Yb Laser Device Using Polarization Beam Splitter for Compact High Output

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser devices that output high pulse energy are large, expensive, and have a low repetition rate, making them difficult to develop industrially, and Yb-based lasers require complex optical systems to achieve high output with low doped ion concentration and high intensity excitation.

Innovation Solution

A laser device with a simple configuration that uses a polarization beam splitter and phase shift elements to achieve multiple amplifications of seed light, allowing it to be amplified at least six times, and includes an optical isolator to prevent unintended resonator configurations and stimulated radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a multipath amplifier scheme is used to achieve high output with low doped ion concentration, then the laser output performance is improved, but the optical system becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser outputVSAvoidoptical system
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple amplification paths into a single integrated optical system using beam splitters and mirrors. The first and second amplification paths are merged through the beam splitter to create a compact configuration that achieves multiple amplifications without requiring separate complex optical systems for each path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The beam splitter serves multiple functions: it separates the first and second amplification paths, combines them into a single output, and enables the seed light to traverse through the laser medium multiple times. This multi-functionality reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining high output performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Power

If low temperature operation is implemented for Yb-based lasers, then the laser performance is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser outputVSAvoiddevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the optical paths and uses a compact beam splitter configuration that reduces the overall device volume. By combining multiple amplification paths into a single integrated system, the device achieves high output power without requiring large physical space for separate optical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses oblique incidence of seed light at angles larger than 0° to create multiple passes through the laser medium within a compact volume. By utilizing angular dimension rather than linear extension, the system achieves multiple amplifications without increasing device size in the propagation direction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 laser device achieves high output with a simple configuration, enabling a larger number of amplifications while maintaining a compact size and reducing the complexity of the optical system, particularly suitable for Yb-based lasers.

Implementation Method 1

both of separation of an amplification path according to a polarization direction by the first beam splitter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPolarization beam splitting: Polarisation

Implementation Method 2

The seed light of the first polarization passes through the first phase shift element, such that a phase difference of a 1/4 wavelength is applied to a polarization component thereof

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase shift: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

The seed light incident on the laser medium is input to the excitation region, amplified

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStimulated emission: Laser

Data Source

PatentEP3576231B1Laser device
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 HAMAMATSU PHOTONICS KK
  • EP3576231B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3576231B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3576231B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A laser device includes a laser medium for amplifying seed light, a first optical system for outputting excitation light for exciting the laser medium and causing the excitation light to be incident on the laser medium and input to an excitation region of the laser medium, and a second optical system for causing the seed light of first polarization to be incident on the laser medium at an incidence angle larger than 0° with respect to the laser medium and input to the excitation region.