Methods and apparatus pertaining to the use and generation of broadband light

摘要

A broadband light source (e.g., an optical supercontinuum apparatus), can comprise a pump laser; a non-linear optical element configured for generating spectrally broadened light generated responsive to receiving pump laser pulses and one or more non-linear processes; an optical output for delivering spectrally broadened light to a target; a length of optical waveguide optically upstream of the output and in optical communication therewith; and a sensor apparatus. The length of optical waveguide can comprise at least a first waveguiding region configured for propagating spectrally broadened light in a forward direction toward the output and can be further configured for receiving backward propagating light responsive to the forward propagating light. The sensor apparatus can be configured for optical communication with the length of optical waveguide so as to sense the backward propagating light propagated by the length of optical waveguide. Methods for operating and using such broadband light source are disclosed, as are applications of the methods and apparatus.

主权项

1. Optical supercontinuum apparatus, comprising:
a pump laser for providing pump pulses; a non-linear optical element in optical communication with the pump laser, the non-linear optical element configured for generating spectrally broadened light responsive to the pump pulses and one or more non-linear processes, said non-linear optical element comprising a length of optical waveguide; an optical output for delivering spectrally broadened light to a target; said length of optical waveguide optically upstream of said output and in optical communication therewith, said length of optical waveguide comprising at least a first waveguiding region, said first waveguiding region configured for propagating the spectrally broadened light in a forward direction, the forward direction being toward said output; said length of optical waveguide further configured for receiving backward propagating light responsive to the spectrally broadened forward propagating light, “backward” meaning being in a direction opposite to said forward propagating light; and sensor apparatus configured for optical communication with said length of optical waveguide so as to sense the backward propagating light propagated by said length of optical waveguide.