JP7415031B2 - laser system - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference of related applications

This application claims priority to Japanese Application No. 2020-163622 (filed on September 29, 2020), and the entire disclosure of the application is incorporated herein by reference.

The present disclosure relates to laser systems in which laser light is used.

Patent Document 1 describes a laser system that uses laser light.

JP2009-43668A

A laser system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a laser system includes a laser device, a wavelength conversion device, a connector, and a lid. A laser device generates laser light. The wavelength conversion device has a first wavelength conversion section. The first wavelength conversion section is irradiated with laser light and emits first light having a wavelength spectrum different from the wavelength spectrum of the laser light in accordance with the irradiation of the laser light. A light emitting end from which laser light is emitted is located in the connector. The lid portion is attached to the connector so as to cover the output end. The lid part has a mirror part that reflects the laser light emitted from the emission end. Alternatively, the lid part is irradiated with the laser light emitted from the emission end, and includes a second wavelength conversion part that emits second light having a wavelength spectrum different from the wavelength spectrum of the laser light in accordance with the irradiation of the laser light.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a laser system. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a cross-sectional structure of a connector. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the output end located in the connector is covered with a lid part. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the output end located in the connector is covered with a lid part. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the output end located in the connector is covered with a lid part. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of how the output end located in the connector is covered with a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of the cross-sectional structure of a connector and a lid part. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a laser system. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a laser system. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a laser system. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a laser system. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation of the control unit. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a laser system. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of connection between a laser device and a wavelength conversion device. It is a schematic diagram showing an example of connection between a wavelength conversion device and a radiation part.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a laser system 1. As shown in FIG. The laser system 1 is, for example, an illumination system that emits illumination light L3 into space. The illumination light L3 emitted by the laser system 1 may be used indoors or outdoors.

As shown in FIG. 1, the laser system 1 includes, for example, a laser device 2, a wavelength conversion device 3, a radiation section 4, an optical fiber cable 5, and an optical fiber cable 6. The laser device 2 and the wavelength conversion device 3 are connected by an optical fiber cable 5, and the wavelength conversion device 3 and the radiation section 4 are connected by an optical fiber cable 6.

The laser device 2 is capable of generating laser light L1 and emitting it to the optical fiber cable 5. The laser device 2 includes, for example, an exterior case 20, a light source 21, and a connector 22. The light source 21 and the connector 22 are housed in an exterior case 20. For example, the connector 22 is partially exposed from the outer case 20 so that a mating connector can be connected thereto. The optical fiber cable 5 is connected to the connector 22 . The output power of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2 is, for example, several watts or more and 10 watts or less. The output power of the laser beam L1 is not limited to this. When a plurality of light sources 21 are used, the output power of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2 may be, for example, 10 W or more.

The light source 21 is capable of generating and outputting the laser beam L1. The light source 21 is, for example, a laser diode (LD). Laser diodes are also called semiconductor lasers. As the laser light L1 output by the light source 21, for example, a short wavelength laser light having a wavelength of 460 nm or less is employed. The laser light L1 may be a short wavelength laser light of 440 nm or less. In this case, the laser beam L1 may be, for example, a 405 nm purple laser beam.

The connector 22 is provided at the output portion of the laser beam L1 in the laser device 2. The connector 22 emits the laser beam L1 output from the light source 21 to the outside of the laser device 2. The laser beam L1 emitted from the connector 22 enters the optical fiber cable 5. The laser beam L1 output by the light source 21 may enter the connector 22 through an optical system including, for example, a lens. The connector 22 is, for example, a female connector.

The optical fiber cable 5 can transmit the laser beam L1 emitted from the connector 22 of the laser device 2 to the wavelength conversion device 3. The optical fiber cable 5 includes a cable main body 50, a connector 51 provided at one end of the cable main body 50, and a connector 52 provided at the other end of the cable main body 50. The cable main body 50 includes, for example, a core that transmits the laser beam L1 and a cladding that covers the core. The cable main body 50 may include a member that covers the periphery of the cladding. The member covering the periphery of the cladding may be composed of one layer or may be composed of multiple layers. The member surrounding the cladding may include a protective layer.

The connector 51 is provided at the end of the optical fiber cable 5 on the incident side of the laser beam L1. In other words. The connector 51 is provided at the entrance portion of the optical fiber cable 5 for the laser beam L1. The connector 51 is, for example, a male connector, and is detachable from the female connector 22 of the laser device 2 . The laser beam L1 emitted from the connector 22 is incident on the connector 51.

The connector 52 is provided at the end of the optical fiber cable 5 on the emission side of the laser beam L1. In other words. The connector 52 is provided at a portion of the optical fiber cable 5 that emits the laser beam L1. The laser beam L1 incident on the connector 51 propagates through the cable body 50 and is emitted from the connector 52. The laser beam L1 emitted from the connector 52 enters the wavelength conversion device 3. The connector 52 is, for example, a female connector.

The wavelength conversion device 3 is capable of converting the laser light L1 incident from the optical fiber cable 5 into light L2 (also referred to as first light) having a wavelength spectrum different from the wavelength spectrum of the laser light L1 and emitting the converted light L2. It is possible. The light L2 is, for example, visible light. The wavelength conversion device 3 includes, for example, an exterior case 30, a wavelength conversion section 31 (also referred to as a first wavelength conversion section), a connector 32, and a connector 33. The wavelength converter 31, the connector 32, and the connector 33 are housed inside the outer case 30. Each of the connectors 32 and 33 is partially exposed from the outer case 30, for example.

The connector 32 is provided at the entrance portion of the laser beam L1 in the wavelength conversion device 3. The connector 32 is, for example, a male connector, and is detachable from the female connector 52 of the optical fiber cable 5. The laser beam L1 emitted from the connector 52 is incident on the connector 32.

The laser beam L1 incident on the connector 32 is irradiated onto the wavelength conversion section 31. The wavelength converter 31 can emit light L2 having a wavelength spectrum different from the wavelength spectrum of the laser light L1 in accordance with the irradiation of the laser light L1. The wavelength conversion unit 31 has a flat plate shape, for example, and has an irradiated surface 31a (also referred to as a second irradiated surface) that is irradiated with the laser beam L1. It can be said that the irradiated surface 31a is a planar irradiated area that is irradiated with the laser beam L1. Hereinafter, the light L2 may be referred to as converted light L2.

As the wavelength conversion section 31, for example, a phosphor portion 310 including a large number of phosphors is employed. The phosphor included in the phosphor portion 310 can emit fluorescence in response to irradiation with the laser beam L1. The wavelength indicating the peak in the wavelength spectrum of the fluorescence emitted by the phosphor (also referred to as peak wavelength) may be larger or smaller than the peak wavelength in the wavelength spectrum of the laser beam L1. In this example, it is assumed that the peak wavelength of the wavelength spectrum of fluorescence emitted by the phosphor included in the phosphor portion 310 is larger than the peak wavelength of the wavelength spectrum of the laser beam L1, for example.

The large number of phosphors included in the phosphor portion 310 includes, for example, one or more types of phosphors. The phosphor portion 310 may include multiple types of phosphors having different peak wavelengths. In this case, the phosphor portion 310 includes, for example, a phosphor (also referred to as a red phosphor) that emits red (R) fluorescence in response to irradiation with the laser beam L1, and a green (G) phosphor in response to irradiation with the laser beam L1. ) (also referred to as a green phosphor) and a phosphor (also referred to as a blue phosphor) that emits blue (B) fluorescence in response to irradiation with the laser beam L1. As the red phosphor, for example, a phosphor whose wavelength spectrum of fluorescence emitted in response to irradiation with the laser beam L1 has a peak wavelength in a range of about 620 nm to 750 nm is used. As the green phosphor, for example, a phosphor whose wavelength spectrum of fluorescence emitted in response to irradiation with the laser beam L1 has a peak wavelength in a range of about 495 nm to 570 nm is used. As the blue phosphor, for example, a phosphor whose wavelength spectrum of fluorescence emitted in response to irradiation with the laser beam L1 has a peak wavelength in a range of about 450 nm to 495 nm is used.

When the phosphor portion 310 includes multiple types of phosphors, the fluorescence emitted by the multiple types of phosphors constitutes the converted light L2 emitted by the phosphor portion 310. In other words, the converted light L2 is composed of multiple types of color components. When the phosphor portion 310 includes a red phosphor, a green phosphor, and a blue phosphor, the fluorescence emitted by the red phosphor, green phosphor, and blue phosphor constitutes the converted light L2.

When the phosphor portion 310 includes multiple types of phosphors, the wavelength spectrum of the converted light L2 has multiple wavelength peaks that are different from each other. For example, when the phosphor portion 310 includes three or more types of phosphors, the wavelength spectrum of the converted light L2 has three or more mutually different wavelength peaks. When the phosphor portion 310 includes a red phosphor, a green phosphor, and a blue phosphor, the wavelength spectrum of the converted light L2 has a wavelength peak of the fluorescence emitted by the red phosphor and a wavelength peak of the fluorescence emitted by the green phosphor. The wavelength peak and the wavelength peak of fluorescence emitted by the blue phosphor are included. The converted light L2 may be pseudo white light or visible light of another color temperature.

Note that the phosphor portion 310 may include phosphors other than red phosphor, green phosphor, and blue phosphor. The phosphor portion 310 may include, for example, a phosphor (also referred to as a blue-green phosphor) that emits blue-green fluorescence in response to irradiation with the laser beam L1. Further, the phosphor portion 310 may include, for example, a phosphor (also referred to as a yellow phosphor) that emits yellow fluorescence in response to irradiation with the laser beam L1. The phosphor portion 310 may include at least one of a red phosphor, a green phosphor, a blue phosphor, a blue-green phosphor, and a yellow phosphor.

As the blue-green phosphor, for example, a phosphor whose wavelength spectrum of fluorescence emitted in response to irradiation with the laser beam L1 has a peak wavelength of about 495 nm is used. As the yellow phosphor, for example, a phosphor whose wavelength spectrum of fluorescence emitted in response to irradiation with the laser beam L1 has a peak wavelength in a range of about 570 nm to 590 nm is used.

The connector 33 is provided at the output part of the converted light L2 in the wavelength conversion device 3. Converted light L2 emitted by the wavelength converter 31 is emitted from the connector 33. The converted light L2 emitted from the connector 33 enters the optical fiber cable 6. The connector 33 is, for example, a female connector.

The optical fiber cable 6 is capable of transmitting the converted light L2 emitted from the connector 33 of the wavelength conversion device 3 to the radiation section 4. The optical fiber cable 6 includes a cable main body 60, a connector 61 provided at one end of the cable main body 60, and a connector 62 provided at the other end of the cable main body 60. The cable main body 60 includes, for example, a core that transmits the converted light L2 and a cladding that covers the core. The cable main body 60 may include a member that covers the periphery of the cladding. The member covering the periphery of the cladding may be composed of one layer or may be composed of multiple layers. The member surrounding the cladding may include a protective layer.

The connector 61 is provided at the end of the optical fiber cable 6 on the incident side of the converted light L2. The connector 61 is, for example, a male connector, and is detachable from the female connector 33 of the wavelength conversion device 3 . Converted light L2 emitted from the connector 33 enters the connector 61.

The connector 62 is provided at the end of the optical fiber cable 6 on the output side of the converted light L2. The converted light L2 that has entered the connector 61 propagates through the cable body 60 and is emitted from the connector 62. The converted light L2 emitted from the connector 62 enters the radiation section 4. The connector 51 is, for example, a female connector.

The radiation section 4 emits the converted light L2 incident from the optical fiber cable 6 into space as illumination light L3. The radiation section 4 includes, for example, a connector 40. The connector 40 is provided at the incident part of the converted light L2 in the radiation part 4. The connector 40 is, for example, a male connector, and is detachable from the female connector 62 of the optical fiber cable 6. Converted light L2 emitted from the connector 62 enters the connector 40. The radiation section 4 emits the converted light L2 that has entered the connector 62 as illumination light L3.

The radiation section 4 may be composed of, for example, an optical fiber cable having a connector 40 at one end. In this case, illumination light L3 is emitted from the end surface of the other end of the optical fiber cable. Furthermore, the radiation section 4 may include an optical system through which the converted light L2 that has entered the connector 40 enters. This optical system may include at least one of a lens, a diffuser, and a reflector. When the radiation section 4 includes an optical system, the radiation section 4 may have a function of adjusting the light distribution of the illumination light L3.

Note that the connector 22 may be, for example, a male connector. In this case, the connector 51 connected to the connector 22 is a female connector. Furthermore, the connector 52 may be a male connector, for example. In this case, the connector 32 connected to the connector 52 is a female connector. Further, the connector 33 may be a male connector, for example. In this case, the connector 61 connected to the connector 33 is a female connector. Further, the connector 62 may be a male connector, for example. In this case, the connector 40 connected to the connector 62 is a female connector.

In the laser system 1 having the above configuration, a part of the laser light L1 irradiated onto the wavelength converter 31 is transmitted through the wavelength converter 31 and emitted from the connector 33 without being converted into light L2. For example, about several tens of percent of the laser light L1 irradiated onto the wavelength converter 31 passes through the wavelength converter 31. The connector 33 emits not only the converted light L2 emitted by the wavelength converter 31 but also the laser light L1 that has passed through the wavelength converter 31. The laser beam L1 emitted from the connector 33 enters the connector 61 of the optical fiber cable 6. The laser beam L1 incident on the connector 61 propagates through the cable body 60 and is emitted from the connector 62. The laser beam L1 emitted from the connector 62 enters the connector 40 of the radiation section 4.

In this way, in the laser system 1 of this example, the laser beam L1 is emitted from each of the connectors 22, 52, 33, and 62. Hereinafter, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between the connectors 22, 32, 33, 40, 51, 52, 61, and 62, each may be referred to as the connector 100.

An output end from which the laser beam L1 is output is located in the connector 100 provided at the output part of the laser beam L1. Specifically, each of the connectors 22, 52, 33, and 62 provided at the output portion of the laser beam L1 has an output end from which the laser beam L1 is output. Hereinafter, the connector 100 provided at the emission part of the laser beam L1 may be referred to as a connector 100a. Further, the connector 100 connected to the connector 100a may be referred to as a mating connector 100b. For example, the mating connector 100b connected to the connector 22 is the connector 51.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the connector 100a. FIG. 2 schematically shows a cross-sectional structure of the connector 100a. The connector 100a has a box shape, for example. An emission end 101 from which the laser beam L1 is emitted is located inside the box-shaped connector 100a. From the output end 101 located at the connectors 33 and 62, the converted light L2 and the laser beam L1 transmitted through the wavelength converter 31 are output.

The female connector 100a includes an opening 102 that opens toward the front surface thereof. A male mating connector 100b is inserted into the opening 102. The input end of the laser beam L1 located at the tip of the mating connector 100b inserted into the opening 102 faces the output end 101. The laser beam L1 emitted from the output end 101 enters the input end at the tip of the mating connector 100b. When the laser device 2 emits the laser beam L1 when the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a, the laser beam L1 is emitted from the opening 102 toward the outside of the connector 100a. The connector 100a is made of a material, such as metal, through which the laser beam L1 is difficult to pass.

The output end 101 may be configured, for example, by the output end face of a cladding of an optical fiber cable. For example, when the cable body 50 of the optical fiber cable 5 extends into the connector 52, the output end surface of the cladding of the cable body 50 may constitute the output end 101 within the connector 52. Furthermore, when the cable body 60 of the optical fiber cable 6 extends into the connector 62 , the output end surface of the cladding of the cable body 60 may constitute the output end 101 within the connector 62 . In this case, the converted light L2 and the laser light L1 are emitted from the emitting end 101 within the connector 62. Furthermore, when an optical fiber cable that transmits the laser beam L1 extends from inside the exterior case 20 of the laser device 2 into the connector 22, the output end surface of the clad of the optical fiber cable constitutes the output end 101 inside the connector 22. You can. Furthermore, when an optical fiber cable that transmits the converted light L2 extends from inside the exterior case 30 of the wavelength converter 3 into the connector 33, the output end face of the cladding of the optical fiber cable constitutes the output end 101 inside the connector 33. You may. In this case, the laser light L1 that has passed through the wavelength converter 31 propagates through the optical fiber cable, and the converted light L2 and the laser light L1 are emitted from the output end 101 in the connector 33.

As another example, the output end 101 may be configured with an output aperture of a hollow waveguide. When a waveguide that transmits the laser beam L1 extends from inside the exterior case 20 of the laser device 2 into the connector 22, the output opening of the waveguide may constitute the output end 101 inside the connector 22. Furthermore, when a waveguide that transmits the converted light L2 extends from inside the exterior case 30 of the wavelength conversion device 3 into the connector 33, the output opening of the waveguide constitutes the output end 101 inside the connector 33. Good too. In this case, the laser light L1 transmitted through the wavelength converter 31 propagates through the waveguide, and the converted light L2 and the laser light L1 are emitted from the output end 101 in the connector 33.

As another example, part of the structure of the connector 100a may constitute the output end 101. For example, consider a case where an optical system is provided in the exterior case 20 of the laser device 2 to condense the laser beam L1 and make it enter the connector 22. This optical system may include, for example, at least one of a condenser lens and a reflector. In such a case, the connector 22 may be provided with a wall portion having a passage hole through which the laser beam L1 focused by the optical system is guided to the opening 102. An opening on the emission side of the laser beam L1 (in other words, an emission opening) in this passage hole may constitute the emission end 101. The tip of the male mating connector 100b is inserted into a passage hole in the wall of the connector 22, for example. Alternatively, the tip of the male mating connector 100b is inserted into the opening 102, for example, so as to face the exit opening of the passage hole in the wall of the connector 22. As another example, consider a case where an optical system is provided in the exterior case 30 of the wavelength conversion device 3 to condense the converted light L2 and make it enter the connector 33. This optical system may include, for example, at least one of a condenser lens and a reflector. In such a case, the connector 33 may be provided with a wall portion having a passage hole that allows the converted light L2 collected by the optical system to pass therethrough and guide it to the opening 102. An opening on the emission side of the laser beam L1 (in other words, an emission opening) in this passage hole may constitute the emission end 101. The tip of the male mating connector 100b is inserted into a passage hole in the wall of the connector 33, for example. Alternatively, the tip of the male mating connector 100b is inserted into the opening 102, for example, so as to face the exit opening of the passage hole in the wall of the connector 33.

As another example, the output end 101 may be constituted by an output surface of a condenser lens. For example, consider a case where a condensing lens for condensing the laser beam L1 is provided in the connector 22 of the laser device 2. In this case, the output surface of the laser beam L1 in the condenser lens may constitute the output end 101. The emission surface of the laser beam L1 in the condenser lens is a region of the surface of the condenser lens from which the laser beam L1 is emitted. As another example, consider a case where a condensing lens for condensing the converted light L2 is provided in the connector 33 of the wavelength conversion device 3. In this case, the laser beam L1 that has passed through the wavelength converter 31 is condensed by a condensing lens in the connector 33. The output surface of the laser beam L1 in the condensing lens in the connector 33 may constitute the output end 101.

The configurations of the output ends 101 of the plurality of connectors 22, 52, 33, and 62 may be the same. Further, the plurality of connectors 22, 52, 33, and 62 may include a plurality of connectors 100a whose output ends 101 have different configurations.

Here, if the laser beam L1 is mistakenly emitted from the laser device 2 when the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a, the laser beam L1 will leak from the connector 100a, and the safety of the laser system 1 will be compromised. There is a possibility that it will decrease.

Therefore, the laser system 1 of this example includes a lid 8 that is attached to the connector 100a and that prevents the laser light L1 from leaking from the connector 100a. The lid portion 8 will be explained in detail below.

The laser system 1 includes a lid 8 attached to the connector 100a so as to cover the emission end 101 located at the connector 100a. When the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a, the output end 101 located at the connector 100a is covered by the lid part 8.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the connector 100a and the lid part 8. In FIG. 3, the cross-sectional structures of the connector 100a and the lid portion 8 are schematically shown. As shown in FIG. 3, the lid portion 8 includes, for example, a base material 80 and a wavelength conversion section 81 (also referred to as a second wavelength conversion section) provided on the base material 80. Each of the base material 80 and the wavelength conversion section 81 has a flat plate shape, for example. A through hole is provided in the center of the base material 80, and a wavelength converter 81 is arranged in the through hole. The base material 80 surrounds the wavelength conversion section 81 along the circumferential direction of the flat wavelength conversion section 81. It can also be said that the wavelength conversion section 81 is embedded in the base material 80. The lid part 8 covers the opening part 102, and the wavelength conversion part 81 of the lid part 8 faces the emission end 101.

The wavelength conversion unit 81 is capable of converting the laser beam L1 emitted from the emission end 101 into light L4 (also referred to as second light) having a wavelength spectrum different from the wavelength spectrum of the laser beam L1 and emitting the converted light L4. It is. The wavelength conversion unit 81 is irradiated with the laser light L1 emitted from the emission end 101. The wavelength converter 81 emits light L4 having a wavelength spectrum different from the wavelength spectrum of the laser light L1 in response to irradiation with the laser light L1. The light L4 is, for example, visible light. Hereinafter, the light L4 may be referred to as converted light L4.

As the wavelength conversion section 81, for example, a phosphor portion 810 including a large number of phosphors is employed. The phosphor included in the phosphor portion 810 can emit fluorescence in response to irradiation with the laser beam L1. The peak wavelength of the wavelength spectrum of the fluorescence emitted by the phosphor may be larger or smaller than the peak wavelength of the wavelength spectrum of the laser beam L1. In this example, the peak wavelength of the wavelength spectrum of fluorescence emitted by the phosphor included in the phosphor portion 810 is, for example, larger than the peak wavelength of the wavelength spectrum of the laser beam L1.

The large number of phosphors included in the phosphor portion 810 includes, for example, one or more types of phosphors. The phosphor portion 810 may include, for example, a red phosphor, a green phosphor, or a blue phosphor. Furthermore, the phosphor portion 810 may include a blue-green phosphor or a yellow phosphor. Further, the phosphor portion 810 may include multiple types of phosphors having mutually different peak wavelengths. In this case, the phosphor portion 810 may include at least two types of phosphors, such as a red phosphor, a green phosphor, a blue phosphor, a blue-green phosphor, and a yellow phosphor.

When the phosphor portion 810 includes multiple types of phosphors, the fluorescence emitted by the multiple types of phosphors constitutes the converted light L4 emitted by the phosphor portion 810. When the phosphor portion 810 includes multiple types of phosphors, the wavelength spectrum of the converted light L4 has multiple wavelength peaks that are different from each other. For example, when the phosphor portion 810 includes three or more types of phosphors, the wavelength spectrum of the converted light L4 has three or more mutually different wavelength peaks.

The inner surface (in other words, the surface facing the emission end 101) 81a of the wavelength conversion section 81 (in other words, the phosphor portion 810) has an irradiated surface 81aa (on which the laser beam L1 emitted from the emission end 101 is irradiated). (also called the irradiated surface) is included. It can be said that the irradiated surface 81aa is a planar irradiated area that is irradiated with the laser beam L1. The irradiated surface 81aa is exposed from the inner surface 80a of the base material 80. The outer surface 81b of the wavelength conversion section 81 is exposed from the outer surface 80b of the base material 80. Converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength converter 81 of the lid 8 is emitted from the outer surface 81b of the wavelength converter 81 to the outside of the connector 100a and the lid 8. Note that the converted light L4 is also emitted from the irradiated surface 81aa.

The lid portion 8 may be detachable from the connector 100a. In this case, the mating connector 100b is connected to the connector 100a from which the lid 8 has been removed. Further, the lid portion 8 may be connected to the connector 100a so as to be openable and closable by a hinge portion or the like. In this case, the lid portion 8 may be opened and closed by the user. Alternatively, the lid portion 8 may be configured to open in conjunction with the connection operation of the mating connector 100b to the connector 100a, and close in conjunction with the detachment operation of the mating connector 100b from the connector 100a. The connection operation is an operation in which the mating connector 100b is connected to the connector 100a. The detachment operation is an operation in which the mating connector 100b connected to the connector 100a separates from the connector 100a and is no longer connected to the connector 100a. 4 and 5 are schematic diagrams showing an example of the configuration of the connector 100a and the lid part 8 in this case. FIG. 4 schematically shows an example in which the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a. FIG. 5 schematically shows an example of how the mating connector 100b is connected to the connector 100a.

In the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, the base member 80 includes, for example, a hinge portion 80c having an elastic member that biases the lid portion 8 toward the closing side. The lid part 8 can be rotated and opened inward using the hinge part 80c as a starting point. When the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a, the lid 8 is in a closed state due to the biasing force of the hinge 80c, as shown in FIG. covered. When the mating connector 100b is connected to the connector 100a, the mating connector 100b is inserted into the opening 102 while pushing the lid 8 inward, as shown in FIG. At this time, the lid part 8 rotates in the opening direction with the hinge part 80c as a starting point, and the lid part 8 is automatically opened. When the mating connector 100b is detached from the connector 100a, the urging force of the hinge portion 80c causes the lid portion 8 to rotate in the closing direction from the hinge portion 80c as a starting point in response to the outward movement of the mating connector 100b. When the mating connector 100b is removed from the opening 102, the lid 8 is automatically closed as shown in FIG. Note that even if the lid part 8 has the configuration shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, it may be removable from the connector 100a.

As described above, in this example, the lid part 8 attached to the connector 100a is irradiated with the laser beam L1 emitted from the output end 101 located at the connector 100a, and the converted light is emitted according to the irradiation of the laser beam L1. A wavelength conversion section 81 that emits L4 is provided. When the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a and the output end 101 is covered with the lid 8, even if the laser beam L1 is emitted from the output end 101, the laser beam L1 will be transmitted to the wavelength converter. 81, the light is converted into converted light L4. This makes it difficult for the laser beam L1 to leak to the outside of the connector 100a. Therefore, the safety of the laser system 1 is improved.

For example, as shown in FIG. 6, consider a case where the output end 101 located at the connector 22 is covered with the lid 8 when the connector 51 of the optical fiber cable 5 is not connected to the connector 22 of the laser device 2. . In this case, even if the laser beam L1 is emitted from the output end 101 located at the connector 22, the laser beam L1 is unlikely to leak to the outside of the connector 22.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 7, when the connector 32 of the wavelength conversion device 3 is not connected to the connector 52 of the optical fiber cable 5, the output end 101 located at the connector 52 is covered with the lid part 8. Consider the case where In this case, even if the laser beam L1 is emitted from the output end 101 located at the connector 52, the laser beam L1 is unlikely to leak to the outside of the connector 52.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 8, when the connector 61 of the optical fiber cable 6 is not connected to the connector 33 of the wavelength conversion device 3, the output end 101 located at the connector 33 is covered with the lid part 8. Consider the case where In this case, even if the laser beam L1 is emitted from the output end 101 of the connector 33, the laser beam L1 is unlikely to leak to the outside of the connector 33. When the wavelength conversion device 3 is placed in a place close to people, such as in the ceiling of a room, the output end 101 located at the connector 33 of the wavelength conversion device 3 is covered with the lid 8, so that the laser beam L1 is The possibility of leakage from the connector 33 and adversely affecting people can be reduced.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 9, when the connector 40 of the radiation part 4 is not connected to the connector 62 of the optical fiber cable 6, the radiation end 101 located at the connector 62 is covered with the lid part 8. Consider the case. In this case, even if the laser beam L1 is emitted from the output end 101 located at the connector 62, the laser beam L1 is unlikely to leak to the outside of the connector 62.

Note that the lid portion 8 does not need to be attached to the connector 22. Further, the lid part 8 does not need to be attached to the connector 52. Further, the lid part 8 does not need to be attached to the connector 33. Further, the lid part 8 does not need to be attached to the connector 62.

Further, in this example, the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength converter 81 is visible light, and the converted light L4 is emitted to the outside of the connector 100a. Thereby, by checking the converted light L4, which is visible light, the user can immediately identify that the laser device 2 is emitting the laser light L1 when the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a. be able to. Therefore, the user can immediately take appropriate measures, such as stopping the emission of the laser beam L1 from the laser device 2. As a result, the safety of the laser system 1 is improved.

Further, as in the example shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the lid portion 8 is configured to open in conjunction with the connection operation of the mating connector 100b to the connector 100a, and close in conjunction with the detachment operation of the mating connector 100b from the connector 100a. In this case, the output end 101 can be reliably covered with the lid part 8 when the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a. Further, when the mating connector 100b is detached from the connector 100a while the laser device 2 is emitting the laser beam L1, the emission end 101 located at the connector 100a can be automatically covered with the lid part 8. . Therefore, the safety of the laser system 1 is further improved.

The color temperature of the converted light L4 emitted by the lid 8 may be the same as or different from the color temperature of the converted light L2 (in other words, the illumination light L3) emitted by the wavelength conversion device 3. If the color temperature of the converted light L4 is different from the color temperature of the converted light L2, in other words, if the color of the converted light L4 is different from the color of the converted light L2, the user can connect the mating connector 100b to the connector 100a. It becomes easier to identify that the laser device 2 is emitting the laser beam L1 when the laser beam L1 is not being emitted. When the converted light L2 is, for example, pseudo white, the converted light L4 may be, for example, red, green, blue, blue-green, or yellow. When the converted light L4 is red, the user can intuitively recognize that an unfavorable state has occurred.

The thickness of the wavelength conversion section 81 of the lid part 8 may be the same as the thickness of the wavelength conversion section 31 of the wavelength conversion device 3. Alternatively, the thickness of the wavelength conversion section 81 may be smaller than the thickness of the wavelength conversion section 31 of the wavelength conversion device 3. Alternatively, the thickness of the wavelength conversion section 81 may be greater than the thickness of the wavelength conversion section 31. In this case, since the amount of the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength converter 81 can be increased, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the converted light L4. Therefore, the user can easily identify that the laser device 2 is emitting the laser beam L1 in a state where the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a. Furthermore, when the thickness of the wavelength converting section 81 is large, the possibility that the performance of the wavelength converting section 81 will deteriorate due to irradiation with the laser beam L1 is reduced.

The area of the irradiated surface 81aa of the wavelength conversion section 81 of the lid part 8 may be the same as the area of the irradiated surface 31a of the wavelength conversion section 31 of the wavelength conversion device 3. Alternatively, the area of the irradiated surface 81aa may be smaller than the area of the irradiated surface 31a. Alternatively, the area of the irradiated surface 81aa may be larger than the area of the irradiated surface 31a. In this case, since the amount of the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength converter 81 can be increased, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the converted light L4. Therefore, the user can easily identify that the laser device 2 is emitting the laser beam L1 in a state where the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a. Moreover, when the area of the irradiated surface 81aa is large, the irradiation energy density (in other words, irradiated light intensity) of the laser beam L1 to the irradiated surface 81aa can be made small. This makes it difficult for the performance of the wavelength conversion section 81 to deteriorate.

The area of the irradiated surface 81aa of the wavelength converter 81 of the lid 8 may be the same as the emission area of the emission end 101. When the output end 101 is constituted by the output end face of the cladding of the optical fiber cable, the area of the output end face is the output area of the output end 101. Further, when the output end 101 is constituted by an output opening such as a waveguide, the area of the output opening becomes the output area of the output end 101. Further, when the output end 101 is constituted by an output surface included in the surface of the condenser lens, the area of the output surface is the output area of the output end 101.

The area of the irradiated surface 81aa may be smaller than the emission area of the emission end 101. Alternatively, the area of the irradiated surface 81aa may be larger than the output area of the output end 101. In this case, since the amount of the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength converter 81 can be increased, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the converted light L4. Therefore, the user can easily identify that the laser device 2 is emitting the laser beam L1 in a state where the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a. Moreover, when the area of the irradiated surface 81aa is large, the irradiation energy density of the laser beam L1 to the irradiated surface 81aa can be made small. This makes it difficult for the performance of the wavelength conversion section 81 to deteriorate.

At least a portion of the base material 80 of the lid portion 8 may be made of a material with high heat dissipation. Thereby, the heat generated in the wavelength conversion section 81 when the wavelength conversion section 81 is irradiated with the laser beam L1 can be easily released from the base material 80 to the outside. As a result, the possibility that the performance of the wavelength converter 81 will deteriorate due to the heat generated in the wavelength converter 81 is reduced. Examples of materials with high heat dissipation include aluminum alloys and copper alloys. Furthermore, since at least a portion of the base material 80 is made of a material with high heat dissipation properties, the base material 80 is less likely to be damaged even when the base material 80 is irradiated with the laser beam L1.

Further, at least a portion of the connector 100a to which the lid portion 8 is attached may be made of a material with high heat dissipation. This makes it easier to release heat generated in the wavelength conversion section 81 to the outside from the connector 100a. As a result, the possibility that the performance of the wavelength converter 81 will deteriorate due to the heat generated in the wavelength converter 81 is reduced. Furthermore, since at least a portion of the connector 100a is made of a material with high heat dissipation, the connector 100a is less likely to be damaged even when the connector 100a is irradiated with the laser beam L1.

As shown in FIG. 10, the lid part 8 may include a diffusing part 82 located on the outer surface 81b of the wavelength converting part 81 and diffusing the converted light L4. The diffusion section 82 is, for example, plate-shaped. The plate-shaped diffusion section 82 can also be called a diffusion plate 82. The diffusion section 82 is located, for example, on the outer surface 81b of the wavelength conversion section and on the outer surface 80b of the base material 80. The diffusing section 82 may be located only on the outer surface 81b of the wavelength converting section 81. The converted light L4 emitted from the outer surface 81b of the wavelength converting section 81 is diffused when passing through the diffusing section 82, and is emitted to the outside of the diffusing section 82. The diffusion section 82 may be made of, for example, a transparent member having an uneven surface. The member may be made of glass, resin, or other materials, for example. Further, the diffusion section 82 may be configured of a first base material made of glass, resin, or the like, and a plurality of first diffusion particles included in the first base material for diffusing the converted light L4. As the first diffusion particles, reflective particles that reflect the converted light L4 may be employed. Further, as the first diffusion particles, particles having a higher transmittance than the reflective particles and a lower transmittance than the first base material (also referred to as first low transmittance particles) may be employed. The first base material may include at least one of reflective particles and first low transmittance particles.

As in the example of FIG. 10, when the lid part 8 includes the diffusion part 82 located on the outer surface 81b of the wavelength conversion part 81, the spread of the converted light L4 emitted from the lid part 8 is increased. be able to. This makes it easier for the user to recognize the converted light L4. Therefore, the user can easily identify that the laser device 2 is emitting the laser beam L1 in a state where the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a.

When the condensing lens 103 constituting the output end 101 is provided in the connector 100a, as shown in FIG. It may be located away from the focal point P of. When the irradiated surface 81aa is located at the condensing point P of the laser beam L1, the irradiation energy density of the laser beam L1 to the irradiated surface 81aa increases, and the performance of the wavelength conversion unit 81 may deteriorate. . As in the example of FIG. 11, when the irradiated surface 81aa is located away from the focal point P of the laser beam L1, the irradiation energy density of the laser beam L1 to the irradiated surface 81aa can be made small. Therefore, the performance of the wavelength converter 81 is less likely to deteriorate.

When the connector 100a is provided with the condensing lens 103, when the mating connector 100b is connected to the connector 100a, the incident end located at the tip of the mating connector 100b may be located at the condensing point P, for example. Thereby, the laser beam L1 is appropriately incident on the mating connector 100b.

The spot diameter d2 of the laser beam L1 on the irradiated surface 81aa may match the output beam diameter d1 of the laser beam L1 on the condenser lens 103. Alternatively, the spot diameter d2 may be smaller than the output beam diameter d1. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 12, the spot diameter d2 may be larger than the output beam diameter d1. In this case, since the amount of the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength converter 81 can be increased, it becomes easier for the user to recognize the converted light L4. Therefore, the user can easily identify that the laser device 2 is emitting the laser beam L1 in a state where the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a. Moreover, when the spot diameter d2 is large, the irradiation energy density of the laser beam L1 to the irradiated surface 81aa can be made small. Therefore, the performance of the wavelength converter 81 is less likely to deteriorate.

The spot diameter d2 may be twice or more the output beam diameter d1. In this case, the amount of the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength converter 81 can be further increased, making it easier for the user to recognize the converted light L4. Therefore, the user can more easily identify that the laser device 2 is emitting the laser beam L1 in a state where the mating connector 100b is not connected to the connector 100a. Furthermore, since the irradiation energy density of the laser beam L1 to the irradiated surface 81aa can be reduced, the performance of the wavelength converter 81 is less likely to deteriorate.

The lid portion 8 may include at least one of an attenuation filter 83 that attenuates the laser beam L1 and a diffusion portion 84 that diffuses the laser beam L1, which are located on the irradiated surface 81aa. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the attenuation filter 83 provided on the irradiated surface 81aa. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the diffusion section 84 provided on the irradiated surface 81aa.

As shown in FIG. 13, the attenuation filter 83 has a flat plate shape, for example, and faces the output end 101. The attenuation filter 83 is irradiated with the laser light L1 emitted from the emission end 101. The attenuation filter 83 absorbs and attenuates the irradiated laser light L1, and emits the attenuated laser light L1 to the irradiated surface 81aa. The attenuation filter 83 may be made of glass, resin, or other materials.

As shown in FIG. 14, the diffusion section 84 has a flat plate shape, for example, and faces the output end 101. The diffusing portion 84 is irradiated with the laser light L1 emitted from the emission end 101. The diffusing section 84 diffuses the irradiated laser light L1 and emits it to the irradiated surface 81aa. The diffusion section 84 may be made of a member having an uneven surface, for example. The member may be made of glass, resin, or other materials, for example. Further, the diffusion section 84 may be configured of a second base material made of glass, resin, or the like, and a plurality of second diffusion particles included in the second base material for diffusing the laser beam L1. As the second diffusion particles, reflective particles that reflect the laser beam L1 may be employed. Further, as the second diffusion particles, particles having a higher transmittance than the reflective particles and a lower transmittance than the second base material (also referred to as second low transmittance particles) may be employed. The second base material may include at least one of reflective particles and second low transmittance particles.

The lid part 8 may include both an attenuation filter 83 and a diffusion part 84, as shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 15, an attenuation filter 83 and a diffusion section 84 are stacked on the irradiated surface 81aa. In the example of FIG. 15, the attenuation filter 83 is provided on the irradiated surface 81aa, and the diffusion section 84 is provided on the attenuation filter 83. Note that the diffusing section 84 may be provided on the irradiated surface 81aa, and the attenuation filter 83 may be provided on the diffusing section 84. Further, the lid portion 8 shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 may include a diffusion portion 82 shown in FIG. 10.

In this way, when at least one of the attenuation filter 83 and the diffusion section 84 is provided on the irradiated surface 81aa, the irradiation energy density of the laser beam L1 to the irradiated surface 81aa can be reduced. Therefore, the performance of the wavelength converter 81 is less likely to deteriorate.

Moreover, a part of the laser beam L1 emitted from the emission end 101 is reflected by the irradiated surface 81aa without being converted into the converted light L4. For example, about several percent of the laser beam L1 irradiated onto the irradiated surface 81aa is reflected by the irradiated surface 81aa. The laser beam L1 reflected by the irradiated surface 81aa may become a return light component that returns to the light source 21 of the laser device 2. When at least one of the attenuation filter 83 and the diffusion section 84 is provided on the irradiated surface 81aa, the light intensity of the return light component of the laser beam L1 can be reduced. This can reduce the possibility that the light source 21 will be damaged or the performance of the light source 21 will deteriorate due to the returned light component.

In the above example, the wavelength conversion section 81 is provided separately from the base material 80, but the base material 80 may constitute the wavelength conversion section 81. Furthermore, the wavelength conversion section 81 may be provided on the inner surface 80a of the base material 80. 16 to 19 are schematic diagrams showing an example of how the wavelength conversion section 81 is provided on the inner surface 80a of the base material 80. FIGS. 16 and 17 correspond to FIGS. 3 and 12 described above, respectively, FIG. 18 corresponds to FIGS. 13 and 14 described above, and FIG. 19 corresponds to FIG. 15 described above. FIG. 17 shows an example of how the condenser lens 103 is provided within the connector 100a. FIG. 18 shows an example in which an attenuation filter 83 or a diffusion section 84 is provided on the irradiated surface 81aa of the wavelength conversion section 81. FIG. 19 shows an example of how the attenuation filter 83 and the diffusion section 84 are stacked on the irradiated surface 81aa of the wavelength conversion section 81.

In the examples of FIGS. 16 to 19, when the base material 80 is made of a material that does not transmit the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength conversion section 81, the converted light L4 is not emitted from the lid section 8 to the outside. On the other hand, when the base material 80 is made of a material through which the converted light L4 passes, the converted light L4 is emitted from the lid 8 to the outside.

As shown in FIGS. 16 to 19, even when the wavelength conversion section 81 is provided on the inner surface 80a of the base material 80, the laser beam L1 output from the emission end 101 is transmitted to the wavelength conversion section 81. Since the laser light L1 is converted into the converted light L4 by , it becomes difficult for the laser light L1 to leak to the outside of the connector 100a. Therefore, the safety of the laser system 1 is improved.

In the lid section 8, a mirror section 85 that reflects the laser beam L1 emitted from the emission end 101 may be provided instead of the wavelength conversion section 81. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of how the mirror section 85 is provided on the lid section 8. As shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 20, the mirror portion 85 has a flat plate shape, for example, and is provided on the inner surface 80a of the base material 80. The inner surface 85a of the mirror portion 85 constitutes a reflective surface 85a that reflects the laser beam L1. The reflective surface 85a may be made of metal, dielectric, or other material.

In this manner, when the lid portion 8 includes the mirror portion 85 that reflects the laser beam L1 emitted from the emission end 101, the laser beam L1 is less likely to leak to the outside of the connector 100a. Therefore, the safety of the laser system 1 is improved.

The mirror section 85 may be embedded in the base material 80 like the wavelength conversion section 81 shown in FIG. 3 and the like. Further, instead of providing the mirror section 85 separately from the base material 80, the base material 80 may constitute the mirror section 85.

As shown in FIG. 21, the reflective surface 85a of the mirror portion 85 may have unevenness. In this case, the arithmetic mean roughness (Ra) of the reflective surface 85a may be 0.8 μm or more, or may be any other value. When the reflective surface 85a has unevenness, the laser beam L1 can be diffused by the reflective surface 85a. Thereby, the light intensity of the laser light L1 that is reflected by the reflective surface 85a and returns to the light source 21 can be reduced. As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the light source 21 will be broken or that the performance of the light source 21 will deteriorate.

The lid portion 8 may include at least one of an attenuation filter 83 and a diffusion portion 84 located on the reflective surface 85a. In this case, the reflective surface 85a may have unevenness as shown in FIG. 21. 22 and 23 are schematic diagrams showing an example of how at least one of the attenuation filter 83 and the diffusion section 84 is provided on the reflective surface 85a. FIG. 22 shows an example in which the attenuation filter 83 or the diffusion section 84 is provided on the reflective surface 85a. FIG. 23 shows an example of how the attenuation filter 83 and the diffusion section 84 are stacked on the reflective surface 85a.

As in the example of FIG. 22, when the attenuation filter 83 is provided on the reflective surface 85a, the attenuation filter 83 absorbs and attenuates the irradiated laser beam L1, and directs the attenuated laser beam L1 to the reflective surface 85a. Emits light. Furthermore, the diffusion section 84 on the reflective surface 85a diffuses the irradiated laser light L1 and emits it to the reflective surface 85a. As in the example of FIG. 23, when the diffusion section 84 is provided above the attenuation filter 83 on the reflective surface 85a, the diffusion section 84 diffuses the irradiated laser light L1 to the attenuation filter 83. Emits light. The attenuation filter 83 absorbs and attenuates the irradiated laser light L1, and emits the attenuated laser light L1 to the reflective surface 85a. Further, when the attenuation filter 83 is provided above the diffusion section 84 on the reflective surface 85a, the attenuation filter 83 absorbs and attenuates the irradiated laser light L1, and the attenuated laser light L1 is The light is emitted to the diffusion section 84. The diffusing section 84 diffuses the irradiated laser light L1 and emits it to the reflective surface 85a.

In this way, when at least one of the attenuation filter 83 and the diffusion section 84 is provided on the reflective surface 85a, the light intensity of the laser beam L1 that is reflected on the reflective surface 85a and returns to the light source 21 can be reduced. . As a result, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the light source 21 will be broken or that the performance of the light source 21 will deteriorate.

As shown in FIG. 24, the reflective surface 85a of the mirror portion 85 may be inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis A of the laser beam L1. In other words, the reflective surface 85a does not have to be parallel to the plane perpendicular to the optical axis A. In this case, the reflective surface 85a may have unevenness as shown in FIG. 21.

When the reflective surface 85a is inclined with respect to the plane perpendicular to the optical axis A, the light intensity of the laser beam L1 reflected by the reflective surface 85a and returned to the light source 21 can be reduced. This can reduce the possibility that the light source 21 will be broken or that the performance of the light source 21 will deteriorate. Hereinafter, the reflecting surface 85a that is inclined with respect to the plane perpendicular to the optical axis A of the laser beam L1 may be referred to as an inclined reflecting surface 85a.

At least one of the attenuation filter 83 and the diffusion section 84 may be provided on the inclined reflective surface 85a. 25 and 26 are schematic diagrams showing an example of how at least one of the attenuation filter 83 and the diffusion section 84 is provided on the inclined reflective surface 85a. FIG. 25 shows an example of an attenuation filter 83 or a diffusion section 84 provided on the inclined reflective surface 85a. FIG. 26 shows an example of how the attenuation filter 83 and the diffusion section 84 are stacked on the inclined reflective surface 85a.

As in the example of FIGS. 25 and 26, when at least one of the attenuation filter 83 and the diffusion section 84 is provided on the inclined reflective surface 85a, the laser beam L1 that is reflected on the reflective surface 85a and returns to the light source 21. The strength can be further reduced. As a result, the possibility that the light source 21 will be broken or the performance of the light source 21 will deteriorate can be further reduced.

Hereinafter, as shown in FIGS. 3 to 5 and 10 to 19, the lid part 8 provided with the wavelength conversion section 81 may be referred to as the first lid part 8. Further, as shown in FIGS. 20 to 26, the lid portion 8 including the mirror portion 85 may be referred to as a second lid portion 8.

When the laser system 1 includes the first lid part 8, when the laser system 1 detects a component propagating to the laser device 2 in the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength converter 81 of the first lid part 8, the laser system 1 detects a component that propagates to the laser device 2. Emission of the second laser beam L1 may be stopped. FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a partial configuration of the laser system 1 (also referred to as laser system 1A) in this case.

As shown in FIG. 27, the laser system 1A includes a control unit 9 that can control the output power of the laser device 2. The laser device 2 included in the laser system 1A includes a diffraction section 23, a filter 24, and a photoelectric conversion section 25 in addition to an exterior case 20, a light source 21, and a connector 22. The diffraction section 23, the filter 24, and the photoelectric conversion section 25 are housed within the exterior case 20. In FIG. 27, illustration of the connector 22 is omitted. The illustration of the connector 22 is also omitted in FIGS. 29, 31, and 33, which will be described later.

Here, in the laser system 1A, among the laser light L1 emitted from the laser device 2, there is a return light component L1a that returns to the laser device 2. When the laser device 2 and the wavelength conversion device 3 are connected by the optical fiber cable 5, the return light component L1a includes the laser beam L1 that is reflected by the wavelength conversion section 31 of the wavelength conversion device 3 and returns to the laser device 2. is included. In addition, when the output end 101 located at the connector 100a is covered with the first lid part 8, the return light component L1a is reflected by the wavelength conversion part 81 of the first lid part 8 and reaches the laser device 2. The laser beam L1 that returns may be included.

In addition, when the laser device 2 and the wavelength converter 3 are connected by an optical fiber cable 5, the converted light L2 emitted by the wavelength converter 31 of the wavelength converter 3 is transmitted through the optical fiber cable 5 and converted into a laser beam. There is a component L2a (also referred to as a first propagation component L2a) that propagates to the device 2.

In addition, when the output end 101 located at the connector 100a is covered with the first lid part 8, the component of the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength conversion part 81 of the first lid part 8 that propagates to the laser device 2 L4a (also referred to as second propagation component L4a) exists.

For example, consider a case where the output end 101 of the connector 22 is covered with the first lid part 8 as shown in FIG. 6 described above. In this case, the component of the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength conversion section 81 of the first lid section 8 that enters the exterior case 20 through the connector 22 becomes the second propagation component L4a. In this case, the first propagation component L2a does not exist.

As another example, consider a case where the output end 101 located at the connector 52 of the optical fiber cable 5 connected to the laser device 2 is covered with the first lid part 8, as shown in FIG. 7 described above. In this case, the component of the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength conversion section 81 of the first lid section 8 that propagates through the optical fiber cable 5 and enters the laser device 2 becomes the second propagation component L4a. In this case, the first propagation component L2a does not exist.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 8 described above, the emission end 101 located at the connector 33 of the wavelength conversion device 3 connected to the laser device 2 by the optical fiber cable 5 is covered with the first lid portion 8. Consider the case where In this case, of the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength converter 81 of the first lid part 8, a component that passes through the wavelength converter 31, propagates through the optical fiber cable 5, and enters the laser device 2 is transmitted through the second propagation. This becomes component L4a. In this case, not only the second propagation component L4a but also the first propagation component L2a exists.

As another example, as shown in FIG. 1. Consider the case where the device is covered with the lid portion 8. In this case, the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength converter 81 of the first lid part 8 is transmitted through the wavelength converter 31 after propagating through the optical fiber cable 6, and then propagates through the optical fiber cable 5 to reach the laser device 2. The incident component becomes the second propagation component L4a. In this case, not only the second propagation component L4a but also the first propagation component L2a exists.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 1, when the connectors 51, 32, 61, and 40 are connected to the connectors 22, 52, 33, and 62, respectively, the first propagation component L2a exists, but the second propagation component L2a exists. Component L4a is not present.

The laser beam L1 output from the light source 21 is input to the diffraction section 23 included in the laser device 2. The laser beam L1 that has passed through the diffraction section 23 is emitted from the connector 22 to the outside of the laser device 2. At this time, a component L1b of about several percent of the laser beam L1 is split at the diffraction section 23 and input to the filter 24. Hereinafter, component L1b may be referred to as branch component L1b.

The diffraction unit 23 guides the return light component L1a that is incident on the laser device 2 to the filter 24. Furthermore, the diffraction unit 23 guides the first propagation component L2a that is incident on the laser device 2 to the filter 24. Furthermore, the diffraction unit 23 guides the second propagation component L4a that is incident on the laser device 2 to the filter 24.

In the laser system 1A of this example, the peak wavelength of the wavelength spectrum of the first propagation component L2a of the converted light L2 and the second propagation component L4a of the converted light L4 is the wavelength spectrum of the return light component L1a and the branched component L1b of the laser light L1. is larger than the peak wavelength of

The filter 24 is, for example, a long pass filter. The filter 24 transmits only the first propagation component L2a and the second propagation component L4a having a large peak wavelength among the input return light component L1a, branched component L1b, first propagation component L2a, and second propagation component L4a. The photoelectric conversion unit 25 converts the optical component F1 (also referred to as the first filter output component F1) output from the filter 24 into an electrical signal ES1 and outputs the electrical signal ES1. In the case of the configurations shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the first filter output component F1 includes the second propagation component L4a but does not include the first propagation component L2a. Furthermore, in the case of the configurations shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the first filter output component F1 includes both the first propagation component L2a and the second propagation component L4a. In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the first filter output component F1 includes the first propagation component L2a but does not include the second propagation component L4a. Note that the filter 24 may be a bandpass filter that allows only components of a specific wavelength to pass among the input light.

The control unit 9 can control the output power of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2 based on the first filter output component F1. The control section 9 can also be called a control circuit. The control unit 9 includes a power supply unit 90 that generates power for the light source 21 (in other words, electric power) and supplies it to the light source 21, a power supply control unit 91 that controls the power supply unit 90, and an intensity determination unit 92. The light source 21 operates based on power supplied from the power supply section 90.

The intensity determination unit 92 determines whether the light intensity (also referred to as first light intensity) of the first filter output component F1 is large based on the electrical signal ES1 output from the photoelectric conversion unit 25. The power supply control section 91 controls the power supply section 90 based on the determination result by the intensity determination section 92.

At least some of the functions of the configuration consisting of the power supply control section 91 and the intensity determination section 92 may be realized by, for example, a hardware circuit that does not require software to realize the functions. Further, the configuration consisting of the power supply control section 91 and the intensity determination section 92 may include, for example, at least one processor. In this case, at least part of the functions of the configuration consisting of the power supply control section 91 and the strength determination section 92 may be realized by the at least one processor executing the program.

According to various embodiments, at least one processor is implemented as a single integrated circuit (IC) or as a plurality of communicatively connected integrated circuits (ICs) and/or discrete circuits. You can. The at least one processor can be implemented according to various known techniques.

In one embodiment, a processor includes one or more circuits or units configured to perform one or more data calculation procedures or processes, for example, by executing instructions stored in an associated memory. In other embodiments, the processor may be firmware (eg, a discrete logic component) that performs one or more data calculation procedures or processes.

According to various embodiments, the processor is one or more processors, controllers, microprocessors, microcontrollers, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processing equipment, programmable logic devices, field programmable gate arrays, or any of the foregoing. It may include any combination of devices or configurations, or other known combinations of devices and configurations, to perform the functions described below. At least one processor may include a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control section 9. In step s1, the intensity determination unit 92 determines whether the first light intensity is high based on the electrical signal ES1 output from the photoelectric conversion unit 25. For example, the intensity determination unit 92 determines that the first light intensity is high when the signal level of the electric signal ES1 is equal to or higher than the first threshold value. The intensity determining unit 92 may determine that the first light intensity is high when the signal level of the electrical signal ES1 is higher than the first threshold.

Here, the laser system 1A of this example is configured such that the light intensity of the second propagation component L4a is greater than the light intensity of the first propagation component L2a. For example, by making the thickness of the wavelength converter 81 and the area of the irradiated surface 81aa sufficiently larger than the thickness of the wavelength converter 31 and the area of the irradiated surface 31a, the light intensity of the second propagation component L4a can be The light intensity can be made larger than the light intensity of the first propagation component L2a.

In this example, since the light intensity of the second propagation component L4a is greater than the light intensity of the first propagation component L2a, regardless of whether the first filter output component includes the first propagation component L2a, The first light intensity when the second propagation component L4a is included in the first filter output component is always higher than the first light intensity when the second propagation component L4a is not included in the first filter output component F1. growing. Therefore, when the first light intensity is high, it can be said that the second propagation component L4a is included in the first filter output component F1. Therefore, the control unit 9 can determine that the second propagation component L4a has been detected when the first light intensity is high.

Therefore, in this example, when it is determined in step s1 that the first light intensity is high, in step s2, the power supply control section 91 determines that the control section 9 has detected the second propagation component L4a. Then, in step s3, the power supply control unit 91 controls the power supply unit 90 to cause the power supply unit 90 to stop supplying power to the light source 21. As a result, emission of the laser beam L1 from the laser device 2 is stopped. On the other hand, if it is determined in step s1 that the first light intensity is not large, step s1 is executed again, and thereafter the control unit 9 operates in the same manner.

In this way, when the control unit 9 detects the component that propagates to the laser device 2, that is, the second propagation component L4a, of the converted light L4 emitted by the wavelength converter 81 of the first lid portion 8, the control unit 9 controls the laser device 2. Emission of the laser beam L1 is stopped. When the laser beam L1 is emitted from the emission end 101 located in the connector 100a to which the mating connector 100b is not connected, and the emission end 101 is covered with the first lid part 8, the control unit 9 2 propagation component L4a is detected. Therefore, when the control unit 9 detects the second propagation component L4a, by stopping the emission of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2, the output end 101 located at the connector 100a to which the mating connector 100b is not connected is The possibility that the laser beam L1 will be emitted can be reduced. Therefore, the laser beam L1 is less likely to leak to the outside of the connector 100a, and the safety of the laser system 1 is improved.

Further, as in the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, the first lid part 8 opens in conjunction with the connection operation of the mating connector 100b to the connector 100a, and closes in conjunction with the detachment operation of the mating connector 100b from the connector 100a. In this case, when the mating connector 100b is disconnected from the connector 100a, the laser device 2 automatically stops emitting the laser beam L1. Therefore, the safety of the laser system 1 is further improved.

Note that when the second propagation component L4a is composed of only color components that are not included in the first propagation component L2a, the filter 24 includes the return light component L1a, the branched component L1b, the first propagation component L2a, and the second propagation component L2a. It may be a bandpass filter that transmits only the second propagation component L4a among the two propagation components L4a. Even in this case, the control unit 9 can stop the emission of the laser beam L1 from the laser device 2 when the second propagation component L4a is detected by operating in the same manner as described above. When the converted light L2 is composed of, for example, red fluorescence, green fluorescence, and blue fluorescence, and the converted light L4 is composed of, for example, yellow fluorescence, the second propagation component L4a of the converted light L4 is the same as the converted light L2. It is composed only of color components that are not included in the first propagation component L2a.

Furthermore, when the laser system 1A cannot detect the component transmitted to the laser device, that is, the first propagation component L2a, of the converted light L2 emitted by the wavelength converter 31 of the wavelength converter 3, the laser system 1A detects the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2. It is also possible to stop the emission of FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a part of the laser system 1A (also referred to as laser system 1AA) in this case.

As shown in FIG. 29, the configuration of the laser device 2 of the laser system 1AA is such that a filter 26 and a photoelectric conversion unit 27 are added to the configuration of the laser device 2 of the laser system 1A. Further, the laser system 1AA includes the above-mentioned control section 9.

The diffraction unit 23 of this example guides the return light component L1a, the branched component L1b, the first propagation component L2a, and the second propagation component L4a to the filters 24 and 27, respectively.

In the laser system 1AA of this example, the first propagation component L2a includes a color component (also referred to as a specific color component) that is not included in the second propagation component L4a. For example, if the converted light L4 is composed of red fluorescence, and the converted light L2 is composed of red fluorescence, green fluorescence, and blue fluorescence, each of the green fluorescence and blue fluorescence is a specific color component. becomes.

Filter 26 is, for example, a bandpass filter. The filter 26 transmits only a specific color component among the input return light component L1a, branched component L1b, first propagation component L2a, and second propagation component L4a. For example, when the converted light L4 is composed of red fluorescence and the converted light L2 is composed of red fluorescence, green fluorescence, and blue fluorescence, the filter 26 transmits, for example, only the blue fluorescence. The photoelectric conversion unit 27 converts the optical component F2 (also referred to as second filter output component F2) output from the filter 26 into an electrical signal ES2 and outputs the electrical signal ES2.

The control unit 9 of this example can control the output power of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2 based on the first filter output component F1 and the second filter output component F2. The intensity determination unit 92 of the control unit 9 of this example determines whether the first light intensity is high based on the electrical signal ES1 output from the photoelectric conversion unit 25. Further, the intensity determination section 92 determines whether the light intensity of the second filter output component F2 (also referred to as second light intensity) is small based on the electrical signal ES2 output from the photoelectric conversion section 27. The power supply control section 91 of the control section 9 in this example controls the power supply section 90 based on the determination result by the intensity determination section 92.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control section 9 of this example. As shown in FIG. 30, step s1 described above is executed. If YES is determined in step s1, steps s2 and s3 described above are sequentially executed. Thereby, similarly to the above, when the second propagation component L4a is detected, the emission of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2 is stopped.

On the other hand, if the determination in step s2 is No, step s11 is executed. In step s11, the intensity determination unit 92 determines whether the light intensity of the second filter output component F2, that is, the second light intensity, is small based on the electric signal ES2. For example, the intensity determining unit 92 determines that the second light intensity is low when the signal level of the electric signal ES2 is equal to or lower than the second threshold value. The intensity determining unit 92 may determine that the second light intensity is low when the signal level of the electric signal ES2 is less than the second threshold.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, when the wavelength conversion device 3 is not connected to the laser device 2 and the first propagation component L2a does not exist, the second filter output component F2 has a specific color component. Not included. Therefore, the second light intensity becomes smaller. On the other hand, as shown in FIGS. 1, 8 and 9, when the wavelength conversion device 3 is connected to the laser device 2 and the first propagation component L2a exists, the specific color component is included in the second filter output component F2. included. Therefore, the second light intensity increases.

Therefore, in this example, when it is determined in step s11 that the second light intensity is low, in step s12, the power supply control section 91 determines that the control section 9 cannot detect the first propagation component L2a. After that, the above-mentioned step s3 is executed, and the emission of the laser beam L1 from the laser device 2 is stopped. On the other hand, if it is determined in step s11 that the second light intensity is not small, step s1 is executed again, and thereafter the control unit 9 operates in the same manner.

In this way, in the laser system 1AA, if the control unit 9 cannot detect the component that propagates to the laser device 2, that is, the first propagation component L2a, of the converted light L2 emitted by the wavelength conversion device 3, the Emission of the light L1 is stopped. If the wavelength conversion device 3 is not connected to the laser device 2, the control unit 9 cannot detect the first propagation component L2a. Therefore, by stopping the emission of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2 when the control unit 9 cannot detect the first propagation component L2a, when the wavelength conversion device 3 is not connected to the laser device 2, the laser device 2 can reduce the possibility that the laser beam L1 will be emitted. Therefore, the laser light L1 is less likely to leak from the connector 100a, and as a result, the safety of the laser system 1 is improved.

Note that the control unit 9 may first execute step s11, and when determining NO in step s11, execute step s1. In this case, if the determination in step s1 is NO, step s11 is executed again. Further, the control unit 9 does not need to execute steps s1 and s2. In this case, if the determination in step s11 is No, step s11 is executed again. Further, in this case, the filter 24 and the photoelectric conversion section 25 are not necessary in the laser system 1AA.

When the laser system 1 includes the second lid part 8, when the laser system 1 detects a component of the laser beam L1 reflected by the mirror part 85 of the second lid part 8 that propagates to the laser device 2, the laser system 1 detects a component that propagates to the laser device 2. Emission of the laser beam L1 of the device 2 may be stopped. FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a partial configuration of the laser system 1 (also referred to as laser system 1B) in this case.

As shown in FIG. 31, the laser device 2 of the laser system 1B includes the above-described diffraction section 23, photoelectric conversion section 25, and filter 28 in addition to the exterior case 20, the light source 21, and the connector 22. Further, the laser system 1B includes the above-mentioned control section 9.

In the laser system 1B, the second propagation component L4a described above does not exist. When the laser device 2 and the wavelength conversion device 3 are connected by the optical fiber cable 5, the return light component L1a from the laser system 1B includes a component that is reflected by the wavelength conversion section 31 of the wavelength conversion device 3 and returns to the laser device 2. Incoming laser light L1 (also referred to as a return light component from the wavelength conversion section 31) is included. In addition, when the output end 101 located at the connector 100a is covered with the second lid 8, the return light component L1a from the laser system 1B is reflected by the mirror 85 of the second lid 8 and the laser device The laser beam L1 (also referred to as the return light component from the mirror section 85) that returns up to 2 times may be included.

The diffraction section 23 of the laser system 1B guides the return light component L1a, the branched component L1b, and the first propagation component L2a to the filter 28. The filter 28 is, for example, a short-pass filter. The filter 28 transmits only the returned light component L1a and the branched component L1b among the inputted returned light component L1a, branched component L1b, and first propagation component L2a. The photoelectric conversion unit 25 of this example converts the optical component F3 (also referred to as the third filter output component F3) output from the filter 28 into an electrical signal ES3 and outputs the electrical signal ES3. In the case of the configurations shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the third filter output component F3 includes a return light component from the mirror section 85, but does not include a return light component from the wavelength conversion section 31. Further, in the case of the configurations shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the third filter output component F3 includes both the return light component from the mirror section 85 and the return light component from the wavelength conversion section 31. In the case of the configuration shown in FIG. 1, the third filter output component F3 includes the return light component from the wavelength conversion section 31, but does not include the return light component from the mirror section 85.

The control unit 9 of this example can control the output power of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2 based on the third filter output component F3. The intensity determination unit 92 of the control unit 9 of this example determines whether the light intensity of the third filter output component F3 (also referred to as third light intensity) is large based on the electrical signal ES3 output from the photoelectric conversion unit 25. Determine. The power supply control section 91 of the control section 9 in this example controls the power supply section 90 based on the determination result by the intensity determination section 92.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control section 9 of this example. In step s21, the intensity determination unit 92 determines whether the light intensity of the third filter output component F3, that is, the third light intensity, is large based on the electric signal ES3. For example, the intensity determination unit 92 determines that the third light intensity is high when the signal level of the electric signal ES3 is equal to or higher than the third threshold value. The intensity determining unit 92 may determine that the third light intensity is high when the signal level of the electrical signal ES3 is higher than the third threshold.

Here, the laser system 1B of this example is configured such that the light intensity of the return light component from the mirror section 85 is greater than the light intensity of the return light component from the wavelength conversion section 31. As a result, regardless of whether the return light component L1a includes the return light component from the wavelength conversion section 31, the third The light intensity is always greater than the third light intensity when the return light component L1a does not include the return light component from the mirror section 85. Therefore, when the third light intensity is high, it can be said that the third filter output component F3 includes the return light component from the mirror section 85. Therefore, the control unit 9 can determine that the return light component from the mirror unit 85 has been detected when the third light intensity is high.

Therefore, in this example, when it is determined in step s21 that the third light intensity is high, in step s22, the power supply control section 91 determines that the control section 9 has detected the return light component from the mirror section 85. . After that, the above-mentioned step s3 is executed, and the emission of the laser beam L1 from the laser device 2 is stopped. On the other hand, if it is determined in step s21 that the third light intensity is not large, step s21 is executed again, and thereafter the control unit 9 operates in the same manner.

In this way, when the control section 9 detects a component of the laser beam L1 reflected by the mirror section 85 of the second lid section 8 that propagates to the laser device 2, that is, a return light component from the mirror section 85, Emission of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2 is stopped. When the laser beam L1 is emitted from the emission end 101 located on the connector 100a to which the mating connector 100b is not connected, and the emission end 101 is covered with the second lid 8, the control unit 9 A return light component from section 85 is detected. Therefore, when the control section 9 detects the return light component from the mirror section 85, by stopping the emission of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2, the control section 9 stops the emission of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2, thereby causing the emission of light located at the connector 100a to which the mating connector 100b is not connected. The possibility that the laser beam L1 is emitted from the end 101 can be reduced. Therefore, the laser beam L1 is less likely to leak to the outside of the connector 100a, and the safety of the laser system 1 is improved.

Further, as in the example of FIGS. 4 and 5, the second lid part 8 opens in conjunction with the connection operation of the mating connector 100b to the connector 100a, and closes in conjunction with the detachment operation of the mating connector 100b from the connector 100a. In this case, when the mating connector 100b is disconnected from the connector 100a, the laser device 2 automatically stops emitting the laser beam L1. Therefore, the safety of the laser system 1 is further improved.

Similarly to the laser system 1AA, the laser system 1B may stop emitting the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2 when the first propagation component L2a cannot be detected. FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a part of the laser system 1B (also referred to as laser system 1BB) in this case.

In the laser system 1BB of this example, like the laser system 1AA, the first propagation component L2a includes a color component (that is, a specific color component) that is not included in the second propagation component L4a. For example, if the converted light L4 is composed of red fluorescence, and the converted light L2 is composed of red fluorescence, green fluorescence, and blue fluorescence, each of the green fluorescence and blue fluorescence is a specific color component. becomes.

As shown in FIG. 33, the configuration of the laser device 2 of the laser system 1BB is the same as the configuration of the laser device 2 of the laser system 1B, with the above-described filter 26 and photoelectric conversion unit 27 added. Further, the laser system 1BB includes the above-mentioned control section 9.

The diffraction unit 23 of this example guides the return light component L1a, the branched component L1b, and the first propagation component L2a to the filters 26 and 28, respectively. The filter 26 of this example transmits only a specific color component among the input return light component L1a, branched component L1b, and first propagation component L2a. For example, when the converted light L4 is composed of red fluorescence and the converted light L2 is composed of red fluorescence, green fluorescence, and blue fluorescence, the filter 26 transmits, for example, only the blue fluorescence. The photoelectric conversion unit 27 of this example converts the optical component F2 output from the filter 26, that is, the second filter output component F2, into an electrical signal ES2 and outputs the electrical signal ES2.

The control unit 9 of this example can control the output power of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2 based on the second filter output component F2 and the third filter output component F3. The intensity determination unit 92 of the control unit 9 of this example determines whether the third light intensity is high based on the electrical signal ES3 output from the photoelectric conversion unit 25. Further, the intensity determination section 92 determines whether the light intensity of the second filter output component F2, that is, the second light intensity, is small based on the electric signal ES2 output from the photoelectric conversion section 27. The power supply control section 91 of the control section 9 in this example controls the power supply section 90 based on the determination result by the intensity determination section 92.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the control section 9 of this example. As shown in FIG. 34, step s21 described above is executed. If YES is determined in step s21, steps s22 and s3 described above are sequentially executed. Thereby, similarly to the above, when the return light component from the mirror section 85 is detected, the emission of the laser beam L1 of the laser device 2 is stopped.

On the other hand, if the determination in step s21 is No, the above-mentioned step s11 is executed. If YES is determined in step s11, steps s12 and s3 described above are sequentially executed. Thereby, the control unit 9 stops emitting the laser beam L1 from the laser device 2 when the first propagation component L2a cannot be detected. On the other hand, if the determination in step s12 is NO, step s21 is executed again, and thereafter the control unit 9 operates in the same manner.

In this way, in the laser system 1BB, if the control unit 9 cannot detect the first propagation component L2a, it stops the laser device 2 from emitting the laser beam L1. Thereby, when the wavelength conversion device 3 is not connected to the laser device 2, the possibility that the laser device 2 emits the laser beam L1 can be reduced. Therefore, the laser light L1 is less likely to leak from the connector 100a, and as a result, the safety of the laser system 1 is improved.

Note that the control unit 9 may first execute step s11, and when determining NO in step s11, execute step s21. In this case, if the determination in step s21 is NO, step s11 is executed again. Further, the control unit 9 does not need to execute steps s21 and s22. In this case, if the determination in step s11 is No, step s11 is executed again. Further, in this case, the filter 28 and the photoelectric conversion section 25 are not necessary in the laser system 1BB.

In the above example, the radiation section 4 connected to the wavelength conversion device 3 emits the illumination light L3, but as shown in FIG. may be emitted as the illumination light L3. In this case, in the laser system 1, the connector 33, the optical fiber cable 6, and the radiation section 4 become unnecessary.

In the above example, the laser device 2 and the wavelength converter 3 are connected by the optical fiber cable 5, but as shown in FIG. 36, the laser device 2 and the wavelength converter 3 may be directly connected to each other. good. In the example of FIG. 36, the connector 22 of the laser device 2 and the connector 32 of the wavelength conversion device 3 are connected.

In the above example, the wavelength converter 3 and the radiation section 4 are connected by the optical fiber cable 6, but as shown in FIG. 37, the wavelength conversion device 3 and the radiation section 4 may be directly connected to each other. . In the example of FIG. 37, the connector 33 of the wavelength conversion device 3 and the connector 40 of the radiation section 4 are connected.

In the above example, the connector 100a provided at the emission part of the laser beam L1 was a female type connector, but it may be a male type connector. In this case, the lid portion 8 may cover the output end 101 located at the tip of the male connector 100a.

Further, the laser system 1 may be used, for example, in an endoscope system. In this case, the illumination light L3 emitted by the laser system 1 is used as illumination light to illuminate the inside of the body, such as the gastrointestinal tract.

Further, the laser system 1 does not need to emit the illumination light L3. In this case, for example, the laser system 1 may be used as the light source of the projector, and the converted light L2 emitted by the wavelength conversion device 3 of the laser system 1 may be used as the light source of the projector.

As mentioned above, although the laser system 1 has been described in detail, the above description is an example in all aspects, and this disclosure is not limited thereto. Furthermore, the various examples described above can be applied in combination as long as they do not contradict each other. And it is understood that countless examples not illustrated can be envisioned without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

1, 1A, 1AA, 1B, 1BB Laser system 2 Laser device 3 Wavelength conversion device 5, 6 Optical fiber cable 8 Lid portion 9 Control portion 22, 33, 52, 62, 100, 100a Connector 31 Wavelength conversion portion 31a, 81aa Cover Irradiation surface 81 Wavelength conversion section 83 Attenuation filter 84 Diffusion section 85 Mirror section 85a Reflection surface 101 Output end 103 Condensing lens L1 Laser light L2, L4 Light (converted light)

Claims (25)

a laser device that generates laser light;
a wavelength conversion device having a first wavelength conversion unit that is irradiated with the laser light and emits a first light having a wavelength spectrum different from a wavelength spectrum of the laser light in accordance with the irradiation of the laser light;
a connector in which an emitting end from which the laser beam is emitted is located;
a lid portion located to cover the output end and attached to the connector;
The lid portion is
a second wavelength conversion unit that is irradiated with the laser light emitted from the emission end and emits a second light having a wavelength spectrum different from the wavelength spectrum of the laser light in accordance with the irradiation of the laser light ;
The second wavelength conversion unit is a laser system having a first irradiated surface that is irradiated with the laser light . The laser system according to claim 1,
A laser system, wherein the laser device has the connector. The laser system according to claim 1,
Further comprising an optical fiber cable extending from the laser device and transmitting the laser light,
The optical fiber cable has the connector at the end on the emission side of the laser beam. The laser system according to claim 1,
The wavelength conversion device has the connector at the first light emission part,
A laser system, wherein the first light and the laser light that has passed through the first wavelength conversion section are emitted from the emission end. The laser system according to claim 1,
Further comprising an optical fiber cable extending from the wavelength conversion device and transmitting the first light,
The optical fiber cable has the connector at the end on the output side of the first light,
A laser system, wherein the first light and the laser light that passes through the first wavelength conversion section and propagates through the optical fiber cable are emitted from the emission end. A laser system according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The laser system wherein the lid portion is openably and closably connected to the connector. 7. The laser system according to claim 6,
In the laser system, the lid portion opens in conjunction with an operation of connecting a mating connector to the connector, and closes in conjunction with an operation of detaching the mating connector from the connector. A laser system according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The laser system, wherein the lid part is attachable to and detachable from the connector. The laser system according to any one of claims 1 to 8 ,
A laser system in which the lid portion includes at least one of an attenuation filter that attenuates the laser beam and a first diffusion portion that diffuses the laser beam, both of which are located on the first irradiated surface. The laser system according to any one of claims 1 to 9 ,
The second light is visible light,
The visible light emitted by the second wavelength converter is emitted to the outside of the connector. 11. The laser system according to claim 10 ,
The color temperature of the visible light is different from the color temperature of the first light. 12. The laser system according to claim 11 ,
A laser system, wherein the visible light is red. The laser system according to any one of claims 10 to 12 ,
The lid part includes a second diffusing part located on an outer surface of the second wavelength converting part and diffusing the visible light. A laser system according to any one of claims 1 to 13 ,
The thickness of the second wavelength conversion section is greater than the thickness of the first wavelength conversion section. A laser system according to any one of claims 1 to 14 ,
The first wavelength conversion unit has a second irradiated surface that is irradiated with the laser light,
The area of the first irradiated surface of the second wavelength conversion section is larger than the area of the second irradiated surface of the first wavelength conversion section. The laser system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 ,
The area of the first irradiated surface is larger than the emission area of the emission end. The laser system according to any one of claims 1 to 15 ,
A condensing lens that condenses and emits the laser beam is located at the output end,
In the laser system, the first irradiated surface is located away from a focal point of the laser beam focused by the focusing lens. 18. The laser system according to claim 17 ,
A laser system, wherein a spot diameter of the laser beam on the first irradiated surface is larger than an output beam diameter of the laser beam at the condenser lens. 19. The laser system according to claim 18 ,
The laser system wherein the spot diameter is at least twice the output beam diameter. A laser system according to any one of claims 1 to 19 ,
A laser system further comprising: a control unit that stops emitting the laser light from the laser device when a component propagating to the laser device is detected in the second light emitted by the second wavelength conversion unit. A laser system according to any one of claims 1 to 19 ,
A laser system further comprising: a controller that stops emitting the laser light from the laser device when a component propagating to the laser device cannot be detected among the first light emitted by the first wavelength converter. a laser device that generates laser light;
a wavelength conversion device having a first wavelength conversion unit that is irradiated with the laser light and emits a first light having a wavelength spectrum different from a wavelength spectrum of the laser light in accordance with the irradiation of the laser light;
a connector in which an emitting end from which the laser beam is emitted is located;
a lid portion located to cover the output end and attached to the connector;
Equipped with
The lid portion has a mirror portion that reflects the laser beam emitted from the emission end,
The mirror portion has a reflective surface that reflects the laser beam,
The laser system further includes a control unit that stops emitting the laser beam when a component of the laser beam reflected by the mirror unit that returns to the laser device is detected. 23. The laser system according to claim 22 ,
In the laser system, the reflective surface is inclined with respect to a plane perpendicular to the optical axis of the laser beam. 24. The laser system according to claim 22 or 23 ,
A laser system in which the reflective surface has unevenness. The laser system according to any one of claims 22 to 24 ,
The lid part includes at least one of an attenuation filter that attenuates the laser light and a diffusion part that diffuses the laser light, both of which are located on the reflective surface.

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