Wavelength Conversion Spatial Light Modulator UV Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spatial light modulators face challenges when modulating ultraviolet laser light, as the high photon energy can degrade the modulator components, making stable phase modulation difficult.
Innovation Solution
A wavelength conversion type spatial light modulation device that inputs laser light in a wavelength region longer than ultraviolet, spatially phase-modulates it, and then converts the light to the ultraviolet region using a nonlinear optical crystal, with an image transfer optical system ensuring the desired phase distribution is maintained during conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ultraviolet laser light is input directly to the spatial light modulation section, then phase modulation of ultraviolet light can be achieved, but the high photon energy degrades the liquid crystal layer and alignment films, making stable operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two functional sections: a spatial light modulation section for phase modulation and a wavelength conversion section for UV generation. This segmentation allows each section to perform its specific function optimally without the UV light degrading the modulation section components.
Solution Approach 2:
Phase modulation is performed preliminarily on visible light before wavelength conversion to ultraviolet. By performing the modulation action before the light reaches UV wavelengths, the modulation patterns are established while avoiding direct exposure of the modulation components to degrading UV radiation.
2Reliability
If a wavelength conversion section is added to convert visible light to ultraviolet, then stable phase modulation is achieved, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The wavelength conversion section is integrated with the spatial light modulation section through an image transfer optical system that couples their respective planes. This merging approach allows the functions to be combined in a coordinated manner while maintaining the benefits of both sections.
Solution Approach 2:
An image transfer optical system acts as an intermediary between the spatial light modulation section and the wavelength conversion section. This intermediary component ensures proper optical coupling and maintains the conjugate relationship between the two sections, facilitating stable operation.
3Manufacturing precision
If the phase modulation plane and light incident plane are coupled as optically conjugate systems, then the desired phase distribution is maintained during wavelength conversion, but additional optical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The image transfer optical system serves multiple functions: it couples the phase modulation plane with the light incident plane, maintains the optically conjugate relationship, and ensures proper phase distribution transfer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
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
This approach allows for stable and effective spatial phase-modulation of ultraviolet laser light, reducing the impact on the modulator components and enabling precise control of phase modulation, while maintaining high wavelength conversion efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
converting a wavelength of the modulated laser light into a wavelength in the ultraviolet region
Data Source
AI summary
The device includes a spatial light modulation section having a phase modulation plane to which laser light L1 in a wavelength region longer than an ultraviolet region is input, and on which a phase of the laser light L1 is modulated at each of a plurality of two-dimensionally arrayed regions, to generate modulated laser light L2, a wavelength conversion section having a light incident plane which receives the modulated laser light L2 output from the spatial light modulation section, and converting a wavelength of the modulated laser light L2 into a wavelength in the ultraviolet region, and an image transfer optical system coupling the phase modulation plane of the spatial light modulation section and the light incident plane of the wavelength conversion section, so as to be optically conjugate systems to each other.