Wavelength Conversion Using Deflected Light Path
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing wavelength converting apparatus using nonlinear optical crystals faces a decrease in output performance due to phase matching loss between converted and unconverted light, leading to interference and reduced efficiency, especially when laser light is deflected and re-enters the crystal.
Innovation Solution
A configuration that includes a nonlinear optical crystal, a light deflection section to re-enter the crystal in parallel and opposite directions, and a light separation section to separate converted light before re-entry, preventing phase mismatch and enhancing output performance by reducing thermal lens effects and improving conversion efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If laser light is deflected and re-enters the nonlinear optical crystal to increase propagation distance, then the efficiency of wavelength conversion is improved, but phase matching is lost between converted light and unconverted light, causing interference and decreasing output performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the light path into separate propagation directions for converted light and unconverted light. By using a beam splitter and mirrors, the converted light is extracted and guided through a different optical path than the unconverted light, preventing their interaction and maintaining phase matching conditions in the nonlinear optical crystal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the converted light from the mixed light beam using a beam splitter positioned after the nonlinear optical crystal. This extracted converted light is then guided through a separate optical path, removing it from the interaction with unconverted light and preventing phase matching loss and interference.
2Productivity
If the distance of laser light propagation inside the nonlinear optical crystal is increased to improve conversion efficiency, then the wavelength conversion efficiency increases, but the crystal size and apparatus size increase, resulting in higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension by extracting converted light and guiding it through a separate optical path using beam splitters and mirrors. This allows the effective propagation distance to be increased without proportionally increasing the physical crystal length, as the converted light continues to propagate in a different spatial direction after extraction.
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 configuration improves the output performance of wavelength-converted laser light by preventing phase mismatch and reducing thermal lens effects, leading to higher efficiency and stability in wavelength conversion.
Implementation Method 1
a wavelength converting apparatus that converts the wavelength of laser light using a nonlinear optical crystal
Implementation Method 2
a light separation section that separates laser light whose wavelength is converted inside the nonlinear optical crystal, from the laser light before re-entering the nonlinear optical crystal
Implementation Method 3
a light deflection section that causes laser light that has exited from the nonlinear optical crystal to deflect and re-enter the nonlinear optical crystal
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength converting apparatus that improves output performance of laser light subjected to wavelength conversion while improving the efficiency of laser light wavelength conversion. Wavelength converting apparatus (100) has: nonlinear optical crystal (110) converting wavelength of laser light propagating inside wavelength converting apparatus (100); right angle prism (130) deflecting laser light emanating from nonlinear optical crystal (110) and causing the laser light to be incident on nonlinear optical crystal (110) again, and to propagate in parallel and in opposite directions at a predetermined distance with respect to laser light before emanation from nonlinear optical crystal (110); and first dichroic mirror (120) separating laser light subjected to wavelength conversion inside nonlinear optical crystal (110) from the laser light before incidence on nonlinear optical crystal (110) for a second time.