus improving flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The first beam splitter is configured to receive an input light beam and direct a portion of the input light beam along an output path and to direct a remaining portion of the input light beam onto a first delayed path
Data Source
AI summary
A laser pulse stretching unit is described herein which is configured to change the reflectivity of one or more beam splitters located therein to change a temporal profile of an output beam without needing to adjust a length of any delay lines. In addition, a method is described herein for using the laser pulse stretching unit to change the reflectivity of one or more beam splitters located therein to change a temporal profile of an output beam without needing to adjust a length of any delay lines.