Device for spectral broadening of laser pulses and laser system

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

This patent describes a device and laser system that broadens the spectrum of laser pulses using a multipass arrangement of a concave and a convex mirror, with a nonlinear optical medium positioned so that laser pulses traverse it multiple times. Unlike traditional systems with two concave mirrors that require long setups and suffer from damage or unwanted nonlinear effects at high intensities, the proposed device can be more compact while handling higher pulse energies without focusing the beam dangerously. The design minimizes the risk of damaging optical elements, allows for more compact setups, and maintains excellent beam quality.

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

• Ultrafast laser systems for scientific research (e.g., spectroscopy, nonlinear optics)
• Industrial laser machining and micromachining where short, high-intensity pulses are required
• Medical devices utilizing ultrashort laser pulses for imaging or surgery
• Laser systems in telecommunications for generating broadband light sources
• Pump-probe experiments needing compressed or spectrally broadened pulses
• Laser-based metrology and precision time-measurement systems

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Allows for compact laser setups even at high energies, saving space and cost
• Reduces risk of damage to optical components due to avoidance of tight focusing
• Enables higher pulse energies than conventional systems with minimal risk of unwanted effects like ionization or self-focusing
• Maintains high beam quality and spectral homogeneity after broadening and compression
• Flexible use of solid or gaseous nonlinear media for different application needs
• Facilitates easier integration into high-pressure or specialized environments (e.g., use of gas-filled cells)
• Can include dispersive elements for better pulse compression and control

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device (100) for the spectral broadening of laser pulses. The device (100) has a multi-pass device (120) with a convex mirror (122) and a concave mirror (121), wherein the convex mirror (122) and the concave mirror (121) are arranged relative to each other in such a way that laser pulses coupled into the multi-pass device (120) are reflected at least once from the concave mirror (121) to the convex mirror (122) and at least once from the convex mirror (122) to the concave mirror (121). The device (100) also has a non-linear optical medium (130) which is arranged at least partially within the multi-pass device (120) such that the non-linear optical medium (130) is passed multiple times by the laser pulses coupled into the multi-pass device (120). The invention further relates to a laser system (200) having a device according to the invention for the spectral broadening of laser pulses.