Wavelength Conversion Gas Mixture Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Nonlinear optical crystals used in wavelength conversion systems experience a decrease in output over time and generate ozone when oxygen is present, leading to contamination and reduced stability of the wavelength converted light.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength conversion apparatus and method that introduces a specific gas mixture with a nitrogen to oxygen ratio between 1/9999 to 1/99, using separate ports for nitrogen-rich and oxygen-rich gases, with the oxygen gas being ejected closer to the wavelength conversion element to prevent ozone contamination, ensuring stable output of wavelength converted light over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a nonlinear optical crystal is used for wavelength conversion, then wavelength converted light can be generated, but the output decreases over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mixed atmosphere containing nitrogen and oxygen gases into the nonlinear optical crystal. The nitrogen gas acts as an inert component that prevents degradation of the crystal, while the oxygen component prevents ozone generation. This inert-like environment maintains the crystal's performance over extended operation periods, resolving the contradiction between output stability and operation time.
2Reliability
If oxygen is present in the atmosphere of the nonlinear optical crystal, then ozone is generated by ultraviolet light irradiation, but the patent introduces oxygen gas to prevent crystal degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the atmospheric parameters by introducing a specific mixed gas composition (nitrogen and oxygen) with controlled ratios. The nitrogen component suppresses ozone generation while the oxygen component prevents crystal degradation. By adjusting the gas composition parameters, the system achieves both crystal protection and ozone prevention simultaneously.
3Reliability
If nitrogen gas is used to protect the nonlinear optical crystal, then crystal degradation is prevented, but ozone can still be generated when oxygen is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite gas atmosphere consisting of nitrogen and oxygen components. The nitrogen provides protective effects on the crystal, while the oxygen component in controlled amounts prevents ozone generation by maintaining proper atmospheric composition. This composite approach combines the benefits of both gases while mitigating their individual drawbacks.
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 described configuration stabilizes the output of wavelength converted light by preventing ozone generation and contamination, maintaining the performance of the wavelength conversion system over an extended period.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength conversion element disposed inside the casing and configured to convert a wavelength of incident light and output light with the converted wavelength
Implementation Method 2
When oxygen is present in the atmosphere, there is another problem that ozone is generated by irradiation of ultraviolet light
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength conversion apparatus and a wavelength conversion method that can stably output wavelength converted light for a long time are provided. A wavelength conversion apparatus 100 according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a casing 10, a wavelength conversion element 25 disposed inside the casing 10 and configured to convert a wavelength of incident light and output light with the converted wavelength, a first port 11 that introduces a first gas containing 99.9% or more of a nitrogen gas inside the casing 10, and a second port 12 that introduces a second gas containing 1% or more of an oxygen gas.