A Method and Device for Generating Short Optical Pulses

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

This invention describes a method and device for generating very short, high-power optical pulses using a single-section semiconductor laser. The technique involves operating the laser in a nonlinear regime to produce chirped pulses, which are then compressed outside the cavity via a dispersive element (like optical fiber or gratings), resulting in ultrashort optical pulses with high peak power and brightness. The laser waveguide design ensures single-mode operation and efficient suppression of higher-order modes, enabling high output powers and beam quality.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Precision material processing and micromachining, such as cutting thin glass for mobile device screens and intricate structuring of metals/carbons.
• Medical procedures including dermatology and high-precision surgery requiring ultrashort laser pulses.
• Advanced microscopy methods (e.g., two-photon, CARS, FLIM) in life sciences.
• Spectroscopy techniques, including nonlinear molecular and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy.
• Remote sensing and laser ranging applications.
• Testing and characterization of optoelectronic devices, such as photodiodes and high-speed sensors.
• THz time-domain spectroscopy and related measurements.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Produces high-power, ultrashort (picosecond or sub-picosecond) optical pulses using a simpler, more robust semiconductor laser architecture (no saturable absorber needed).
• Delivers both high average and peak power, overcoming limitations of previous diode-based pulsed lasers.
• Enhances beam quality and brightness due to single-mode operation and well-controlled divergence.
• Allows easy tuning of repetition rates and pulse characteristics by adjusting laser cavity length and electrical drive.
• Reduces device complexity, size, and manufacturing costs compared to traditional mode-locked or multi-stage amplified systems.
• Improves tolerance to manufacturing variations due to robust aperiodic waveguide design.
• Offers potential for industrial-scale, compact, and energy-efficient pulsed laser sources for broad application ranges.

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Patent Abstract

An embodiment of the invention relates to a method for generating short optical pulses comprising the steps of: operating a single section semiconductor laser in a nonlinear regime to emit chirped optical pulses at an output facet of the laser cavity, and compressing the chirped optical pulses outside the laser cavity using a dispersive element in order to generate the short optical pulses.