Laser light source apparatus and temperature control method of wavelength conversion element in laser light source apparatus

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to make it possible to output stable light by optimizing the wavelength conversion efficiency in a wavelength conversion element without employing an optical detection device such as a photo diode in a laser light source device. A fundamental light wave emitted from a semiconductor laser () is wavelength converted by a wavelength conversion element () and is emitted therefrom. A lighting circuit () supplies electric power for the aforementioned semiconductor laser () to turn on the semiconductor laser (). A control unit () controls the operation of the device while controlling the amount of power supplied to a heater means () such that the wavelength conversion element () reaches a temperature at which optimum wavelength conversion efficiency is acquired. The temperature detected by a temperature detection means (Th) is input to the control unit (), and the control unit () defines the temperature of the wavelength conversion element () at which the maximum amount of power is supplied to the heater means () as a set temperature at which the optimum wavelength conversion efficiency is acquired, and performs feedback control of the temperature of the wavelength conversion element () so that the temperature of the wavelength conversion element () reaches the aforementioned set temperature by controlling the amount of heat supplied from the heater means ().