WO2020251054A1 - 波長変換部材、それを用いた波長変換装置およびレーザー照射装置、ならびに、波長変換部材の製造方法 - Google Patents
波長変換部材、それを用いた波長変換装置およびレーザー照射装置、ならびに、波長変換部材の製造方法 Download PDFInfo
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- WO2020251054A1 WO2020251054A1 PCT/JP2020/023400 JP2020023400W WO2020251054A1 WO 2020251054 A1 WO2020251054 A1 WO 2020251054A1 JP 2020023400 W JP2020023400 W JP 2020023400W WO 2020251054 A1 WO2020251054 A1 WO 2020251054A1
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- wavelength conversion
- laser light
- wavelength
- raman
- substance
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/35—Non-linear optics
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01S—DEVICES USING THE PROCESS OF LIGHT AMPLIFICATION BY STIMULATED EMISSION OF RADIATION [LASER] TO AMPLIFY OR GENERATE LIGHT; DEVICES USING STIMULATED EMISSION OF ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION IN WAVE RANGES OTHER THAN OPTICAL
- H01S3/00—Lasers, i.e. devices using stimulated emission of electromagnetic radiation in the infrared, visible or ultraviolet wave range
- H01S3/05—Construction or shape of optical resonators; Accommodation of active medium therein; Shape of active medium
- H01S3/06—Construction or shape of active medium
- H01S3/063—Waveguide lasers, i.e. whereby the dimensions of the waveguide are of the order of the light wavelength
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a wavelength conversion member, a wavelength conversion device and a laser irradiation device using the same, and a method for manufacturing the wavelength conversion member.
- lasers have been used in the medical field and the like.
- Lasers are roughly classified into solid-state lasers, gas lasers, liquid lasers, and semiconductor lasers according to their types.
- the lasers mainly used in the field of dentistry are carbon dioxide gas laser, Nd: YAG laser, semiconductor laser, and Er: YAG laser.
- Nd YAG laser
- semiconductor laser YAG laser
- Er YAG laser
- a semiconductor laser is used in a wavelength range of 400 nm to 10600 nm, is generally a tissue-transmitting type, has high heat absorption to erythrocytes, and activates cells under low output. It is used as a laser for soft tissues that can be expected.
- the Er: YAG laser is a laser for both soft and hard tissues that has a central wavelength of 2940 nm and uses water.
- the Er: YAG laser has a strong power to excite water molecules and explode with steam, and is used as a laser for scraping teeth, gums, bones, etc. by using this power.
- a dental treatment device using a semiconductor laser As a dental treatment using such a laser irradiation device, a dental treatment device using a semiconductor laser is disclosed (see Patent Document 1).
- a first light source that outputs a first light having a central wavelength included in a wavelength range of 400 nm to 410 nm and a first light output from the first light source are input to the incident end.
- An analysis that analyzes an optical waveguide that outputs the first light that has been waveguideed from the exit end and irradiates the area to be treated with the output first light, and the light that is received by the light receiving unit. It includes means and a display means for displaying the analysis result analyzed by the analysis means.
- an irradiation device using an Er: YAG laser is disclosed as a solid-state laser for medical treatment and dental treatment (see Patent Document 2).
- the irradiation device is configured such that its elongated main body includes two or more optical fibers and transmits electromagnetic energy from an output source toward a target surface.
- the distal end of the irradiator is exemplified as a single structure and the proximal end is exemplified to include a large number of proximal end members.
- the irradiator comprises two or more optical fibers that transfer energy toward the distal end and at least one optical fiber that transfers energy from the distal end to the proximal end of the device.
- the dental treatment apparatus described in Patent Document 1 can only perform treatment corresponding to a wavelength having a central wavelength in a predetermined wavelength range, and the use of the treatment is limited.
- a main object of the present invention is to provide a wavelength conversion member capable of easily converting and amplifying a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light output from the laser irradiation device even if the laser irradiation device has a low output. Is to provide.
- the wavelength conversion member according to the present invention includes a laser light guide including a core portion for waveguideing laser light and a clad arranged around the core portion, and a core on one end side of the laser light guide.
- a laser light guide including a core portion for waveguideing laser light and a clad arranged around the core portion, and a core on one end side of the laser light guide.
- the wavelength conversion substance is diffused and arranged, and a part of the diffused arrangement of the wavelength conversion substance is contained in the liquid silica.
- It has a Raman wavelength conversion unit arranged in combination with Si, and when laser light is incident on the Raman wavelength conversion unit from the other end side of the laser light guide through the core unit, the wavelength in the Raman wavelength conversion unit.
- the wavelength conversion member includes a laser light guide body including a core portion for waveguideing laser light, a clad arranged around the core portion, a base material containing Si, and a base material.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit is provided with a Raman wavelength conversion unit composed of a wavelength conversion material doped in, and the Raman wavelength conversion unit is fused to the core portion on one end side of the laser light guide body, and the wavelength conversion material is diffused.
- a part of the wavelength conversion material dispersed and arranged is bonded to Si and arranged, and laser light is arranged from the other end side of the laser light guide body to the Raman wavelength conversion unit via the core portion.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit produces a Raman effect based on a wavelength conversion substance, so that laser light generated by Raman scattered light whose wavelength is converted to a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light is output.
- a wavelength conversion member. Further, this wavelength conversion member includes a base material containing Si for waveguideing laser light and a wavelength conversion material doped to be added to the base material, and a wavelength conversion material for producing a Raman effect on the base material.
- the wavelength conversion material is diffused and arranged, and the Raman wavelength conversion unit in which a part of the diffused and arranged wavelength conversion material is arranged in combination with Si and the Raman wavelength conversion
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit has a Raman effect based on the wavelength conversion substance.
- the wavelength conversion member is characterized in that laser light generated by Raman scattered light whose wavelength is converted to a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light is output.
- the average particle size of the wavelength conversion substance is preferably 1 nm or more and 500 nm or less.
- the doping rate of the wavelength conversion substance is preferably 0.1% or more and 30% or less.
- the wavelength of the laser light output by the Raman scattered light is preferably 3000 nm or more.
- the material of the core portion of this wavelength conversion member is quartz.
- the wavelength conversion substance to be doped is titanium oxide.
- the titanium oxide is preferably titanium oxide (TiO 2 ). Further, in this wavelength conversion member, titanium oxide is preferably anatase type.
- the wavelength conversion device is a laser having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser beam generated by the Raman effect, which is arranged on the other end side of the wavelength conversion member according to the present invention and the laser light guide body. It is a wavelength conversion device including a half mirror unit having a function of reflecting light.
- the laser irradiation device is for controlling the temperature in the Raman wavelength conversion unit by controlling the wavelength conversion device according to the present invention, the semiconductor laser that emits laser light to the wavelength conversion member, and the semiconductor laser. It is a laser irradiation device including a control unit.
- the method for manufacturing a wavelength conversion member according to the present invention includes a step of preparing a mixture of liquid silica and a wavelength conversion substance, and a laser guide with an exposed core portion for waveguideing laser light to the prepared mixture.
- a method for manufacturing a wavelength conversion member which includes a step of fixing a portion coated with the mixture at a temperature lower than the temperature to fix the wavelength conversion substance in a diffused state to form a Raman wavelength conversion portion. ..
- the method for manufacturing the wavelength conversion member according to the present invention includes a step of preparing a Raman wavelength conversion unit in which a wavelength conversion material is pre-doped into a substrate containing Si, and a laser light waveguide to the Raman wavelength conversion unit.
- a method for manufacturing a wavelength conversion member which includes a step of diffusing a wavelength conversion substance contained in the above to a core portion of a laser light guide body.
- the method for manufacturing the wavelength conversion member according to the present invention includes a step of preparing a string-shaped base material formed of a material having a high refractive index such as Si-containing quartz (SiO 2 ) and a step of preparing the base material.
- This is a method for manufacturing a wavelength conversion member which includes a step of doping and adding a wavelength conversion substance to form a Raman wavelength conversion unit, and a step of forming a clad arranged around the formed Raman wavelength conversion unit.
- a wavelength conversion member capable of easily converting and amplifying a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light output from the laser irradiation device even if the laser irradiation device has a low output. it can. Further, it is possible to provide a wavelength conversion device provided with this wavelength conversion member. Further, it is possible to provide a laser irradiation device provided with this wavelength conversion device. Furthermore, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing a wavelength conversion member, which can manufacture the above-mentioned wavelength conversion member.
- FIG. 1 is an external view of the laser irradiation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is an illustrated diagram showing the configuration of the laser irradiation device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the wavelength conversion member according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
- the laser irradiation device 10 includes a wavelength conversion device 20 and a main body 50 as shown in FIG. 1 or 2. Then, as shown in FIG. 1 or 2, the wavelength conversion device 20 includes a wavelength conversion member 30 and a half mirror unit 40.
- the wavelength conversion member 30 includes a laser light guide 32.
- the laser light guide 32 includes a core portion 36 for guiding laser light, a clad 37 arranged around the core portion 36, and a coating layer 38 arranged around the clad 37.
- the core portion 36, the clad 37, and the coating layer 38 are arranged concentrically.
- the core portion 36 is made of a material having a high refractive index, such as quartz containing Si (SiO 2 ).
- the clad 37 is formed of a material such as quartz or resin, and has a refractive index lower than that of the core portion 36 by about 0.2% or more and 1% or less.
- the coating layer 38 is formed of a resin material such as fluororesin and protects the core portion 36 and the clad 37.
- the core portion 36 is formed of quartz (SiO 2 )
- the clad 37 is formed of a hard resin material
- the coating layer 38 is formed of a resin material containing fluorine.
- the core portion 36 according to the present embodiment may be formed hollow. Details of the hollow-formed embodiment will be described later. Further, the core portion 36 of the present embodiment is formed of quartz (SiO 2 ), but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, zirconia or sapphire may be used.
- the core portion 36 is exposed on one end side of the laser light guide body 32, and the Raman wavelength conversion portion 34 is arranged so as to cover the core portion 36 in that portion.
- the wavelength conversion substance is diffused and arranged in the Raman wavelength conversion unit 34 by doping and adding a mixture of liquid silica and the wavelength conversion substance. That is, the Raman wavelength conversion unit 32 is formed of silica-based glass, and the wavelength conversion substance is diffused and arranged inside the silica-based glass. In addition, some of the diffused and arranged wavelength conversion substances are bonded and arranged as the structure of Si crystals in the liquid silica.
- the tip of the Raman wavelength conversion unit 32 is formed in a substantially hemispherical shape.
- the tip of the Raman wavelength conversion unit 32 may be formed in a lens shape.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 32 is formed of silica-based glass, and the inside thereof is formed. , Wavelength converter and carbon are diffused and arranged.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 34 When laser light is incident on the Raman wavelength conversion unit 34 from the other end side of the laser light guide 32 via the core unit 36, the Raman effect based on the wavelength conversion substance is generated in the Raman wavelength conversion unit 34, so that the laser light Laser light (Stokes light) by Raman scattered light whose wavelength is converted to a wavelength different from the wavelength of is output.
- a blue light-absorbing material may be mixed with the liquid silica side used for the mixture to attenuate and remove harmful wavelengths. As a result, the safety of the output laser beam can be ensured.
- the stalk phenomenon of electrons is expanded to the excitation level by affecting other atoms. That is, since the stalk phenomenon is a phenomenon caused by the interaction of electrons between two atoms, Raman shift and Rayleigh shift are caused by the relationship between the electron value and the shortage until the number of electrons in the orbit is stable. It is presumed that the mutual influence of the above can be reflected in the magnitude of the stalk phenomenon from the resonance phenomenon of photons (see Non-Patent Documents 1 to 6 for more detailed theoretical contents). Further, the wavelength conversion substance is bonded as a structure of Si crystals contained in the liquid silica, so that the stalk phenomenon is expanded to the excited stalk region, which affects the expansion of the wavelength region.
- the wavelength conversion substance for example, a titanium oxide or a rare earth laser medium such as Er, Yb, Nd, Bi, or Pr can be used.
- the output as laser light (Stokes light) by Raman scattered light converted to a wavelength peculiar to each substance generated by the Raman effect can be selected.
- the particle size of the wavelength-changing substance is set to the nano level in order to secure a surface area for efficiently producing the Raman effect, and the smaller the particle size, the more preferable.
- a wavelength conversion substance is selected in consideration of the absorption wavelength of water.
- titanium oxide titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) is preferable.
- the average particle size of titanium oxide as a wavelength conversion substance is preferably 1 nm or more and 500 nm or less at the nanometer level. As a result, it is possible to secure a surface area for efficiently producing the Raman effect.
- the doping rate of titanium oxide as a wavelength conversion substance is preferably 0.1% or more and 30% or less. As a result, the Raman effect can be efficiently generated.
- the wavelength of the laser light output by the Raman scattered light can be 3000 nm or more. As described above, the theory that the wavelength is shifted to the infrared region by titanium oxide is disclosed in Non-Patent Document 7 and Non-Patent Document 8.
- titanium oxide TiO 2
- titanium oxide having a rutile-type or anatase-type crystal structure can be used.
- the wavelength conversion substance it is preferable to use titanium oxide having an anatase-type crystal structure.
- titanium oxide is of the anatase type, it has the possibility of being significant as a surrounding atom that causes a stalk phenomenon when the associated atomic structure is modified to the rutile type at 900 ° C. or higher.
- the laser light guide 32 of the present embodiment has a core portion 36 having a diameter of about 200 ⁇ m or more and 320 ⁇ m or less, a clad 37 having an outer diameter of about 250 ⁇ m or more and 370 ⁇ m or less, and a Raman wavelength conversion unit 34 arranged on the laser light guide 32.
- the diameter of the portion is about 220 ⁇ m or more and 340 ⁇ m or less, and the length of the laser light guide 32 along the axial direction is about 200 ⁇ m.
- the core portion 36 is exposed on one end side of the laser light guide body 32, and the Raman wavelength conversion portion 34 is arranged so as to cover the core portion 36 in that portion.
- the wavelength conversion substance is diffused and arranged in the Raman wavelength conversion unit 34 by doping and adding a mixture of the liquid silica and the wavelength conversion substance. That is, the Raman wavelength conversion unit 32 is formed of silica-based glass, and the wavelength conversion substance is diffused and arranged inside the silica-based glass.
- some of the diffused and arranged wavelength conversion substances are bonded and arranged as the structure of Si crystals in the liquid silica.
- the wavelength conversion member 30 shown in FIG. 3 is necessary for efficiently producing the Raman effect when the average particle size of titanium oxide as a wavelength conversion substance is nano-level, 1 nm or more and 500 nm or less.
- the surface area can be secured.
- the Raman effect can be more efficiently generated. ..
- the wavelength conversion member 30 shown in FIG. 3 can be suitably used for dental treatment because it is a water absorption wavelength when the wavelength of the laser light output by the Raman scattered light is 3000 nm or more. it can.
- the wavelength conversion member 30 shown in FIG. 3 when the core portion 36 is made of a material having a high refractive index, for example, quartz containing Si (SiO 2 ), the wavelength conversion member 30 is efficiently used.
- the laser beam can be guided to the light.
- the wavelength conversion member 30 shown in FIG. 3 uses titanium oxide as the wavelength conversion substance and further uses titanium oxide (TiO 2 ), it is caused by Raman scattered light generated by the Raman effect in the wavelength range required for dental treatment. Laser light (Stokes light) can be obtained. Furthermore, if this titanium oxide is anatase type, the accompanying atomic structure is significant as a surrounding atom that causes a stalk phenomenon when it is modified to rutile type at 900 ° C. or higher, so that it can be used more preferably. it can.
- FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the wavelength conversion member according to the modified example of the first embodiment of the present invention.
- the same parts as those of the wavelength conversion member 30 shown in FIG. 3 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.
- the wavelength conversion member 130 includes a laser light guide 132 and a Raman wavelength conversion unit 134.
- the laser light guide 132 includes a core portion 36 for guiding the laser beam and a clad 37 arranged around the core portion 36.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 is fused and joined to the core unit 36 exposed on one end side of the laser light guide body 132.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 includes a base material 134a and a wavelength conversion substance for doping and adding to the base material 134a.
- the base material 134a contains Si.
- the substrate 134a is made of quartz.
- the wavelength conversion substance is diffused and arranged inside the base material 134a, and a part of the diffused arrangement of the wavelength conversion material is arranged on the base material 134a. It is arranged in combination with the contained Si.
- the wavelength conversion substance used in the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 the same substance as the Raman wavelength conversion unit 34 can be used.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 When laser light is incident on the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 via the core unit 36 from the other end side of the laser light guide body 132, the Raman effect based on the wavelength conversion substance is generated in the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134, so that the laser light Laser light (Stokes light) by Raman scattered light whose wavelength is converted to a wavelength different from the wavelength of is output.
- Laser light Stokes light
- the wavelength conversion member 130 shown in FIG. 4 has the same effect as the wavelength conversion member 30 shown in FIG. 3, and also has the following effects. That is, since the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 is separately manufactured and then joined to the laser light guide body 132, the wavelength conversion member 130 can be easily obtained by mass-producing the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134. Therefore, the structure is suitable for mass production of the wavelength conversion member 130.
- the wavelength conversion device 20 includes a wavelength conversion member 30 and a half mirror unit 40, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.
- the half mirror portion 40 according to the first embodiment is arranged on the other end side of the wavelength conversion member 30, and reflects the laser light having a wavelength converted to a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light generated by the Raman effect.
- the wavelength conversion device 20 can also be composed of a wavelength conversion member 130 and a half mirror unit 40.
- the wavelength conversion device 20 shown in FIG. 1 or 2 includes a half mirror unit 40 having a function of reflecting a laser beam having a wavelength converted to a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light generated by the Raman effect, wavelength conversion is performed.
- the Raman effect in the member 30 it is possible to more efficiently amplify the laser light (Stokes light) by the Raman scattered light whose wavelength has been converted to a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light.
- the laser irradiation device 10 includes a wavelength conversion device 20 and a main body 50.
- the main body 50 controls the laser generation unit 52 that emits laser light to the wavelength conversion member 30 and the laser generation unit 52 to control the Raman wavelength conversion unit 34 of the wavelength conversion members 30 and 130.
- a control unit 54 for controlling the temperature in the above is provided.
- the main body 50 of the laser irradiation device 10 displays an operation unit 56 for operating the laser irradiation device 10 via the control unit 54 and a control state of the laser irradiation device 10.
- a display unit 58 is provided.
- the wavelength conversion member 30 can be used.
- the laser light generation unit 52 emits laser light under the control of the control unit 54, and outputs the laser light to the wavelength conversion device 20.
- the laser light generating unit 52 a semiconductor laser, a solid-state laser device, a fiber laser device, or the like can be adopted.
- the laser light generating unit 52 according to the present embodiment is composed of a semiconductor laser. This semiconductor laser outputs laser light having a predetermined wavelength according to a current input from a power supply circuit (not shown). Further, the laser light generating unit 52 has a CW mode that continuously emits laser light, and a repeat mode that intermittently repeats laser oscillation (on-time) and oscillation stop (off-time) at a constant set time and a constant output intensity. It may be provided with various laser output modes such as.
- the repeat mode can be realized, for example, by intermittently inputting a drive current having a predetermined current value to the semiconductor laser.
- the laser light generating unit 52 can output at a wavelength of 980 nm, an output of 4 W or more and about 30 W or less, and in CW mode and repeat mode.
- the laser light generating unit 52 can output the laser in a repeat mode so that the on-time is 1 ms or more and 1000 ms or less and the off-time is 1 ms or more and 1000 ms or less.
- the control unit 54 comprehensively controls each component of the laser irradiation device 10. Further, the control unit 54 realizes the function of the present embodiment in the laser irradiation device 10 by executing the program stored in the storage unit (not shown).
- control unit 54 performs a process of controlling so as to perform a process of emitting the laser light from the laser light generating unit 52.
- the operation unit 56 includes operation buttons and the like, and outputs a signal corresponding to the user's operation to the control unit 54.
- the control unit 54 performs a process of controlling the magnitude, on-time, off-time, and the like of the output of the laser light emitted from the laser light generation unit 52 in response to the operation of the operation unit 56.
- the display unit 58 displays according to the operation according to the present invention under the control of the control unit 54.
- the storage unit (not shown) has a semiconductor storage device such as a RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk storage device such as a hard disk drive, and the like, and stores programs, data, and the like for realizing the functions according to the present invention.
- the storage unit is also used as a work area for program execution by the control unit 54.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 may be arranged between the half mirror unit 40 and the laser light generation unit 52. Then, before the laser light output from the laser light generation unit 52 enters the half mirror unit 40, the laser light (Stokes light) by Raman scattered light converted into a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light is output. Can be made to. Further, a prism structure may be arranged between the half mirror unit 40 and the laser light generating unit 52. At this time, it is preferable that the prism structure is doped with a wavelength conversion substance. The prism structure has a function of dispersing the laser light from the laser light generating unit 52 according to the wavelength.
- the control unit 54 performs a process of emitting laser light from the laser light generation unit 52.
- the wavelength conversion propagates through the core portion 36 of the laser light guide 32 and is diffused to the Raman wavelength conversion portion 34 of the wavelength conversion members 30 and 130.
- laser light Stokes light generated by Raman scattered light whose wavelength is converted to a wavelength different from the wavelength of the incident laser light is output.
- the laser light is emitted in a pulse shape, and the temperature in the Raman wavelength conversion unit 34 becomes high, but the control unit 54 controls the wavelength conversion members 30 and 130 so that they do not melt.
- the laser irradiation device 10 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 includes the wavelength conversion device 20 according to the present invention, even a low-power laser irradiation device can easily output the laser light from the laser generation unit 52. It is possible to provide a laser irradiation device 10 capable of converting a wavelength to a wavelength different from the wavelength of the above and amplifying the wavelength.
- FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a wavelength conversion member according to the first embodiment.
- the laser light guide body 32 is prepared.
- the laser light guide 32 includes a core portion 36 for guiding laser light, a clad 37 arranged around the core portion 36, and a coating layer 38 arranged around the clad 37.
- the clad 37 and the coating layer 38 about several centimeters from the tip of the laser light guide 32 are removed with a jig or the like, and the core portion 36 is exposed.
- a mixture of the liquid glass and the wavelength conversion substance is prepared, and the mixture is doped and added to the exposed core portion 36.
- a mixture in which carbon (or a carbon compound) is further added may be prepared with respect to the mixture of the liquid glass and the wavelength conversion substance.
- the carbon added here is preferably carbon nanoparticles formed as particles (nanoparticles, nanoparticles) having a nano-level particle size. This makes it possible to accelerate the doping in the next step S104. Further, the smaller the average particle size of the carbon particles, the more effective it is, and it is preferable that the average particle size is 1 nm or more and 50 nm or less.
- the mixing ratio of the liquid glass and the wavelength conversion substance is, for example, 50% by mass in mass%.
- the wavelength conversion substance for example, a titanium oxide or a rare earth laser medium such as Er, Yb, Nd, Bi, or Pr can be used. That is, the wavelength conversion substance can select the output as laser light (Stokes light) by Raman scattered light converted to a wavelength peculiar to the substance generated by the Raman effect.
- the particle size of the wavelength-changing substance is set to the nano level in order to secure a surface area for efficiently producing the Raman effect, and the smaller the particle size, the more preferable. In particular, when this wavelength conversion member is used for dental treatment, a wavelength conversion substance is selected in consideration of the absorption wavelength of water.
- titanium oxide titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) is preferable.
- the average particle size of titanium oxide is preferably 1 nm or more and 500 nm or less at the nano level. As a result, it is possible to secure a surface area for efficiently producing the Raman effect.
- step S104 one end side of the laser light guide 32 to which the core portion 36 for guiding the laser light is exposed was immersed in the prepared mixture to expose the laser light guide 32.
- the mixture is applied to the core portion 36.
- step S106 the portion coated with the mixture is irradiated with laser light to melt the mixture coated on the surface of the core portion 36 exposed on one end side of the laser light guide 32, and then the mixture is mixed.
- the wavelength converter is diffused within.
- the output emitted from the laser generating unit 52 is adjusted according to the diameter of the core unit 36 and the quality of the liquid silica (presence or absence of impurities and the like). For example, when a semiconductor laser is used as the laser generating unit 52 and the laser light has a wavelength of 980 nm and an output of 25 W, the core unit 36 is irradiated at 250 ms for a diameter of 200 ⁇ m, and the diameter of the core unit 36 becomes 320 ⁇ m. On the other hand, it is irradiated at 450 ms, and when the diameter of the core portion 36 is 400 ⁇ m, it is irradiated at 600 ms or more and 950 ms or less.
- the limiter is set by the melting temperature of the wavelength conversion substance.
- the wavelength conversion substance is titanium oxide
- the temperature is limited to 1700 ° C. before the melting temperature.
- the laser light guide 32 is a quartz fiber or a glass fiber, it melts at around 1440 ° C. The larger the diameter of the core portion 36, the longer it takes to melt, so that the adjustment is made longer.
- the adjustment of time changes depending on the doping rate of the wavelength conversion substance.
- the doping rate of titanium oxide as a wavelength conversion substance is preferably 0.1% or more and 30% or less.
- the temperature required for diffusion of the wavelength-converting substance in this step is a temperature substantially lower than the melting temperature of the wavelength-converting substance, the viscosity of the core portion 36 is lowered in a short time, and the surface tension makes it lenticular or substantially hemispherical.
- the wavelength converting material is diffused in the portion where the mixture is applied. As a result, it is affected by the diffusion of excited photons and is amplified. This amplification is a phenomenon in which the total amount of photons exceeds the amount of incident laser photons.
- the output laser light (Stokes light) can control the direction and diffusion of the laser output by making the processing form of the tip portion where the laser light is output into a lens shape or a substantially hemisphere. it can.
- titanium oxide titanium oxide
- it may be significant as a surrounding atom that causes a stalk phenomenon when the associated atomic structure is modified to rutile type at 900 ° C. or higher.
- anatase type Homo and Rumo, but the Rumo type is preferable in order to efficiently cause the stalk phenomenon.
- step S108 the portion coated with the mixture was further irradiated with a laser beam to heat the portion coated with the mixture at a temperature smaller than the melting temperature of the wavelength converting substance, whereby the wavelength converting substance was diffused.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 34 is formed.
- the output emitted from the laser generating unit 52 is adjusted according to the diameter of the core unit 36 and the quality of the liquid silica (presence or absence of impurities and the like). Then, for example, when a semiconductor laser is used as the laser generating unit 52 and the wavelength of the laser light is 980 nm and the output is 25 W, the laser light is irradiated in 1 s or more and 3 s or less.
- step S110 the wavelength conversion member 30 shown in FIG. 3 is manufactured.
- a step of preparing a mixture of liquid silica and a wavelength conversion substance, and a core portion 36 for waveguideing a laser beam to the prepared mixture The step of immersing one end side of the exposed laser light guide body 32 and applying the mixture to the exposed core portion 36 of the laser light guide body 32 and irradiating the portion to which the mixture is applied with laser light. , A step of melting the mixture applied to the surface of the core portion 36 exposed on one end side of the laser light guide 32 and then diffusing the wavelength conversion substance in the mixture, and further to the portion to which the mixture is applied.
- FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method for manufacturing the wavelength conversion member 130 according to the modified example of the first embodiment.
- a laser light guide body 132 having a predetermined length is prepared.
- the length of the laser light guide 132 is prepared to be 10 cm or more and 20 cm or less, or 1 m or more and 2 m or less.
- the laser light guide body 132 includes a core portion 36 for guiding laser light, a clad 37 arranged around the core portion 36, and a coating layer 38 arranged around the clad 37.
- the clad 37 and the coating layer 38 about several centimeters from the tip are removed by a jig or the like, and the core portion 36 is exposed.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 to which the wavelength conversion substance is doped in advance is prepared.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 prepared here is prepared as a small piece having a diameter of 200 ⁇ m or more and 400 ⁇ m or less and a length of 1 mm or more and 30 mm or less, or 10 cm or more and 20 cm or less.
- Such a small piece of the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 can be mass-produced by doping the base material 134a with a wavelength conversion substance by a known method.
- a VAD (Vapor Phase Axial Deposition) method or a MCVD (Modified Chemical Vapor Deposition) method can be used as a method for doping the wavelength conversion substance with respect to the base material 134a.
- step S204 the prepared Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 is joined to one end side of the laser light guide body 132 including the core unit 36 for guiding the laser light.
- This joining is performed, for example, by heating the joining surface and then welding.
- step S206 laser light is incident on the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 from the other end side of the laser light guide 132 to which the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 is welded via the core 36, and the laser light guide 132 The junction between the light and the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 is melted. Then, the wavelength conversion substance contained in the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 is diffused to the core portion 36 of the laser light guide body 132, so that the laser light guide body 132 and the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 are more firmly bonded to each other. ..
- step S208 the wavelength conversion member 130 shown in FIG. 4 is manufactured.
- a step of preparing a Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 in which a wavelength conversion substance is pre-doped into a base material 134a containing Si, and a Raman wavelength The step of joining the conversion unit 134 to one end side of the laser light guide body 32 including the core unit 36 for waveguideing the laser light, and the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 and the laser light guide body by irradiating the laser light. Since the step of melting the joint portion with 32 and diffusing the wavelength conversion substance contained in the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 into the core portion 36 of the laser light guide 32 is included, the wavelength conversion member 130 shown in FIG. A manufacturing method can be provided.
- FIG. 7 is an illustrated diagram showing the configuration of the laser irradiation device according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
- the laser irradiation device 510 includes a wavelength conversion device 520 and a main body 550. Then, as shown in FIG. 7, the wavelength changing device 520 includes a wavelength conversion member 530 and a half mirror unit 540. It also includes a handpiece 560 held by the operator to irradiate the treatment site with laser light guided by the wavelength conversion member 530.
- the wavelength conversion member 530 according to the second embodiment is arranged around the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534 and the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534 to which a wavelength conversion substance for producing a Raman effect is previously doped.
- a clad 537 and a coating layer 538 arranged around the clad 537 are provided.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534, the clad 537, and the coating layer 538 are arranged concentrically.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534 has a string-shaped base material 534a formed of a material having a high refractive index such as silica containing Si (SiO 2 ) and a wavelength for producing a Raman effect to be doped into the base material 534a. Includes transformants. Therefore, the wavelength conversion substance is diffused and arranged on the base material 534a of the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534, and a part of the diffused and arranged wavelength conversion substance is arranged in combination with Si.
- the doping rate of the wavelength conversion substance with respect to the base material 534a is 0.1% or more and 3% or less.
- the clad 537 is formed of a material such as quartz or resin, and has a refractive index lower than that of the base material 534a by about 0.2% or more and 1% or less.
- the coating layer 538 is formed of a resin material such as fluororesin and protects the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534 and the clad 537.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534 is formed of quartz (SiO 2 ) to which a wavelength conversion substance is doped
- the clad 537 is formed of a hard resin material
- the coating layer 538 is formed. It is made of a resin material containing fluorine.
- the base material 534a is made of quartz (SiO 2 ), but is not limited to this, and for example, zirconia or sapphire may be used. Further, a wavelength conversion substance for producing a Raman effect may be doped in advance to the clad 537.
- a relatively long wavelength conversion member 534 used in the laser irradiation device 510 is used.
- the length of the wavelength conversion member 534 is secured so as not to interfere with the treatment by the handpiece 560, for example, and is 1 m or more.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534 When the laser light is incident from the other end side of the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534, the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534 produces a Raman effect based on the wavelength conversion substance, so that the Raman wavelength is converted to a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light.
- Laser light (Stokes light) generated by scattered light is output.
- the wavelength conversion substance for example, a titanium oxide or a rare earth laser medium such as Er, Yb, Nd, Bi, or Pr can be used. That is, the wavelength conversion substance can select the output as laser light (Stokes light) by Raman scattered light converted to a wavelength peculiar to each substance generated by the Raman effect.
- the particle size of the wavelength-changing substance is set to the nano level in order to secure a surface area for efficiently producing the Raman effect, and the smaller the particle size, the more preferable. In particular, when this wavelength conversion member is used for dental treatment, a wavelength conversion substance is selected in consideration of the absorption wavelength of water.
- titanium oxide titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) is preferable.
- the average particle size of titanium oxide as a wavelength conversion substance is preferably 1 nm or more and 500 nm or less at the nanometer level. As a result, it is possible to secure a surface area for efficiently producing the Raman effect.
- the doping rate of titanium oxide as a wavelength conversion substance is preferably 0.1% or more and 3% or less. As a result, the Raman effect can be efficiently generated.
- titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) is used as the wavelength conversion substance, the wavelength of the laser light output by the Raman scattered light is 3000 nm or more, as shown in FIG.
- titanium oxide TiO 2
- titanium oxide having a rutile-type or anatase-type crystal structure can be used.
- the wavelength conversion substance it is preferable to use titanium oxide having an anatase-type crystal structure. If titanium oxide is of the anatase type, it may be significant as a surrounding atom that causes a stalk phenomenon when the associated atomic structure is modified to the rutile type at 900 ° C. or higher. Further, there are two types of anatase type, Homo and Rumo, and the Rumo type is preferable in order to efficiently cause the stalk phenomenon.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534 is doped with a string-shaped base material 534a formed of a material having a high refractive index such as quartz containing Si (SiO 2 ) and a base material 534a. Includes wavelength converting material to produce the added Raman effect. Therefore, the wavelength conversion substance is diffused and arranged on the base material 534a of the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534, and a part of the diffused and arranged wavelength conversion substance is arranged in combination with Si. As a result, even with a low-power laser irradiation device, it is possible to easily provide a wavelength conversion member capable of wavelength-converting and amplifying a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light output from the laser irradiation device.
- the wavelength conversion member 530 shown in FIG. 7 has the same effect as the wavelength conversion member 30 shown in FIG.
- the wavelength conversion device 520 includes a wavelength conversion member 530 and a half mirror unit 540.
- a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light generated by the Raman effect which is located on the other end side of the half mirror portion 540 according to the second embodiment, for example, the wavelength conversion member 530 and is arranged inside the main body portion 550. It has a function of reflecting laser light with a wavelength converted to. That is, for example, when the wavelength conversion substance is titanium oxide, the wavelength generated by the Raman effect is 3000 nm, so a half mirror portion 540 for reflecting a wavelength of 3000 nm is arranged.
- the laser irradiation device 510 includes a wavelength conversion device 520 and a main body 550.
- the main body unit 550 controls the laser light generation unit 552 that emits laser light to the wavelength conversion member 530 and the laser generation unit 552 to control the temperature in the Raman wavelength conversion unit 534 of the wavelength conversion member 530. It is provided with a control unit 554 for controlling the above. Further, if necessary, the main body unit 550 of the laser irradiation device 510 displays an operation unit 556 for operating the laser irradiation device 510 via the control unit 554 and a control state of the laser irradiation device 510. A display unit 558 is provided.
- the laser light generation unit 552 emits laser light under the control of the control unit 554, and outputs the laser light to the wavelength conversion device 520.
- the laser light generating unit 552 a semiconductor laser, a solid-state laser device, a fiber laser device, or the like can be adopted.
- the laser light generating unit 552 according to the present embodiment is composed of a semiconductor laser. This semiconductor laser outputs laser light having a predetermined wavelength according to a current input from a power supply circuit (not shown).
- the laser light generator 552 has a CW mode that continuously emits laser light, and a repeat mode that intermittently repeats laser oscillation (on-time) and oscillation stop (off-time) at a constant set time and constant output intensity. It may be provided with various laser output modes such as.
- the repeat mode can be realized, for example, by intermittently inputting a drive current having a predetermined current value to the semiconductor laser.
- the laser light generating unit 552 can output at a wavelength of 980 nm, an output of 4 W or more and about 30 W or less, and in a CW mode and a repeat mode.
- the laser light generation unit 552 can output the laser in a repeat mode so that the on-time is 1 ms or more and 1000 ms or less and the off time is 1 ms or more and 1000 ms or less.
- the control unit 554 comprehensively controls each component of the laser irradiation device 510. Further, the control unit 554 realizes the function according to the present embodiment in the laser irradiation device 510 by executing the program stored in the storage unit (not shown).
- control unit 554 performs a process of controlling so as to perform a process of emitting the laser light from the laser light generation unit 552.
- the operation unit 556 is provided with a foot switch, an operation button, and the like, and outputs a signal corresponding to the user's operation to the control unit 554.
- the control unit 554 performs a process of controlling the magnitude, on-time, off-time, and the like of the output of the laser light emitted from the laser light generation unit 552 in response to the operation of the operation unit 556.
- the display unit 558 displays according to the operation according to the present invention under the control of the control unit 54.
- the storage unit (not shown) has a semiconductor storage device such as a RAM or ROM, a magnetic disk storage device such as a hard disk drive, and the like, and stores programs, data, and the like for realizing the functions according to the present invention.
- the storage unit is also used as a work area for program execution by the control unit 554.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 134 may be arranged between the half mirror unit 540 and the laser light generation unit 552. Then, before the laser light output from the laser light generation unit 552 enters the half mirror unit 540, the laser light (Stokes light) by Raman scattered light converted into a wavelength different from the wavelength of the laser light is output. Can be made to. Further, a prism structure may be arranged between the half mirror portion 540 and the laser light generating portion 552. At this time, it is preferable that the prism structure is doped with a wavelength conversion substance. The prism structure has a function of dispersing the laser light from the laser light generating unit 552 according to the wavelength.
- FIG. 8 is a flow chart for explaining a method for manufacturing a wavelength conversion member according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
- a string-shaped base material 534a formed of a material having a high refractive index such as quartz containing Si (SiO 2 ) is prepared.
- a wavelength conversion substance is doped and added to the base material 534a to form a string-shaped Raman wavelength conversion unit 534.
- a method for doping the wavelength conversion substance with respect to the base material 534a a rod-in-tube method or the like can be used.
- step S304 a clad 537 arranged around the formed Raman wavelength conversion unit 534 is formed, and subsequently, in step 306, a coating layer 538 is formed around the clad 537.
- step S308 the wavelength conversion member 530 shown in FIG. 7 is manufactured.
- a step of forming a Raman wavelength conversion unit 534 by doping and adding a wavelength conversion substance to the above, and a step of forming a clad 537 arranged around the formed Raman wavelength conversion unit 534 are included.
- a method for manufacturing the wavelength conversion member 530 shown in the above can be provided.
- FIG. 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the wavelength conversion member according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
- the wavelength conversion member 630 includes a hollow light guide body 632 having a cylindrical hollow core 630a.
- the hollow light guide 632 was formed on the outer peripheral side of the Raman wavelength conversion unit 634 formed in the shape of a hollow pipe, the metal layer 637 formed on the outer peripheral side of the Raman wavelength conversion unit 634, and the outer peripheral side of the metal layer 637. It is composed of a coating layer 638.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 634 is formed in the shape of a hollow pipe, and a cylindrical hollow core 630a is formed inside the hollow pipe.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 634 includes a base material 634a and a wavelength conversion substance for doping and adding to the base material 634a.
- the base material 634a contains Si.
- the substrate 634a is made of quartz.
- the wavelength conversion substance is diffused and arranged inside the base material 634a, and a part of the diffused arrangement of the wavelength conversion substance is arranged on the base material 634a. It is arranged in combination with the contained Si.
- the wavelength conversion substance used in the Raman wavelength conversion unit 634 the same substance as the Raman wavelength conversion unit 34 can be used.
- Ag or Al can be used as the material of the metal layer 637.
- the selection of the material can be appropriately performed according to the wavelength of the light to be transmitted.
- a coating layer for covering the metal layer 637 a glass layer or the like can be appropriately used.
- the wavelength conversion member 630 according to the third embodiment can be used in place of the wavelength conversion member 530 in the laser irradiation device 510 shown in FIG. 7.
- the laser irradiation device reflects the excitation light output from the laser light generating unit included in the laser irradiation device, and the signal light emitted from the wavelength conversion member 630 based on the irradiation of the wavelength conversion member 630 with the excitation light.
- An optical filter that transmits light may be provided.
- the wavelength conversion member 630 shown in FIG. 9 has the same effect as the wavelength conversion member 30 shown in FIG.
- FIG. 10 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the wavelength conversion member according to the modified example of the third embodiment of the present invention.
- the same parts as those of the wavelength conversion member 630 shown in FIG. 9 are designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.
- the wavelength conversion member 730 includes a hollow light guide body 732 having a cylindrical hollow core 730a. It includes a metal layer 637 formed in a hollow pipe shape inside, a coating layer 638 formed on the outer peripheral side of the metal layer 637, and a Raman wavelength conversion unit 734 arranged on one end side of the hollow light guide 732. ..
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 634 may be formed on the inner surface of the metal layer 637.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 734 is formed in a lens shape.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 734 is arranged so as to be fused and joined to a portion on one end side of the hollow light guide body 732.
- the Raman wavelength conversion unit 734 includes a base material 734a and a wavelength conversion substance for doping addition to the base material 734a.
- the base material 734a contains Si.
- the substrate 734a is made of quartz.
- the wavelength conversion substance is diffused and arranged inside the base material 734a, and a part of the diffused arrangement of the wavelength conversion material is arranged on the base material 734a. It is arranged in combination with the contained Si.
- the wavelength conversion substance used in the Raman wavelength conversion unit 734 the same substance as the Raman wavelength conversion unit 34 can be used.
- the wavelength conversion member 630 shown in FIG. 10 has the same effect as the wavelength conversion member 630 shown in FIG.
- the wavelength conversion member according to the present invention, the wavelength conversion device and the laser irradiation device using the same, and the method for manufacturing the wavelength conversion member can be suitably used as, for example, a laser irradiation device used for dental treatment.
Abstract
Description
Er:YAGレーザーは、中心波長が2940nmであり、水を使用する軟組織硬組織両用のレーザーである。また、Er:YAGレーザーは、水分子を励起して水蒸気爆発させる力が強く、その能力を用いて、歯や歯肉、骨などを削るレーザーとして利用される。
また、この発明にかかる波長変換部材は、レーザー光を導波するためのコア部と、コア部の周囲に配置されるクラッドとを含むレーザー導光体と、Siを含む基材と、基材にドープ添加される波長変換物質とにより構成されるラマン波長変換部と、を備え、ラマン波長変換部は、レーザー導光体の一方端側におけるコア部に融合され、かつ、波長変換物質が拡散して配置されるとともに、拡散して配置された波長変換物質の一部がSiと結合して配置され、レーザー導光体の他方端側からレーザー光がコア部を介してラマン波長変換部に入射したとき、ラマン波長変換部において、波長変換物質に基づくラマン効果が生ずることで、レーザー光の波長とは異なる波長に波長変換されたラマン散乱光によるレーザー光が出力されることを特徴とする、波長変換部材である。
さらに、この波長変換部材は、レーザー光が導波するためのSiを含む基材と、基材にドープ添加される波長変換物質とを含み、基材にラマン効果を生ずるための波長変換物質が予めドープ添加されることで、波長変換物質が拡散して配置されるとともに、拡散して配置された波長変換物質の一部がSiと結合して配置されたラマン波長変換部と、ラマン波長変換部の周囲に配置されるクラッドと、を備え、ラマン波長変換部の他方端側からレーザー光がラマン波長変換部に入射したとき、ラマン波長変換部において、波長変換物質に基づくラマン効果が生ずることで、レーザー光の波長とは異なる波長に波長変換されたラマン散乱光によるレーザー光が出力されることを特徴とする、波長変換部材である。
この波長変換部材は、波長変換物質の平均粒径が、1nm以上500nm以下であることが好ましい。
また、この波長変換部材は、波長変換物質のドープ率が、0.1%以上30%以下であることが好ましい。
さらに、この波長変換部材は、ラマン散乱光により出力されたレーザー光の波長が、3000nm以上であることが好ましい。
また、この波長変換部材は、コア部の材料は石英であることが好ましい。
さらに、この波長変換部材は、ドープ添加される波長変換物質が、チタン酸化物であることが好ましい。
さらにまた、この波長変換部材は、チタン酸化物は、酸化チタン(TiO2)であることが好ましい。
また、この波長変換部材は、酸化チタンは、アナターゼ型であることが好ましい。
このとき、液体シリカと波長変換物質との混合物を準備する工程において、この混合物に対して、さらに、炭素が添加されることが好ましい。
また、この発明にかかる波長変換部材の製造方法は、波長変換物質がSiを含む基材に予めドープ添加されたラマン波長変換部を準備する工程と、ラマン波長変換部を、レーザー光を導波するためのコア部を含むレーザー導光体の一方端側に接合する工程と、レーザー光を照射して、ラマン波長変換部とレーザー導光体との接合部を溶融して、ラマン波長変換部に含まれる波長変換物質をレーザー導光体のコア部に拡散させる工程と、を含む、波長変換部材の製造方法である。
さらに、この発明にかかる波長変換部材の製造方法は、Siを含む石英(SiO2)などの高い屈折率を有する材料により形成された紐状の基材を準備する工程と、基材に対して波長変換物質をドープ添加してラマン波長変換部を形成する工程と、形成されたラマン波長変換部の周囲に配置されるクラッドを形成する工程と、を含む、波長変換部材の製造方法である。
本発明の第1の実施の形態に係る波長変換部材30を用いた波長変換装置20を有するレーザー照射装置10を、図面を参照しながら説明する。
第1の実施の形態にかかる波長変換部材30は、レーザー導光体32を含む。レーザー導光体32は、レーザー光を導波するためのコア部36と、コア部36の周囲に配置されるクラッド37と、クラッド37の周囲に配置される被覆層38とを備える。コア部36、クラッド37、および、被覆層38は、同心状に配置される。
なお、液体シリカと波長変換物質との混合物に炭素(あるいは、炭素化合物)が添加された混合物がドープされた場合には、ラマン波長変換部32には、シリカ系ガラスにより形成され、その内部に、波長変換物質および炭素が拡散されて配置される。
ここで、たとえば、近赤外線域に波長を広げるためには、エレクトロンのストーク現象を他の原子と影響することで励起レベルまで拡大することが理論として知られている。すなわち、ストーク現象は、2原子間の電子の相互作用により起こる現象であることから、関連原子間において、電子価と軌道上の電子数の安定までの不足数の関連により、ラマンシフトやレイリーシフトの相互影響がフォトンの共鳴現象から、ストーク現象の大きさに反映できると推定される(なお、より詳細な理論的な内容は、非特許文献1ないし非特許文献6を参照のこと。)。
また、波長変換物質は、液体シリカ中に含まれるSi結晶の構造として結合することで、ストーク現象が励起ストーク域まで拡大されるかが、波長域の拡大に影響を与える。
さらに、この酸化チタンがアナターゼ型であると、付随する原子構造が、900℃以上でルチル型に修飾される際にストーク現象を起す周囲の原子として有意であるので、より好適に使用することができる。
図4は、この発明の第1の実施の形態の変形例にかかる波長変換部材の拡大断面図である。なお、図4に示す波長変換部材130において、図3に示した波長変換部材30と同一の部分には、同一の符号を付し、その説明を省略する。
ここで、ラマン波長変換部134で使用される波長変換物質は、ラマン波長変換部34と同様の物質を使用することができる。
すなわち、別途、ラマン波長変換部134を製造したうえで、レーザー導光体132に接合する構造であるので、ラマン波長変換部134を量産することで、容易に波長変換部材130を得ることができることから、波長変換部材130の量産に好適な構造である。
波長変換装置20は、図1および図2に示すように、波長変換部材30と、ハーフミラー部40とを備える。
第1の実施の形態にかかるレーザー照射装置10は、波長変換装置20と、本体部50とを含む。
記憶部(図示せず)は、RAMやROMなどの半導体記憶装置、ハードディスクドライブなどの磁気ディスク記憶装置等を有し、本発明に係る機能を実現させるためのプログラム、データなどを記憶する。また、記憶部は、制御部54によるプログラム実行の作業エリアとしても用いられる。
また、ハーフミラー部40とレーザー光発生部52との間には、プリズム構造体を配置してもよい。このとき、このプリズム構造体は、波長変換物質がドープ添加されていることが好ましい。プリズム構造体は、レーザー光発生部52からのレーザー光を波長に応じて分散する機能を有する。
次に、第1の実施の形態にかかる波長変換部材30の製造方法について説明する。
図5は、第1の実施の形態にかかる波長変換部材の製造方法のフロー図である。
なお、チタン酸化物としては、酸化チタン(TiO2)が好ましい。酸化チタンの平均粒径は、ナノレベルとした、1nm以上500nm以下であることが好ましい。これにより、ラマン効果を効率的に生じさせるための表面積を確保することができる。
コア部36の直径が大きいほど、溶融するのに時間がかかるため長く調整される。また、時間の調整は、波長変換物質のドープ率により変化する。波長変換物質としてのチタン酸化物のドープ率は、0.1%以上30%以下であることが好ましい。
酸化チタン(TiO2)がアナターゼ型であると、付随する原子構造が900℃以上でルチル型に修飾される際にストーク現象を起す周囲の原子として有意である可能性を有する。なお、アナターゼ型にはさらにHomo、Rumoの2種類あるが、効率的にストーク現象を起すには、Rumo型が好ましい。
図6は、第1の実施の形態の変形例にかかる波長変換部材130の製造方法のフロー図である。
続いて、本発明の第2の実施の形態に係る波長変換部材を用いた波長変換装置520を有するレーザー照射装置510を、図面を参照しながら説明する。
第2の実施の形態にかかる波長変換部材530は、ラマン効果を生ずるための波長変換物質が予めドープ添加されたラマン波長変換部534と、ラマン波長変換部534の周囲に配置されるクラッド537と、クラッド537の周囲に配置される被覆層538とを備える。ラマン波長変換部534、クラッド537、および、被覆層538は、同心状に配置される。
波長変換装置520は、図7に示すように、波長変換部材530と、ハーフミラー部540とを備える。
第2の実施の形態にかかるレーザー照射装置510は、波長変換装置520と、本体部550とを含む。
記憶部(図示せず)は、RAMやROMなどの半導体記憶装置、ハードディスクドライブなどの磁気ディスク記憶装置等を有し、本発明に係る機能を実現させるためのプログラム、データなどを記憶する。また、記憶部は、制御部554によるプログラム実行の作業エリアとしても用いられる。
また、ハーフミラー部540とレーザー光発生部552との間には、プリズム構造体を配置してもよい。このとき、このプリズム構造体は、波長変換物質がドープ添加されていることが好ましい。プリズム構造体は、レーザー光発生部552からのレーザー光を波長に応じて分散する機能を有する。
次に、第2の実施の形態にかかる波長変換部材の製造方法について、説明する。
図8は、この発明の第2の実施の形態にかかる波長変換部材の製造方法を説明するためのフロー図である。
続いて、本発明の第3の実施の形態に係る波長変換部材630について説明する。
図9は、この発明の第3の実施の形態にかかる波長変換部材の拡大断面図である。
ここで、ラマン波長変換部634で使用される波長変換物質は、ラマン波長変換部34と同様の物質を使用することができる。
さらに、金属層637を被覆する被覆層は、ガラス層などを適宜に用いることができる。
この場合、レーザー照射装置は、レーザー照射装置が備えるレーザー光発生部から出力された励起光を反射するとともに波長変換部材630への励起光の照射に基づいて波長変換部材630から放射される信号光を透過する光学フィルターを備えていてもよい。
図10は、この発明の第3の実施の形態の変形例にかかる波長変換部材の拡大断面図である。なお、図10に示す波長変換部材730において、図9に示した波長変換部材630と同一の部分には、同一の符号を付し、その説明を省略する。
ここで、ラマン波長変換部734で使用される波長変換物質は、ラマン波長変換部34と同様の物質を使用することができる。
すなわち、本発明の技術的思想及び目的の範囲から逸脱することなく、以上説明した実施の形態に対し、機序、形状、材質、数量、位置又は配置等に関して、様々の変更を加えることができるものであり、それらは、本発明に含まれるものである。
20、520 波長変換装置
30、130、530、630、730 波長変換部材
630a、730a 中空なコア
32、132 レーザー導光体
632、732 中空導光体
34、134、534、634、734 ラマン波長変換部
134a、534a、634a、734a 基材
36 コア部
37、537 クラッド
637 金属層
38、538、638 被覆層
40、540 ハーフミラー部
50、550 本体部
52、552 レーザー発生部(半導体レーザー)
54、554 制御部
56、556 操作部
58、558 表示部
Claims (16)
- レーザー光を導波するためのコア部と、
前記コア部の周囲に配置されるクラッドとを含むレーザー導光体を備え、
前記レーザー導光体の一方端側における前記コア部に対して、液体シリカと波長変換物質との混合物がドープ添加されることで、前記波長変換物質が拡散して配置されるとともに、前記拡散して配置された前記波長変換物質の一部が前記液体シリカ中のSiと結合して配置されたラマン波長変換部を有し、
前記レーザー導光体の他方端側から前記レーザー光が前記コア部を介して前記ラマン波長変換部に入射したとき、前記ラマン波長変換部において、前記波長変換物質に基づくラマン効果が生ずることで、前記レーザー光の波長とは異なる波長に波長変換されたラマン散乱光によるレーザー光が出力されることを特徴とする、波長変換部材。 - レーザー光を導波するためのコア部と、前記コア部の周囲に配置されるクラッドとを含むレーザー導光体と、
Siを含む基材と、前記基材にドープ添加される波長変換物質とにより構成されるラマン波長変換部と、
を備え、
前記ラマン波長変換部は、前記レーザー導光体の一方端側における前記コア部に融合され、かつ、前記波長変換物質が拡散して配置されるとともに、前記拡散して配置された前記波長変換物質の一部が前記Siと結合して配置され、
前記レーザー導光体の他方端側から前記レーザー光が前記コア部を介して前記ラマン波長変換部に入射したとき、前記ラマン波長変換部において、前記波長変換物質に基づくラマン効果が生ずることで、前記レーザー光の波長とは異なる波長に波長変換されたラマン散乱光によるレーザー光が出力されることを特徴とする、波長変換部材。 - レーザー光が導波するためのSiを含む基材と、前記基材にドープ添加される波長変換物質とを含み、前記基材にラマン効果を生ずるための波長変換物質が予めドープ添加されることで、前記波長変換物質が拡散して配置されるとともに、前記拡散して配置された前記波長変換物質の一部が前記Siと結合して配置されたラマン波長変換部と、
前記ラマン波長変換部の周囲に配置されるクラッドと、
を備え、
前記ラマン波長変換部の他方端側から前記レーザー光が前記ラマン波長変換部に入射したとき、前記ラマン波長変換部において、前記波長変換物質に基づくラマン効果が生ずることで、前記レーザー光の波長とは異なる波長に波長変換されたラマン散乱光によるレーザー光が出力されることを特徴とする、波長変換部材。 - 前記波長変換物質の平均粒径は、1nm以上500nm以下であることを特徴とする、請求項1ないし請求項3のいずれかに記載の波長変換部材。
- 前記波長変換物質のドープ率は、0.1%以上30%以下であることを特徴とする、請求項1ないし請求項4のいずれかに記載の波長変換部材。
- 前記ラマン散乱光により出力されたレーザー光の波長は、3000nm以上であることを特徴とする、請求項1ないし請求項5のいずれかに記載の波長変換部材。
- 前記コア部の材料は石英を含む、請求項1ないし請求項6のいずれかに記載の波長変換部材。
- 前記ドープ添加される波長変換物質は、チタン酸化物であることを特徴とする、請求項1ないし請求項7のいずれかに記載の波長変換部材。
- チタン酸化物は、酸化チタン(TiO2)であることを特徴とする、請求項8のいずれかに記載の波長変換部材。
- 前記酸化チタンは、アナターゼ型であることを特徴とする、請求項9に記載の波長変換部材。
- 請求項1ないし請求項10のいずれかに記載の波長変換部材と、
前記レーザー導光体の他方端側に配置され、ラマン効果により生ずる前記レーザー光の波長とは異なる波長に波長変換された波長のレーザー光を反射する機能を有するハーフミラー部と、
を備える波長変換装置。 - 請求項11に記載の波長変換装置と、
前記波長変換部材にレーザー光を射出する半導体レーザーと、
前記半導体レーザーを制御することにより、前記ラマン波長変換部における温度を制御するための制御部と、
を備える、レーザー照射装置。 - 液体シリカと波長変換物質との混合物を準備する工程と、
前記準備された混合物に、レーザー光を導波するためのコア部が露出されたレーザー導光体の一方端側を浸漬して、前記レーザー導光体の露出された前記コア部に前記混合物を塗布する工程と、
前記混合物を塗布した部分にレーザー光を照射して、前記レーザー導光体の一方端側において露出された前記コア部の表面に塗布された前記混合物を溶融したうえで、前記混合物内で前記波長変換物質を拡散させる工程と、
さらに、前記混合物を塗布した部分にレーザー光を照射して、前記波長変換物質の溶融温度より小さい温度により前記混合物を塗布した部分を加熱することで、前記波長変換物質が拡散された状態で固定して、ラマン波長変換部を形成する工程と、
を含む、波長変換部材の製造方法。 - 前記液体シリカと波長変換物質との混合物を準備する工程において、
前記混合物に対して、さらに、炭素が添加されることを特徴とする、請求項13に記載の波長変換部材の製造方法。 - 波長変換物質がSiを含む基材に予めドープ添加されたラマン波長変換部を準備する工程と、
前記ラマン波長変換部を、レーザー光を導波するためのコア部を含むレーザー導光体の一方端側に接合する工程と、
レーザー光を照射して、前記ラマン波長変換部と前記レーザー導光体との接合部を溶融して、前記ラマン波長変換部に含まれる前記波長変換物質を前記レーザー導光体の前記コア部に拡散させる工程と、
を含む、波長変換部材の製造方法。 - Siを含む石英(SiO2)などの高い屈折率を有する材料により形成された紐状の基材を準備する工程と、
前記基材に対して波長変換物質をドープ添加してラマン波長変換部を形成する工程と、
前記形成されたラマン波長変換部の周囲に配置されるクラッドを形成する工程と、
を含む、波長変換部材の製造方法。
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