JP3630508B2 - Dye laser device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a dye laser device that excites a dye solution flowing in a dye flow cell and outputs dye laser light.
[0002]
[Prior art]
FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the dye laser apparatus.
A one-stage amplifier 2 is arranged on the optical path of the dye laser beam Q output from the dye laser oscillator (hereinafter abbreviated as laser oscillator) 1.
[0003]
Each of the laser oscillator 1 and the amplifier 2 includes dye flow cells 4 and 5 through which a dye solution 3 flows.
The dye circulation cells 6 and 7 are connected to the dye flow cells 4 and 5, respectively, and the dye solution 3 is circulated to the dye flow cells 4 and 5 by the dye circulation devices 6 and 7.
[0004]
On the other hand, an excitation laser device 8 is provided, and two beam splitters 9 and 10 and a mirror 11 are arranged on the optical path of the pulsed excitation laser light P output from the excitation laser device 8.
[0005]
Among these, the beam splitter 9 branches a part of the excitation laser beam P and guides it to the dye flow cell 4 of the laser oscillator 1.
The beam splitter 10 divides the excitation laser light P transmitted through the beam splitter 9 into two parts, guides one of the excitation laser lights P to one side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 through the mirror 11, and the other. The excitation laser beam P is guided to the other side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 via the mirrors 12 and 13.
[0006]
With such a configuration, when the pulsed pumping laser beam P is output from the pumping laser device 8, the pumping laser beam P is branched in two directions by the beam splitter 9, and one of the pumping laser beams is The dye solution 3 flowing in the dye flow cell 4 of the laser oscillator 1 is irradiated.
[0007]
When the excitation laser beam P is irradiated on the dye solution 3 in this way, the dye solution 3 is excited, resonance occurs in the laser resonator, and the dye laser beam Q is output. This dye laser beam Q is incident on the dye solution 3 flowing in the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 in one stage.
[0008]
At the same time, the excitation laser light P is branched in two directions by the beam splitter 10, and one excitation laser light P is irradiated to the dye solution 3 from one side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 through the mirror 11. The other excitation laser beam P is reflected by the mirrors 12 and 13 and is applied to the dye solution 3 from the other side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2.
[0009]
That is, FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the amplification action of the dye flow cell 5 on the amplifier 2. The dye flow cell 5 exhibits a lateral excitation type amplification action, and the dye solution 3 flows from the top to the bottom of the figure.
[0010]
The dye laser light Q is incident on the dye solution 3 from a direction orthogonal to the flow direction, and the excitation laser light P is incident from both directions orthogonal to the flow direction of the dye solution 3 together with the dye solution 3. .
[0011]
When the excitation laser light P is incident on the dye solution 3, the dye solution 3 is excited, and the dye laser light Q is incident upon the occurrence of the excited state. Therefore, the dye laser light Q is amplified and output by the stimulated emission action. .
[0012]
At this time, the circulation flow rate of the dye solution 3 is set so that the dye solution 3 in the excitation region shown in FIG. 9 is completely replaced every time each pulsed excitation laser beam P is incident.
[0013]
By exchanging the dye solution 3, when the excitation laser light P is incident on the dye solution 3, a part of the excitation energy is changed to heat and a refractive index distribution (thermal lens effect) is formed in the dye solution 3. However, this is removed between the pulsed excitation laser beams P by the flow of the dye solution 3. As a result, a high-quality dye laser beam Q with little wavefront distortion is amplified and output.
[0014]
However, if there is a difference between the temperature of the dye solution 3 and the temperature of the member of the dye flow cell 5, a refractive index distribution is formed in the liquid of the dye solution 3 due to this temperature difference.
FIG. 10 shows the refractive index distribution in the dye solution due to such a temperature difference. This refractive index distribution is shown for the case where Ta> Ts, where Ts is the temperature of the dye solution 3 and Ta is the temperature outside the dye flow cell 5 (outside air).
[0015]
In general, the dye flow cell 5 is formed of a glass member such as quartz glass, and the thermal conductivity thereof is smaller than that of a metal member. For example, the thermal conductivity of quartz glass is 1.4 (W / m · K, @ 0 ° C.), and the thermal conductivity 403 (W / m · K) of copper (Cu), which is known as a good heat conductor. K, @ 0 ° C).
[0016]
Further, considering the boundary between the member of the dye flow cell 5 and the outside air (= air), the thermal conductivity of the outside air is 0.0214 (W / m · K, @ 0 ° C.), which is even smaller.
For this reason, in the steady state, the temperature Tc at the boundary surface of the dye flow cell 5 does not coincide with the temperature Ta of the outside air in contact therewith and the temperature Ts of the dye solution 3 on both the outside air side and the dye solution side.
[0017]
That is, the temperature Tc of the boundary surface of the dye flow cell 5 is Ta> Tc> Ts, and this boundary surface acts as a heat source for the dye solution 3.
Although most of the heat supply from the boundary surface of the dye flow cell 5 to the dye solution 3 is removed by the flow of the dye solution 3, the flow velocity distribution of the dye solution 3 becomes smaller as it approaches the boundary surface due to the viscous resistance of the solvent. Therefore, a temperature distribution localized on the boundary surface as shown in FIG. 10 is formed in the steady state.
[0018]
When such a temperature distribution is formed, the refractive index distribution of the dye solution 3 changes, and distortion occurs in the wavefront of the dye laser light Q that passes through the portion.
Here, if the wavefront phase difference between the boundary surface of the dye flow cell 5 and the central portion of the dye flow cell 5 is k, the wavefront phase difference k is expressed by the following equation with the wavelength λ as a unit.
[0019]
k = (dn / dT) * (Ts−Tc) * L / λ (unit: wavelength λ) (1)
Here, (dn / dT) is the temperature dependence of the dye solution refractive index, and L is the flow cell channel length (= excitation region length) of the dye flow cell 5.
[0020]
For example, the solvent of the dye solution 3 is ethanol (dn / dT = −4 × 10^-4), The flow cell channel length (2 cm) and the wavelength λ (600 nm), the wavefront phase difference k is 13.3 (Ts−Tc).
[0021]
Therefore, when the temperature difference between the flow cell interface temperature Tc and the dye solution temperature Ts is 0.1 ° C., a phase difference of about 1.3λ wavelength occurs.
When such a wavefront phase difference is generated in the dye solution 3, a phase difference is generated in the wavefront due to a change in the refractive index distribution, and the transmission characteristics of the dye laser beam Q are deteriorated.
[0022]
In addition, it is not uncommon for the temperature difference between the outside air and the dye solution 3 to be several degrees C. With this initial temperature difference, the temperature difference at the interface between the dye solution 3 and the dye flow cell 5 is 0.1. There is a good possibility of being on the order of ° C.
[0023]
Thus, the temperature of the dye solution 3 and the temperature of the member of the dye flow cell 5 are independent of each other, and the local refractive index generated at the interface between the dye flow cell 5 and the dye solution 3 due to the temperature difference therebetween. No consideration is given to the distribution.
[0024]
For this reason, distortion of the wavefront of the dye laser beam Q due to the local refractive index distribution occurs, which causes beam profile deterioration during transmission of the dye laser beam Q.
[0025]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the boundary surface of the dye flow cell 5 acts as a heat source and a local refractive index distribution is generated in the dye solution 3, and the wave front distortion of the dye laser light Q is generated due to this refractive index distribution. This causes deterioration of the beam profile of the light Q.
[0026]
Accordingly, the present invention provides a dye laser device capable of eliminating the distortion of the wavefront of the dye laser light caused by the local refractive index distribution generated in the dye solution and outputting high-quality dye laser light having excellent transmission characteristics. For the purpose.
[0027]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The first aspect of the present invention isIn a dye laser device comprising a dye flow cell in which a flow path for a dye solution is formed, and exciting the dye solution and outputting the dye laser light by irradiating the dye solution flowing in the dye flow cell with excitation laser light.The temperature measuring means for measuring the outside temperature in the vicinity of the dye flow cell or the temperature of the dye flow cell and the temperature of the dye solution are controlled so as to coincide with the outside air temperature in the vicinity of the dye flow cell or the temperature of the dye flow cell measured by the temperature measuring means.And a dye laser device including a temperature control unit.
[0028]
If such a dye laser device,The temperature of the dye solution is adjusted so that the outside air temperature near the dye flow cell or the temperature of the dye flow cell is measured by the temperature measuring means, and the temperature of the outside air or dye flow cell near the dye flow cell is measured by the temperature measuring means. Control by means.
[0029]
Thus, by matching the temperature of the dye solution and the temperature of the dye flow cell, the local refractive index distribution generated in the dye solution is not generated, and the distortion of the wave front of the dye laser beam is eliminated, and the transmission characteristics are excellent. Quality dye laser light is output.
[0030]
The second aspect of the present invention includes a dye flow cell having a flow path through which a dye solution flows, and irradiates the dye solution flowing through the dye flow cell with excitation laser light to excite the dye solution and output the dye laser light.In the dye laser device,The dye flow cell is housed in a shielding structure that shields it from the outside air, and the overall temperature in the shielding structure is controlled to match the temperature of the dye solution.It is a dye laser apparatus provided with a temperature control means.
[0031]
In such a dye laser device, the dye flow cell is housed in a shielding structure that shields the outside air, and the entire temperature in the shielding structure is made to coincide with the temperature of the dye solution. The temperature of the solution matches.
[0032]
According to a third invention, in the dye laser apparatus of the second invention, the temperature control means covers the dye flow cell with a highly thermoconductive member and controls the temperature of this member to coincide with the temperature of the dye solution. Have Thereby, the temperature of the dye flow cell coincides with the temperature of the dye solution.
[0033]
A fourth invention includes a dye flow cell in which a flow path for a dye solution is formed, and the dye solution flowing in the dye flow cell is irradiated with excitation laser light to excite the dye solution and output dye laser light. The dye laser device includes a temperature control unit that measures the wavefront of the dye laser beam and controls the temperature of the dye solution so as to minimize distortion of the wavefront.
[0034]
In such a dye laser device, the temperature of the dye solution and the temperature of the dye flow cell are controlled by measuring the wavefront of the dye laser light and controlling the temperature of the dye solution so as to minimize the distortion of the wavefront. Match.
[0035]
A fifth invention includes a dye flow cell in which a flow path for the dye solution is formed, and a dye that excites the dye solution to output the dye laser light by irradiating the dye solution flowing through the dye flow cell with the excitation laser light. In the laser device, the dye flow cell is housed to shield the outside air and the constant temperature water is circulated inside, and the wave front of the dye laser beam is measured, and the constant temperature water is minimized so as to minimize the distortion of the wave front. A dye laser apparatus including temperature control means for controlling temperature.
[0036]
In such a dye laser device, the temperature of the dye solution is measured by measuring the wavefront of the dye laser light and controlling the temperature of the constant temperature water circulating in the shielding structure so as to minimize the distortion of the wavefront. And the temperature of the dye flow cell coincide.
[0050]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
(1) Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same parts as those in FIG. 8 are denoted by the same reference numerals.
FIG.Is a pigmentIt is a block diagram of a laser apparatus.
[0051]
A one-stage amplifier 2 is arranged on the optical path of the dye laser beam Q output from the laser oscillator 1.
Each of the laser oscillator 1 and the amplifier 2 includes dye flow cells 4 and 5 through which a dye solution 3 flows. Dye circulation devices 20 and 21 are connected to the dye flow cells 4 and 5, respectively, and the dye solution 3 is circulated to the dye flow cells 4 and 5 by the dye circulation devices 20 and 21.
[0052]
On the other hand, an excitation laser device 8 is provided, and two beam splitters 9 and 10 and a mirror 11 are arranged on the optical path of the pulsed excitation laser light P output from the excitation laser device 8.
[0053]
Among these, the beam splitter 9 branches a part of the excitation laser beam P and guides it to the dye flow cell 4 of the laser oscillator 1.
The beam splitter 10 divides the excitation laser light P transmitted through the beam splitter 9 into two parts, guides one of the excitation laser lights P to one side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 through the mirror 11, and the other. The excitation laser beam P is guided to the other side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 via the mirrors 12 and 13.
[0054]
This dye laser device has a function as temperature control means for monitoring the ambient temperature of each of the dye flow cells 4 and 5 and matching the ambient temperature with the temperature of the dye solution 3.
[0055]
That is, in the vicinity of the dye flow cells 4 and 5 in the laser oscillator 1 and the amplifier 2, temperature sensors 22 and 23 such as thermocouples are arranged, respectively.
The temperature sensors 22 and 23 have a function of monitoring the outside air temperature of the dye flow cells 4 and 5 in the laser oscillator 1 and the amplifier 2 and feeding back the outside air temperature to the dye circulation devices 20 and 21, respectively.
[0056]
These dye circulation devices 20 and 21 have the function of a temperature adjustment mechanism that inputs the outside air temperature monitored by the temperature sensors 22 and 23, respectively, and controls the temperature so that the temperature of the dye solution 3 matches the outside air temperature. doing.
[0057]
Next, the operation of the apparatus configured as described above will be described.
When pulsed excitation laser light P is output from the excitation laser device 8, the excitation laser light P is branched in two directions by the beam splitter 9, and one of the excitation laser lights is supplied to the dye flow cell 4 of the laser oscillator 1. The flowing dye solution 3 is irradiated.
[0058]
When the excitation laser beam P is applied to the dye solution 3 in this way, the dye solution 3 is excited, resonance occurs in the laser resonator, and the dye laser beam Q is output. This dye laser beam Q is incident on the dye solution 3 flowing in the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 in one stage.
[0059]
At the same time, the excitation laser light P is branched in two directions by the beam splitter 10, and one excitation laser light P is irradiated to the dye solution 3 from one side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 through the mirror 11. The other excitation laser beam P is reflected by the mirrors 12 and 13 and is applied to the dye solution 3 from the other side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2.
[0060]
That is, similarly to the amplification action of the dye flow cell 5 in the amplifier 2 shown in FIG. 9, the dye laser beam Q is incident on the dye solution 3 from the direction orthogonal to the flow direction, and the flow of the dye solution 3 together with this. The excitation laser light P enters from each direction on both sides orthogonal to the direction.
[0061]
When the excitation laser beam P is incident on the dye solution 3, the dye solution 3 is excited and resonance occurs in the laser oscillator in the amplifier 2. Since the dye laser beam Q is incident upon the occurrence of this laser resonance, the dye laser beam Q is amplified and output.
[0062]
At this time, the circulation flow rate of the dye solution 3 is set so that the dye solution 3 in the excitation region shown in FIG. 9 is completely replaced every time each pulsed excitation laser beam P is incident. When the excitation laser beam P is incident on 3, a part of the excitation energy is changed to heat and a refractive index distribution (thermal lens effect) is formed in the dye solution 3, which is caused by the flow of the dye solution 3. It is removed between each pulsed excitation laser beam P.
[0063]
On the other hand, the temperature sensors 22 and 23 arranged in the vicinity of the dye flow cell 4 of the laser oscillator 1 and the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 monitor the outside air temperature in the vicinity of the dye flow cells 4 and 5, respectively. These outside air temperatures are sent to the respective dye circulation devices 20 and 21 as feedback control signals.
[0064]
These dye circulation devices 20 and 21 input the outside air temperatures monitored by the temperature sensors 22 and 23 by the temperature adjusting mechanisms, respectively, and control the temperature of the dye solution 3 so as to match these outside air temperatures.
[0065]
By this temperature control, the temperature of the dye solution 3 flowing through the dye flow cell 4 of the laser oscillator 1 and the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 matches the outside air temperature of these dye flow cells 4 and 5.
[0066]
Thereby, for example, each temperature Tc at the boundary surface of the dye flow cell 5 coincides with the temperature Ta of the outside air on both the outside air side and the dye solution side. That is, the relationship between the temperature Tc of the boundary surface of the dye flow cell 5, the temperature Ta of the outside air, and the temperature Ts of the dye solution 3 is approximately Ta = Tc = Ts.
[0067]
Since no temperature difference is generated between the dye flow cell 5 and the dye solution 3 in this way, the dye solution 3 does not generate a refractive index distribution locally, and the dye laser light Q transmitted through the dye solution 3 is not generated. There is no distortion in the wavefront.
[0068]
As a result, the laser oscillator 1 outputs a high-quality dye laser beam Q with little wavefront distortion and enters the amplifier 2, and the amplifier 2 also amplifies and outputs a high-quality dye laser beam Q with less wavefront distortion. Is done.
[0069]
As described above, in the first embodiment, the temperature sensors 22 and 23 for monitoring the outside air temperature are arranged, and the temperature of the dye solution 3 flowing through the dye flow cells 4 and 5 in the laser oscillator 1 and the amplifier 2 is set. Since the temperature is controlled so as to match the outside air temperature, a local refractive index distribution does not occur in the dye solution 3, the wavefront distortion of the dye laser light Q is eliminated, and the beam profile during transmission of the dye laser light Q is deteriorated. Therefore, it is possible to output high-quality dye laser light having excellent long-distance transmission characteristics.
[0070]
In the first embodiment, the configuration is a single-stage amplification dye laser device, but the present invention can also be applied to a configuration of a dye laser device without an amplification stage or a multi-stage dye laser device.
(2) A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0071]
Figure 2 shows the dyeIt is a block diagram of a laser apparatus.
This dye laser device has a function as temperature control means for monitoring the temperature of the dye flow cells 4 and 5 themselves and making the temperature of the dye solution 3 coincide with the temperature of the dye flow cells 4 and 5.
[0072]
That is, temperature sensors 30 and 31 such as thermocouples are arranged in the dye flow cells 4 and 5 in the laser oscillator 1 and the amplifier 2, respectively.
These temperature sensors 30 and 31 have a function of directly monitoring the temperatures of the dye flow cells 4 and 5 in the laser oscillator 1 and the amplifier 2 and sending the flow cell temperatures to the dye circulation devices 32 and 33 as feedback control signals, respectively. ing.
[0073]
These dye circulation devices 32 and 33 have the function of a temperature adjustment mechanism that inputs the flow cell temperatures monitored by the temperature sensors 30 and 31, respectively, and controls the temperature so that the temperature of the dye solution 3 matches the flow cell temperature. doing.
[0074]
Next, the operation of the apparatus configured as described above will be described.
When the pulsed pumping laser beam P is output from the pumping laser device 8, the pumping laser beam P is branched in two directions by the beam splitter 9 as described above, and one of the pumping laser beams is emitted from the laser oscillator 1. The dye solution 3 flowing in the dye flow cell 4 is irradiated.
[0075]
Further, the excitation laser beam P is branched in two directions by the beam splitter 10, and one excitation laser beam P is irradiated to the dye solution 3 from one side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 through the mirror 11, and the other The excitation laser beam P is reflected by the mirrors 12 and 13 and is applied to the dye solution 3 from the other side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2.
[0076]
When the excitation laser beam P is applied to the dye solution 3 flowing through the laser oscillator 1 in this way, the dye solution 3 is excited, resonance occurs in the laser resonator, and the dye laser beam Q is output. This dye laser beam Q is incident on the dye solution 3 flowing in the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 in one stage.
[0077]
In this amplifier 2, the dye solution 3 is excited by the incidence of the excitation laser light P, resonance occurs in the laser oscillator, and the incident dye laser light Q is amplified and output.
On the other hand, each temperature sensor 30, 31 directly monitors the temperature of each dye flow cell 4, 5 and sends the flow cell temperature to each dye circulation device 32, 33 as a feedback control signal.
[0078]
The dye circulation devices 32 and 33 receive the flow cell temperatures monitored by the temperature sensors 30 and 31 from the temperature adjustment mechanisms, respectively, and control the temperature of the dye solution 3 so as to match the flow cell temperatures.
[0079]
By this temperature control, the temperature of the dye solution 3 flowing through the dye flow cell 4 of the laser oscillator 1 and the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 matches the temperature of these dye flow cells 4 and 5.
[0080]
When the temperatures of the dye flow cell 5 and the dye solution 3 coincide with each other in this way, the refractive index distribution is not locally generated in the dye solution 3 and the wavefront of the dye laser light Q transmitted through the dye solution 3 is distorted. Does not occur.
[0081]
As a result, the laser oscillator 1 outputs a high-quality dye laser beam Q with little wavefront distortion and enters the amplifier 2, and the amplifier 2 also amplifies and outputs a high-quality dye laser beam Q with less wavefront distortion. Is done.
[0082]
As described above, in the second embodiment, the temperature sensors 30 and 31 for directly monitoring the temperature of the dye flow cells 4 and 5 themselves are arranged, and the dye flow cells 4 and 5 in the laser oscillator 1 and the amplifier 2 are respectively provided. Since the temperature of the flowing dye solution 3 is controlled so as to match the flow cell temperature, a local refractive index distribution does not occur in the dye solution 3, the wavefront distortion of the dye laser light Q is eliminated, and the dye laser light Q The beam profile during transmission is not deteriorated, and high-quality dye laser light having excellent long-distance transmission characteristics can be output.
(3) Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0083]
FIG.Is a pigmentIt is a block diagram of a laser apparatus.
This dye laser device is housed in shielding structures 40 and 41 that shield the dye flow cells 4 and 5 from the outside air, and serves as temperature control means for controlling the entire temperature in the shielding structures 40 and 41 to a predetermined temperature. It has a function.
[0084]
That is, the laser oscillator 1 includes a shielding structure 40, and the dye flow cell 4 is accommodated in the shielding structure 40.
A constant temperature water circulation device 42 is connected to the shielding structure 40. The constant temperature water circulation device 42 has a function of monitoring the temperature of the dye solution 3, controlling the temperature of the constant temperature water to the same temperature as the color solution 3, and circulating the constant temperature water in the shielding structure 40. doing.
[0085]
The dye flow cell 5 is housed in the shielding structure 41 of the amplifier 2. A constant temperature water circulation device 43 is connected to the shielding structure 41. The constant temperature water circulation device 43 has a function of monitoring the temperature of the dye solution 3, controlling the temperature of the constant temperature water to the same temperature as that of the dye solution 3, and circulating the constant temperature water in the shielding structure 41. doing.
[0086]
FIG. 4 is a specific configuration diagram of the shielding structures 40 and 41.
These shielding structures 40 and 41 are formed in a cubic shape, and the dye flow cells 4 and 5 are accommodated therein.
[0087]
Further, these shielding structures 40 and 41 are provided with light transmitting and exiting windows 44 and 45 for allowing the excitation laser beam P to enter at positions facing each other, and the dye laser beam Q is incident thereon. Light-transmitting dye laser amplification windows 46 and 47 are provided at positions facing each other.
[0088]
Next, the operation of the apparatus configured as described above will be described.
When the pulsed pumping laser beam P is output from the pumping laser device 8, the pumping laser beam P is branched in two directions by the beam splitter 9 as described above, and one of the pumping laser beams is emitted from the laser oscillator 1. The dye solution 3 flowing in the dye flow cell 4 is irradiated.
[0089]
Further, the excitation laser light P is branched in two directions by the beam splitter 10, one of which is irradiated to the dye solution 3 from one side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 via the mirror 11, and the other is each mirror 12, 13. And the dye solution 3 is irradiated from the other side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2.
[0090]
When the excitation laser beam P is applied to the dye solution 3 flowing through the laser oscillator 1 in this way, the dye solution 3 is excited, resonance occurs in the laser resonator, and the dye laser beam Q is output. This dye laser beam Q is incident on the dye solution 3 flowing in the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 in one stage.
[0091]
In this amplifier 2, the dye solution 3 is excited by the incidence of the excitation laser light P, resonance occurs in the laser oscillator, and the incident dye laser light Q is amplified and output.
On the other hand, each of the constant temperature water circulation devices 42 and 43 monitors, for example, the temperature of the dye solution 3, controls the temperature of the constant temperature water to the same temperature as that of the dye solution 3, and shields the constant temperature water 40 and 41 Circulate within.
[0092]
Thereby, the ambient temperature of the dye flow cell 4 of the laser oscillator 1 and the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 is controlled to the same temperature as the dye solution 3 by constant temperature water, and accordingly, the temperature of the dye flow cells 4 and 5 and the dye solution 3 are controlled. The temperature is the same.
[0093]
When the temperatures of the dye flow cell 5 and the dye solution 3 coincide with each other in this way, the refractive index distribution is not locally generated in the dye solution 3 and the wavefront of the dye laser light Q transmitted through the dye solution 3 is distorted. Does not occur.
[0094]
As a result, the laser oscillator 1 outputs a high-quality dye laser beam Q with little wavefront distortion and enters the amplifier 2, and the amplifier 2 also amplifies and outputs a high-quality dye laser beam Q with less wavefront distortion. Is done.
[0095]
Thus, in the said 3rd Embodiment, each dye flow cell 4 and 5 is accommodated in each shielding structure 40 and 41, The inside of these shielding structures 40 and 41 is made into the temperature of the dye solution 3 with constant temperature water. Since the temperature is controlled so as to match, the local refractive index distribution does not occur in the dye solution 3, the wavefront distortion of the dye laser light Q is eliminated, and the beam profile during transmission of the dye laser light Q does not deteriorate, High-quality dye laser light with excellent long-distance transmission characteristics can be output.
(4) Hereinafter, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0096]
FIG.Is a pigmentIt is a block diagram of a laser apparatus.
In this dye laser device, the dye flow cells 4 and 5 are covered with high thermal conductivity members, for example, jackets 50 and 51 made of steel, and temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the jackets 50 and 51 to a predetermined temperature. It has the function of.
[0097]
That is, the laser oscillator 1 is provided with a jacket 50 in which the dye flow cell 4 is accommodated.
A constant temperature water circulation device 52 is connected to the jacket 50. The constant temperature water circulation device 52 has a function of monitoring the temperature of the dye solution 3, controlling the temperature of the constant temperature water to the same temperature as the color solution 3, and circulating the constant temperature water in the jacket 50. Yes.
[0098]
A dye flow cell 5 is accommodated in the jacket 51 of the amplifier 2. A constant temperature water circulation device 53 is connected to the jacket 51. The constant temperature water circulation device 53 has a function of monitoring the temperature of the dye solution 3, for example, controlling the temperature of the constant temperature water to the same temperature as the temperature of the dye solution 3, and circulating the constant temperature water in the jacket 51. Yes.
[0099]
FIG. 6 is a specific configuration diagram of the jackets 50 and 51.
The jackets 50 and 51 are formed in a cubic shape, and the dye flow cells 4 and 5 are provided therein.
[0100]
In these jackets 50 and 51, laser input / output holes 54 and 55 for entering the excitation laser beam P are formed at positions facing each other, and each dye laser amplification hole for entering the dye laser beam Q is formed. 56 and 57 are formed at positions facing each other.
[0101]
Next, the operation of the apparatus configured as described above will be described.
When the pulsed pumping laser beam P is output from the pumping laser device 8, the pumping laser beam P is branched in two directions by the beam splitter 9 as described above, and one of the pumping laser beams is emitted from the laser oscillator 1. The dye solution 3 flowing in the dye flow cell 4 is irradiated.
[0102]
Further, the excitation laser light P is branched in two directions by the beam splitter 10, one of which is irradiated to the dye solution 3 from one side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 via the mirror 11, and the other is each mirror 12, 13. And the dye solution 3 is irradiated from the other side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2.
[0103]
When the excitation laser beam P is applied to the dye solution 3 flowing through the laser oscillator 1 in this way, the dye solution 3 is excited, resonance occurs in the laser resonator, and the dye laser beam Q is output. This dye laser beam Q is incident on the dye solution 3 flowing in the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 in one stage.
[0104]
In this amplifier 2, the dye solution 3 is excited by the incidence of the excitation laser light P, resonance occurs in the laser oscillator, and the incident dye laser light Q is amplified and output.
On the other hand, each of the constant temperature water circulation devices 52 and 53 monitors the temperature of the dye solution 3, controls the temperature of the constant temperature water to the same temperature as that of the dye solution 3, and circulates the constant temperature water to the jackets 50 and 51. To do.
[0105]
As a result, the jackets 50 and 51 are kept at the same temperature as the dye solution 3 because the temperature of the jackets 50 and 51 is the same as that of the dye solution 3 by supplying constant temperature water, and the steel material is excellent in thermal conductivity.
[0106]
As described above, when the temperatures of the jackets 50 and 51 are maintained at the same temperature as that of the dye solution 3, the temperatures of the dye flow cells 4 and 5 coincide with the temperature of the dye solution 3.
[0107]
When the temperatures of the dye flow cell 5 and the dye solution 3 coincide with each other in this way, the refractive index distribution is not locally generated in the dye solution 3 and the wavefront of the dye laser light Q transmitted through the dye solution 3 is distorted. Does not occur.
[0108]
As a result, the laser oscillator 1 outputs a high-quality dye laser beam Q with little wavefront distortion and enters the amplifier 2, and the amplifier 2 also amplifies and outputs a high-quality dye laser beam Q with less wavefront distortion. Is done.
[0109]
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the dye flow cells 4 and 5 are surrounded by the jackets 50 and 51 excellent in thermal conductivity, and the temperature of the jackets 50 and 51 is set to the temperature of the dye solution 3 with constant temperature water. Since the temperature is controlled so as to match, the local refractive index distribution does not occur in the dye solution 3, the wavefront distortion of the dye laser light Q is eliminated, and the beam profile during transmission of the dye laser light Q does not deteriorate, High-quality dye laser light with excellent long-distance transmission characteristics can be output.
(5) Hereinafter, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The same parts as those in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0110]
FIG.Is a pigmentIt is a block diagram of a laser apparatus.
This dye laser device has a function as temperature control means for measuring the wavefront of the amplified dye laser beam Q and controlling the temperature of the dye solution 3 so as to minimize the distortion of the wavefront.
[0111]
That is, for example, a Mach-Zehnder interferometer 60 as a wavefront detection unit is disposed on the optical path of the dye laser beam Q amplified and output from the amplifier 2.
The Mach-Zehnder interferometer 60 has a function of making the dye laser light Q to be amplified output incident, measuring the wavefront of the dye laser light Q, and sending the wavefront information to each of the dye circulation devices 61 and 62 as a feedback control signal. Have.
[0112]
The dye laser light Q incident on the Mach-Zehnder interferometer 60 is, for example, a part of the dye laser light Q amplified and output from the amplifier 2 that is branched by a beam splitter.
[0113]
Each of the dye circulation devices 61 and 62 receives the wavefront information of the dye laser beam Q measured by the Mach-Zehnder interferometer 60, and sets the temperature of the dye solution 3 so that the distortion of the wavefront of the dye laser beam Q is minimized. It has a temperature adjustment function to control, and a function to circulate the temperature-controlled dye solution 3 to the dye flow cells 4 and 5.
[0114]
Next, the operation of the apparatus configured as described above will be described.
When the pulsed pumping laser beam P is output from the pumping laser device 8, the pumping laser beam P is branched in two directions by the beam splitter 9 as described above, and one of the pumping laser beams is emitted from the laser oscillator 1. The dye solution 3 flowing in the dye flow cell 4 is irradiated.
[0115]
Further, the excitation laser light P is branched in two directions by the beam splitter 10, one of which is irradiated to the dye solution 3 from one side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 via the mirror 11, and the other is each mirror 12, 13. And the dye solution 3 is irradiated from the other side of the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2.
[0116]
When the excitation laser beam P is applied to the dye solution 3 flowing through the laser oscillator 1 in this way, the dye solution 3 is excited, resonance occurs in the laser resonator, and the dye laser beam Q is output. This dye laser beam Q is incident on the dye solution 3 flowing in the dye flow cell 5 of the amplifier 2 in one stage.
[0117]
In this amplifier 2, the dye solution 3 is excited by the incidence of the excitation laser light P, resonance occurs in the laser oscillator, and the incident dye laser light Q is amplified and output.
Here, a part of the amplified dye laser beam Q is branched by the beam splitter and enters the Mach-Zehnder interferometer 60.
[0118]
The Mach-Zehnder interferometer 60 receives the dye laser beam Q, measures the wavefront of the dye laser beam Q, and sends the wavefront information to each of the dye circulation devices 61 and 62 as a feedback control signal.
[0119]
These dye circulation devices 61 and 62 receive the wavefront information of the dye laser light Q measured by the Mach-Zehnder interferometer 60, and set the temperature of the dye solution 3 so that the distortion of the wavefront of the dye laser light Q is minimized. Control.
[0120]
The dye circulation devices 61 and 62 circulate the temperature-controlled dye solution 3 to the dye flow cells 4 and 5.
As described above, the temperature of the dye solution 3 is controlled so that the distortion of the wavefront of the dye laser beam Q is minimized. This means that the temperature of the dye solution 3 matches the temperature of the dye flow cells 4 and 5. That is, no change in temperature distribution occurs at the interface between the flow cells 4 and 5 and the dye solution 3.
[0121]
When the temperatures of the dye flow cells 4 and 5 and the dye solution 3 coincide with each other in this way, the dye solution 3 does not generate a refractive index distribution locally, and the wave front of the dye laser light Q transmitted through the dye solution 3 is observed. Distortion does not occur.
[0122]
As a result, the laser oscillator 1 outputs a high-quality dye laser beam Q with little wavefront distortion and enters the amplifier 2, and the amplifier 2 also amplifies and outputs a high-quality dye laser beam Q with less wavefront distortion. Is done.
[0123]
Thus, in the fifth embodiment, the wave front of the amplified dye laser beam Q is measured, and the temperature of the dye solution 3 is controlled so as to minimize the distortion of the wave front. High quality with excellent long-distance transmission characteristics, because no local refractive index distribution occurs in the dye solution 3, the wavefront distortion of the dye laser light Q is eliminated, the beam profile during transmission of the dye laser light Q does not deteriorate A simple dye laser beam can be output.
[0124]
Note that the fifth embodiment may be modified as follows.
For example, the dye flow cells 4 and 5 of the laser oscillator 1 and the amplifier 2 are accommodated in the shielding structures 40 and 41 shown in FIG. 4, respectively, and the constant temperature water circulation devices 42 and 43 are contained in the shielding structures 40 and 41. Circulate constant temperature water.
[0125]
At this time, the constant temperature water circulation devices 42 and 43 receive the wavefront information of the dye laser beam Q measured by the Mach-Zehnder interferometer 60, and the temperature of the constant temperature water so that the distortion of the wavefront of the dye laser beam Q is minimized. To control.
[0126]
With such a configuration, the temperatures of the dye flow cells 4 and 5 and the dye solution 3 can be matched, and similarly to the above, no local refractive index distribution occurs in the dye solution 3, and the dye laser light Q Wavefront distortion is eliminated, the beam profile during transmission of the dye laser light Q is not deteriorated, and high-quality dye laser light having excellent long-distance transmission characteristics can be output.
[0127]
Further, the dye flow cells 4 and 5 of the laser oscillator 1 and the amplifier 2 are provided in the respective jackets 50 and 51 shown in FIG. 6, and constant temperature water is circulated in the jackets 50 and 51 by the constant temperature water circulation devices 52 and 53. Let
[0128]
At this time, the constant temperature water circulation devices 52 and 53 receive the wavefront information of the dye laser light Q measured by the Mach-Zehnder interferometer 60, and the temperature of the constant temperature water so that the distortion of the wavefront of the dye laser light Q is minimized. To control.
Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the fifth embodiment can be obtained.
[0129]
【The invention's effect】
As detailed aboveAccording to the present inventionThus, it is possible to provide a dye laser device capable of eliminating the distortion of the wavefront of the dye laser light caused by the local refractive index distribution generated in the dye solution and outputting high-quality dye laser light having excellent transmission characteristics.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a first embodiment of a dye laser apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing a second embodiment of the dye laser apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing a third embodiment of a dye laser apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a specific configuration diagram of a shielding structure in the apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram showing a fourth embodiment of the dye laser apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a specific configuration diagram of a jacket in the apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a fifth embodiment of the dye laser apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a configuration diagram of a conventional apparatus.
FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an amplification action in a dye flow cell.
FIG. 10 is a view showing a refractive index distribution resulting from a difference between an outside air temperature and a temperature of a dye solution.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 ... Laser oscillator,
2 ... Amplifier,
3 ... Dye solution,
4, 5 ... Dye flow cell,
8 ... Excitation laser device,
20, 21, 32, 33, 61, 62 ... pigment circulation device,
22, 23, 30, 31 ... temperature sensor,
40, 41 ... shielding structure,
42, 43, 52, 53 ... constant temperature water circulation device,
50,51 ... jacket,
60 ... Mach-Zehnder interferometer.

Claims (5)

In a dye laser device comprising a dye flow cell in which a flow path for a dye solution is formed, and exciting the dye solution to output dye laser light by irradiating the dye solution flowing in the dye flow cell with excitation laser light.
Temperature measuring means for measuring the outside air temperature in the vicinity of the dye flow cell or the temperature of the dye flow cell;
Temperature control means for controlling the temperature of the dye solution so as to match the outside air temperature near the dye flow cell or the temperature of the dye flow cell measured by the temperature measuring means ;
A dye laser device comprising: In a dye laser device comprising a dye flow cell in which a flow path for a dye solution is formed, and exciting the dye solution to output dye laser light by irradiating the dye solution flowing in the dye flow cell with excitation laser light .
Temperature control means for storing the dye flow cell in a shielding structure that shields it from the outside air, and controlling the overall temperature in the shielding structure to match the temperature of the dye solution ;
A dye laser device comprising: 3. The dye according to claim 2 , wherein the temperature control means has a function of covering the dye flow cell with a highly thermoconductive member and controlling the temperature of the member to coincide with the temperature of the dye solution. Laser device. In a dye laser device comprising a dye flow cell in which a flow path for a dye solution is formed, and exciting the dye solution to output dye laser light by irradiating the dye solution flowing in the dye flow cell with excitation laser light.
Temperature control means for measuring the wavefront of the dye laser beam and controlling the temperature of the dye solution so as to minimize distortion of the wavefront;
Dye laser device being characterized in that comprises a. In a dye laser device comprising a dye flow cell in which a flow path for a dye solution is formed, and exciting the dye solution to output dye laser light by irradiating the dye solution flowing in the dye flow cell with excitation laser light.
A shielding structure that houses the dye flow cell, shields it from the outside air, and circulates constant temperature water inside;
Temperature control means for measuring the wavefront of the dye laser light and controlling the temperature of the constant temperature water so as to minimize distortion of the wavefront;
Dye laser device being characterized in that comprises a.

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