An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the posture of a laser cavity mirror

Abstract

The application discloses an adjusting mechanism for adjusting the posture of a laser cavity mirror, which is installed on a spacer of a laser device, and comprises a shell, a cavity mirror, a cavity mirror holder and a plurality of fine-threaded screw pairs. The shell comprises a shell front part and a shell rear part, the cavity mirror is arranged in the shell front part, the cavity mirror holder is arranged in the shell front part, the cavity mirror holder is provided with a light outlet, the shell rear part is provided with the plurality of fine-threaded screw pairs, the light outlet is located at the center of the shell rear part and the cavity mirror holder and passes through the shell front part to connect the cavity mirror, the cavity mirror is located at the center of the shell front part and is fixed on the cavity mirror holder, an elastic pad is arranged between the cavity mirror holder and the shell, and a screw pair pad is arranged between the screw rod of each fine-threaded screw pair and the cavity mirror holder. The adjusting mechanism can realize the adjustment of the swing and pitch postures of the cavity mirror by adjusting the extension and retraction of the screw rods of the plurality of fine-threaded screw pairs, and pushing the cavity mirror holder to compress the elastic pad.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of optical path adjustment technology, and more specifically to an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror. Background Technology

[0002] To ensure the stability and reliability of laser operation, the orientation of the laser cavity mirror needs to be adjusted. For example, an iodine-stabilized laser is a low-power frequency-stabilized laser that requires precise control of its cavity length. It is generally used as a national length reference device and requires very high stability and reliability. Figure 1 As shown, an iodine-stabilized laser generally consists of a gain tube, an iodine absorption chamber, two cavity mirrors, a piezoelectric ceramic, and a spacer. The spacer supports all components. To minimize the impact of ambient temperature on the cavity length, the spacer must be made of a material with low thermal expansion. One cavity mirror is fixed to the piezoelectric ceramic. The piezoelectric ceramic controls and adjusts the laser cavity length in real time by elongating or shortening, thereby maintaining the laser's frequency stability. Iodine-stabilized lasers have two resonant cavity structures: a fully external cavity and a semi-internal cavity. A fully external cavity structure means that both cavity mirrors are separated from the gain tube, such as... Figure 1 As shown. A semi-cavity structure refers to a resonant cavity where one cavity mirror is fixedly connected to the gain tube and cannot be adjusted, while the other cavity mirror is separate from the gain tube, such as... Figure 2 As shown.

[0003] Currently, there are two methods for connecting the endoscope to the spacer. One is by adhesive bonding, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. That is, the cavity mirror's orientation is adjusted during laser assembly, and then, while maintaining the cavity mirror's orientation, it is fixed to the spacer with adhesive. Another method is as follows: Figure 3-4 The commercial optical adjustment frame shown connects the cavity mirror to the spacer. Figure 1 and Figure 2 Not shown in the diagram. The optical adjustment frame is fixed to the spacer, and the cavity mirror is fixed to the optical adjustment frame. The left-right swing and up-down pitch of the cavity mirror are adjusted by adjusting the screws on the optical adjustment frame.

[0004] However, adhesive bonding has the following drawbacks:

[0005] (1) The process precision required for laser assembly is very high, which is very difficult to achieve.

[0006] (2) High performance requirements are placed on the adhesive. It must not age or deform at high temperatures for a long time.

[0007] (3) The cavity mirror posture is fixed after bonding and cannot be adjusted. Once the laser is assembled, the posture of the cavity mirror can no longer be adjusted. After long-term use, the deformation of the spacer and gain tube due to heat and uneven stress, and the strain of the piezoelectric ceramic due to aging cannot be compensated by adjusting the cavity mirror posture, resulting in cavity deformation and continuous decrease in laser power.

[0008] The optical adjustment bracket fixing method has the following drawbacks:

[0009] (1) Poor stability of the optical adjustment frame. The optical adjustment frame uses the tension of springs and the thrust of screws to adjust the posture of the cavity mirror. Its structure is relatively complex, so its mechanical stability is poor.

[0010] (2) Spring creep in the optical adjustment frame also causes slow changes in the position and orientation of the laser cavity mirror, resulting in deformation of the laser resonator, leading to a gradual decrease in laser power, or even complete detuning and no light emission. Periodic adjustment of the cavity mirror is necessary. This places high technical demands on laser users and maintenance personnel.

[0011] (3) The main function of commercial optical adjustment frame is to precisely adjust the posture of the endoscope. The property of fixing the endoscope is relatively weak. Generally, a screw is used to hold the lens from the side. This fixing method has poor mechanical reliability. Summary of the Invention

[0012] To address the shortcomings of existing technologies, this invention provides an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror. This mechanism has a simple structure, low material requirements, low cost, and high mechanical stability and reliability.

[0013] This invention provides an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror. The adjustment mechanism is installed on a spacer of the laser and includes: a housing, the housing having a front part and a rear part, the front part of the housing having a cavity mirror and a cavity mirror support, the cavity mirror support having a light outlet, the rear part of the housing having multiple fine-threaded pairs, the light outlet being located at the center of the rear part of the housing and the cavity mirror support and passing through the front part of the housing to connect to the cavity mirror, the cavity mirror being located at the center of the front part of the housing and fixed on the cavity mirror support, an elastic pad being installed between the cavity mirror support and the housing, and a threaded pair pad being installed between the screw of each fine-threaded pair and the cavity mirror support;

[0014] By adjusting the extension and retraction of the screws of the multiple fine-threaded pairs, the endoscope support is pushed to press against the elastic pad, thereby adjusting the swing and pitch posture of the endoscope.

[0015] Preferably, the housing is further provided with a through hole for fixing the adjustment mechanism to the spacer of the laser.

[0016] Preferably, the outer casing is further provided with countersunk holes and threaded holes for connecting the front part of the outer casing and the rear part of the outer casing.

[0017] Preferably, the adjustment mechanism is integrally mounted on the spacer of the laser, and the shape of the housing of the adjustment mechanism is flexibly designed according to the structure and shape of the spacer of the laser.

[0018] Preferably, the front part of the outer shell is bowl-shaped and the rear part of the outer shell is flat, or the front part of the outer shell is flat and the rear part of the outer shell is bowl-shaped, or both the front and rear parts of the outer shell are bowl-shaped.

[0019] Preferably, the outer shell of the adjusting mechanism is cylindrical or cubic; the outer shell of the adjusting mechanism is cylindrical, the spacer is cylindrical, and a plurality of screws are provided along the circumference of the outer shell of the adjusting mechanism for fixing the front part and the rear part of the outer shell, and for fixing the adjusting mechanism to one end of the spacer.

[0020] Preferably, the outer shell is made of aluminum alloy or a rigid material; the elastic pad is annular or divided into several pieces, all distributed between the endoscope holder and the outer shell, and is made of an elastic rigid material; the endoscope holder is annular or cubic in shape and is made of a rigid material.

[0021] Preferably, the plurality of fine thread pairs are centrally symmetrically distributed in a circular shape or in an angular shape; the number of the plurality of thread pairs is set to three, which are arranged at a 120° angle to each other on the rear part of the housing.

[0022] Preferably, the laser is an iodine-stabilized laser.

[0023] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0024] 1. This invention uses an elastic pad instead of a spring in the prior art as the elastic component in the adjustment mechanism, enabling the adjustment device to be adjusted and maintain its posture. Both the elastic pad and the threaded pair apply pressure to the endoscope holder, resulting in better mechanical stability. After the endoscope's posture is adjusted, the elastic pad can be compressed to the maximum extent. The bidirectional compression fixing method makes the mechanical performance more stable and avoids the effects of long-term creep caused by the spring.

[0025] 2. This invention has a simple structure, low requirements for material properties, low manufacturing cost, and high mechanical stability and reliability. It can be used for adjusting and fixing the cavity mirror of an iodine-stabilized laser, reducing the assembly difficulty of the iodine-stabilized laser. This mechanism can also be used for adjusting and fixing the cavity mirrors of other types of lasers. Attached Figure Description

[0026] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the iodine frequency-stabilized laser (all external cavity structure) provided by the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the iodine frequency-stabilized laser (semi-internal cavity structure) provided by the present invention;

[0028] Figure 3 A physical image of the commercial optical adjustment frame provided by this invention;

[0029] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the commercial optical adjustment frame provided by the present invention;

[0030] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror, provided by the present invention.

[0031] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of another adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror provided by the present invention (left view of right cross section);

[0032] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of another adjustment mechanism (left cross-section, right perspective) for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror provided by the present invention;

[0033] Figure 8 A physical diagram of the adjustment mechanism installed on the cylindrical spacer provided by the present invention;

[0034] The component numbers and their designations in the attached diagram are as follows:

[0035] Figure 1 In the diagram, 1-1, the first cavity mirror of the iodine-stabilized laser (all external cavity structure); 1-2, the gain tube of the iodine-stabilized laser (all external cavity structure); 1-3, the spacer of the iodine-stabilized laser (all external cavity structure); 1-4, the iodine absorption chamber of the iodine-stabilized laser (all external cavity structure); 1-5, the second cavity mirror of the iodine-stabilized laser (all external cavity structure); 1-6, the piezoelectric ceramic of the iodine-stabilized laser (all external cavity structure);

[0036] Figure 2 In the diagram, 2-1, the first cavity mirror of the iodine-stabilized laser (semi-cavity structure); 2-2, the gain tube of the iodine-stabilized laser (semi-cavity structure); 2-3, the spacer of the iodine-stabilized laser (semi-cavity structure); 2-4, the iodine absorption chamber of the iodine-stabilized laser (semi-cavity structure); 2-5, the second cavity mirror of the iodine-stabilized laser (semi-cavity structure); 2-6, the piezoelectric ceramic of the iodine-stabilized laser (semi-cavity structure).

[0037] Figure 5-8In the middle, 1. endoscope; 2. endoscope support; 3. elastic pad; 4. front part of the outer shell; 5. rear part of the outer shell; 6. fine thread pair; 7. thread pair pad; 8. spacer; 9. light outlet hole; 10. through hole; 11. countersunk hole; 12. threaded hole. Detailed Implementation

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0039] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] like Figure 5-8 As shown, the present invention provides an adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror. The adjustment mechanism is installed on the spacer 8 of the laser and includes: a housing, the housing including a front part 4 and a rear part 5. The front part 4 is provided with a cavity mirror 1 and a cavity mirror support 2. The cavity mirror support is provided with a light outlet 9. The rear part 5 is provided with multiple fine thread pairs 6. The light outlet 9 is located at the center of the rear part 5 and the cavity mirror support 2 and passes through the front part 4 to connect to the cavity mirror 1. The cavity mirror 1 is located at the center of the front part 4 and fixed on the cavity mirror support 2. An elastic pad 3 is installed between the cavity mirror support 2 and the housing. A threaded pad block 7 is installed between the screw of each fine thread pair 6 and the cavity mirror support 2. By adjusting the extension and retraction of the screws of the multiple fine thread pairs 6, the cavity mirror support 2 is pushed to press the elastic pad 3, thereby realizing the adjustment of the oscillation and pitch attitude of the cavity mirror.

[0041] In this embodiment of the invention, the outer shell is also provided with a through hole 10 for fixing the adjustment mechanism to the spacer 8 of the laser.

[0042] In this embodiment of the invention, the outer shell is also provided with a countersunk hole 11 and a threaded hole 12 for connecting the front part 4 and the rear part 5 of the outer shell.

[0043] In this embodiment of the invention, the adjustment mechanism is installed on the spacer 8 of the laser, and the shape of the housing of the adjustment mechanism is flexibly designed according to the structure and shape of the spacer 8 of the laser.

[0044] In this embodiment of the invention, the front part 4 of the outer shell is bowl-shaped and the rear part 5 of the outer shell is flat, or the front part 4 of the outer shell is flat and the rear part 5 of the outer shell is bowl-shaped, or both the front part 4 and the rear part 5 of the outer shell are bowl-shaped.

[0045] In this embodiment of the invention, the outer shell of the adjusting mechanism is cylindrical or cubic.

[0046] like Figure 6-7 As shown, the outer shell of the adjusting mechanism is cylindrical, the spacer 8 is cylindrical, and several screws are provided along the circumference of the outer shell of the adjusting mechanism for fixing the front part 4 and the rear part 5 of the outer shell, and for fixing the adjusting mechanism to one end of the spacer 8.

[0047] In this embodiment of the invention, the outer shell is made of aluminum alloy or hard material, such as microcrystalline glass or metal; the elastic pad 3 is annular or divided into several pieces, all distributed between the endoscope holder 2 and the outer shell, and is made of elastic hard material, such as silicone rubber or vacuum rubber; the endoscope holder 2 is annular or cubic in shape and is made of hard material, such as aluminum alloy, glass or microcrystalline glass.

[0048] In this embodiment of the invention, the plurality of fine-pitch thread pairs 6 are centrally symmetrically distributed in a circular or angular arrangement; the number of the plurality of fine-pitch thread pairs 6 is set to three, arranged at a 120° angle to each other on the rear part of the housing. Precision thread pairs are used.

[0049] In this embodiment of the invention, the laser is an iodine-stabilized laser. This invention can be used for adjusting the cavity mirror attitude of an iodine-stabilized He-Ne laser, and also for adjusting the cavity mirrors of other lasers.

[0050] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are:

[0051] 1. This invention uses an elastic pad instead of a spring in the prior art as the elastic component in the adjustment mechanism, enabling the adjustment device to be adjusted and maintain its posture. Both the elastic pad and the threaded pair apply pressure to the endoscope holder, resulting in better mechanical stability. After the endoscope's posture is adjusted, the elastic pad can be compressed to the maximum extent. The bidirectional compression fixing method makes the mechanical performance more stable and avoids the effects of long-term creep caused by the spring.

[0052] 2. This invention has a simple structure, low requirements for material properties, low manufacturing cost, and high mechanical stability and reliability. It can be used for adjusting and fixing the cavity mirror of an iodine-stabilized laser, reducing the assembly difficulty of the iodine-stabilized laser. This mechanism can also be used for adjusting and fixing the cavity mirrors of other types of lasers.

[0053] 3. The adjustment mechanism of the present invention can be installed as a whole on the spacer of the laser. The shape of the housing of the adjustment mechanism can be flexibly designed according to the structure and shape of the spacer of the laser, and can adapt to spacers of various structures and shapes.

[0054] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Various modifications and variations can be made to the present invention by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism is installed on the spacer of the laser (8). The adjustment mechanism includes: a housing, which includes a front part (4) and a rear part (5). The front part (4) is provided with a cavity mirror (1) and a cavity mirror support (2). The cavity mirror support is provided with a light outlet (9). The rear part (5) is provided with multiple fine thread pairs (6). The number of the multiple fine thread pairs (6) is set to three, which are arranged at a 120° angle to each other on the rear part of the housing. The light outlet (9) is located at the center of the rear part (5) and the cavity mirror support (2) and passes through the front part (4) to connect to the cavity mirror (1). The cavity mirror (1) is located at the center of the front part (4) and fixed on the cavity mirror support (2). An elastic pad (3) is installed between the cavity mirror support (2) and the housing. A threaded pad (7) is installed between the screw of each fine thread pair (6) and the cavity mirror support (2). By adjusting the extension and retraction of the screws of the multiple fine-threaded pairs (6), the endoscope support (2) is pushed to press against the elastic pad (3), thereby adjusting the swing and pitch posture of the endoscope.

2. The adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing is also provided with a through hole (10) for fixing the adjustment mechanism on the spacer (8) of the laser.

3. The adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer casing is also provided with countersunk holes (11) and threaded holes (12) for connecting the front part (4) and the rear part (5) of the outer casing.

4. The adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism is installed on the spacer (8) of the laser, and the shape of the housing of the adjustment mechanism is flexibly designed according to the structure and shape of the spacer (8) of the laser.

5. The adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror according to claim 1, characterized in that, The front part (4) of the outer shell is bowl-shaped and the rear part (5) of the outer shell is flat, or the front part (4) of the outer shell is flat and the rear part (5) of the outer shell is bowl-shaped, or both the front part (4) and the rear part (5) of the outer shell are bowl-shaped.

6. The adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror according to claim 5, characterized in that, The outer shell of the adjustment mechanism is cylindrical or cubic; the outer shell of the adjustment mechanism is cylindrical, the spacer is cylindrical, and a number of screws are provided along the circumference of the outer shell of the adjustment mechanism for fixing the front part (4) and the rear part (5) of the outer shell, and for fixing the adjustment mechanism on the spacer (8).

7. The adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell is made of aluminum alloy or hard material; the elastic pad (3) is circular or divided into several pieces, all distributed between the endoscope holder (2) and the outer shell, and is made of elastic hard material; the endoscope holder (2) is circular or cubic in shape and is made of hard material.

8. The adjustment mechanism for adjusting the attitude of a laser cavity mirror according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, The laser is an iodine frequency-stabilized laser.

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