Apparatus and method for generating light in the near ultraviolet to infrared range
AssigneeConoco Inc.
InventorJohn S. Gergely
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A source of linearly polarized light having a wavelength range of about 550 to 1100 nanometers provides light into one end of an optical fiber. A nonlinear crystal of the type that mixes the frequency of light passing therethrough is positioned adjacent the other end of the fiber. The fiber transmits light from the source to the crystal which increases its frequency up to 100%, dependent upon crystal selection providing light in the 250-550 nanometer wavelength range. Adjusting the radial orientation of the crystal with respect to the fiber optimizes conversion of light to the 250-550 nanometer range. Such light is shined into organic dye which emits fluorescent light in the range of about 400 to 1000 nanometers dependent upon the type of dye selected.
Claims9
Apparatus for generating light of selected wavelength in the near ultraviolet to infrared wavelength range comprising:
- a light source of linearly polarized light having a wavelength range of about 550-1100 nanometers;
- a non-linear crystal;
- an optical fiber having one end positioned adjacent said light source to permit transmission of said light within said fiber and the other end positioned adjacent said crystal to beam such transmitted light therethrough;
- a dye cell positioned adjacent said crystal intercepting light therefrom, said cell including organic dye having an absorption spectrum in the ultraviolet range and a fluorescence emission spectrum in the near ultraviolet to infrared range;
- and
- optical output means for passing only selected bandwidths of fluorescent light emitted from said dye cell.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.