Preparation system compatible with vortex wave plate and polarization grating and switching method

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of light-operated computers, and discloses a preparation system compatible with a vortex wave plate and a polarization grating and a switching method, so as to improve the resource utilization rate and the preparation efficiency. The system sequentially comprises a front-end beam shaping device, a rear-end beam shaping device, a front-end beam shaping device, a rear-end beam shaping device and a rear-end beam shaping device in the direction of an optical axis, the polarization direction regulating and controlling device is used for regulating the polarization direction of the flat-topped uniform light spots; the linear light spot generator is used for converting the flat-topped uniform light spots into uniform linear light spots; the rear-end light beam shaping device is used for cutting the linear light spots into fan-shaped light spots and can be dynamically increased or decreased to a light path; the polarization direction regulation and control device is in data communication connection with the control host, and the control host is also in data communication connection with the laser light source and an electric driving device of the displacement table so as to realize linkage control between associated devices according to a vortex wave plate preparation mode or a polarization grating preparation mode set by a user; the displacement table is used for bearing a sample and realizing the functions of rotating, lifting and translating the sample.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of optically controlled computers, and in particular to a preparation system and a switching method for compatible vortex wave plates and polarization gratings. Background Art

[0002] Vortex wave plates and polarization gratings are commonly used components in optical devices. In the existing technology, the two components are manufactured and processed based on their own independent systems and methods, and both have the defect of low manufacturing efficiency.

[0003] At the same time, both vortex wave plates and polarization gratings can be oriented based on materials such as liquid crystal molecules, and the arrangement and polarization direction of the liquid crystal molecules show a certain regularity during the orientation process, thus laying the foundation for reusing the same preparation system for the two components. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to disclose a preparation system and switching method for compatible vortex wave plates and polarization gratings, so as to improve resource utilization and preparation efficiency.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention discloses a system for preparing a compatible vortex wave plate and polarization grating, comprising: a front-end beam shaping device, a polarization direction control device, a linear spot generator, and a back-end beam shaping device, which are located between the objective lens and the laser light source along the optical axis.

[0006] Front-end beam shaping device, used to convert Gaussian laser into flat-top uniform spot;

[0007] A polarization direction control device for adjusting the polarization direction of the flat-top uniform light spot;

[0008] A linear spot generator, used to convert a flat-top uniform spot into a uniform linear spot;

[0009] A rear-end beam shaping device that can dynamically increase or decrease is used to shear the linear light spot into a fan-shaped light spot;

[0010] The polarization direction control device establishes a data communication connection with the control host, and the control host also establishes a data communication connection with the laser light source and the electric drive device of the translation stage; the translation stage is used to carry the sample and realize the rotation, lifting and translation functions of the sample;

[0011] The control host is used to first obtain a preparation mode set by the user, wherein the preparation mode includes a vortex wave plate preparation mode and a polarization grating preparation mode that can be switched between each other. Then, in the vortex wave plate preparation mode, the control parameters for dynamically adjusting the polarization direction of the polarization direction control device, the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and final positions of the translation stage, and the rotation speed information are recorded; or in the polarization grating preparation mode, the control parameters for dynamically adjusting the polarization direction of the polarization direction control device, the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and final positions of the translation stage, and the translation direction and speed information are recorded; the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and final positions is used by the user to lock the polarization-sensitive orientation layer of the sample on the focal plane of the objective lens; after obtaining the user's ready instruction, the user is prompted to perform corresponding addition and subtraction operations on the rear-end beam shaping device from the optical path according to the current preparation mode; after obtaining the confirmation information fed back by the user, the linkage control of the translation stage, the polarization direction control device, and the laser power supply is synchronously executed according to the current user setting information; the linkage control includes instructing the laser power supply to be "off" during the interval when the translation stage is translated or rotated according to the step size, and to be "on" during the orientation process of the orientation layer.

[0012] Optionally, the polarization direction regulating device adjusts the polarization direction by rotating a 1 / 2 wave plate.

[0013] Preferably, the linear light spot generator includes, in sequence: an X-direction cylindrical lens located behind the first slit, a Y-direction cylindrical lens located behind the second slit, and a Powell prism for uniform linear light spot.

[0014] Optionally, the rear-end beam shaping device is provided with a sector-shaped mask plate with adjustable opening and closing dimensions.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention also includes a CCD and a corresponding monitoring optical path for monitoring the light spot on the sample, so that the user can determine the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions, and align the center of the fan-shaped light spot with the rotation center of the sample in the vortex wave plate preparation mode and adjust the rear-end beam shaping device.

[0016] To achieve the above object, the present invention further discloses a switching method, comprising the following steps:

[0017] Step S1, deploying the above-mentioned preparation system for compatible vortex wave plate and polarization grating;

[0018] Step S2, the control host first obtains the preparation mode set by the user, the preparation mode includes a vortex wave plate preparation mode and a polarization grating preparation mode that can be switched with each other, and then in the vortex wave plate preparation mode, the control parameters for the polarization direction of the polarization direction control device to dynamically adjust the polarization direction, the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions of the displacement stage, and the rotation speed information are recorded; or in the polarization grating preparation mode, the control parameters for the polarization direction of the polarization direction control device to dynamically adjust the polarization direction, the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions of the displacement stage, and the translation direction and speed information are recorded; the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions The user is allowed to lock the polarization-sensitive orientation layer of the sample on the focal plane of the objective lens; after obtaining the user's ready instruction, the user is prompted to perform corresponding addition and subtraction operations on the rear-end beam shaping device in the optical path according to the current preparation mode; after obtaining the confirmation information fed back by the user, the linkage control of the translation stage, the polarization direction control device and the laser power supply is synchronously performed according to the current user setting information; the linkage control includes instructing the laser power supply to perform a "turn off" operation in the gap between the translation or rotation of the translation stage according to the step length, and to perform a "turn on" operation during the orientation process of the orientation layer.

[0019] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0020] 1. The same optical path system can match the preparation requirements of two components, vortex wave plates and polarization gratings, based on the dynamic increase or decrease of the back-end beam shaping device in the optical path.

[0021] 2. At the control software level, the switchable vortex wave plate and polarization grating preparation modes allow the control console to easily and flexibly meet user needs. For example, by aligning the edge of the line spot with the center of rotation of the sample rotation stage and controlling the relative rotation speed between the sample and the polarization rotator, vortex wave plates of varying orders can be produced. Alternatively, by placing the sample on a translation stage and controlling the stage's translational speed and polarization rotation speed, polarization gratings of varying periods can be produced.

[0022] 3. After receiving the user's ready instruction, the control host prompts the user to make corresponding additions and subtractions to the back-end beam shaping device in the optical path according to the current preparation mode. After receiving confirmation information from the user, the control host synchronously executes the linkage control of the translation stage, polarization direction control device and laser power supply according to the current user setting information, effectively avoiding misoperation.

[0023] The present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of this application, are intended to provide a further understanding of the present invention. The exemplary embodiments of the present invention and their descriptions are intended to explain the present invention and do not constitute an undue limitation of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings:

[0025] Figure 1 It is a framework diagram of a system for preparing a compatible vortex wave plate and a polarization grating disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different ways as defined and covered by the claims.

[0027] Example 1

[0028] This embodiment discloses a preparation system for a compatible vortex wave plate and a polarization grating, which can be regarded as a polarization-adjustable uniform line spot exposure system. Figure 1 As shown, it includes: 1. laser light source; 2. front-end beam shaping device; 3. polarization direction control device; 4. linear spot generator 4; 5. back-end beam shaping device 5; 6. control host; 7. translation stage; 8. sample; 9. reflector.

[0029] Reference Figure 1 The system of this embodiment includes, along the optical axis direction, a front-end beam shaping device, a polarization direction control device, a linear spot generator and a rear-end beam shaping device located between the objective lens and the laser light source.

[0030] Among them, the front-end beam shaping device is used to convert the Gaussian laser (usually circular) into a flat-top uniform light spot (preferably square, to facilitate subsequent corresponding processing by the cylindrical lens), the polarization direction control device is used to adjust the polarization direction of the flat-top uniform light spot, and the linear light spot generator is used to convert the flat-top uniform light spot into a uniform linear light spot; and the back-end beam shaping device is a component that can be dynamically added or removed to the optical path according to the preparation mode, which is used to shear the linear light spot into a fan-shaped light spot.

[0031] Optionally, the polarization control device adjusts the polarization direction by rotating a half-wave plate. The linear spot generator may include, in sequence: an X-direction cylindrical lens located after the first slit, a Y-direction cylindrical lens located after the second slit, and a Powell prism for uniform linear spot formation. The rear-end beam shaping device includes a sector mask with adjustable opening and closing dimensions. The X-direction cylindrical lens and the Y-direction cylindrical lens are used to diverge the light in the X and Y directions, respectively, to form a linear spot. The slit is typically formed by two parallel knife edges, and its width can be fine-tuned to the micron level. When precision requirements are less stringent, it can be replaced by an aperture.

[0032] In this embodiment, the polarization direction control device establishes a data communication connection with the control host, and the control host also establishes a data communication connection with the laser light source and the electric drive device of the translation stage; the translation stage is used to carry the sample and realize the rotation, lifting and translation functions of the sample.

[0033] The control host is used to first obtain the preparation mode set by the user. The preparation modes include a vortex wave plate preparation mode and a polarization grating preparation mode that can be switched between each other. Then, in the vortex wave plate preparation mode, the control parameters for dynamically adjusting the polarization direction of the polarization direction control device, the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and final positions of the translation stage, and the rotation speed information are recorded; or in the polarization grating preparation mode, the control parameters for dynamically adjusting the polarization direction of the polarization direction control device, the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and final positions of the translation stage, and the translation direction and speed information are recorded. The three-axis coordinate information of the initial and final positions is used by the user to lock the polarization-sensitive orientation layer of the sample on the focal plane of the objective lens. After obtaining the user's ready instruction, the user is prompted to perform corresponding additions and subtractions on the rear-end beam shaping device from the optical path according to the current preparation mode. After obtaining confirmation information from the user, the translation stage, polarization direction control device, and laser power supply are synchronously controlled according to the current user setting information. The linked control includes instructing the laser power supply to be "off" during the intervals between the translation or rotation of the translation stage according to the step size, and to be "on" during the orientation process of the orientation layer.

[0034] Furthermore, this embodiment also includes a CCD and a corresponding monitoring optical path for monitoring the light spot on the sample, so that the user can determine the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions, and align the center of the fan-shaped light spot with the rotation center of the sample in the vortex wave plate preparation mode and adjust the rear-end beam shaping device.

[0035] During operation, the system of this embodiment places the sample below the optical path and uses a translation stage to adjust the sample's position until the linear spot on the sample surface is at its thinnest, which is the focal position of the linear spot. A polarization-sensitive orientation layer is spin-coated on the sample. By interlocking the polarization control device with the sample-carrying translation stage and the laser light source, different geometric phase devices can be produced: 1. Vortex wave plates: Vortex wave plates of varying orders can be obtained by aligning the edge of the linear spot with the rotation center of the sample rotation stage and controlling the relative rotation speed between the sample and the polarization rotation device; 2. Polarization gratings: Polarization gratings of varying periods can be obtained by placing the sample on the translation stage and controlling the stage's translational motion speed and polarization rotation speed.

[0036] Example 2

[0037] This embodiment discloses a switching method applied to the system described in the above embodiment, including the following steps:

[0038] Step S1: deploying the above-mentioned preparation system for compatible vortex wave plates and polarization gratings.

[0039] Step S2, the control host first obtains the preparation mode set by the user, the preparation mode includes a vortex wave plate preparation mode and a polarization grating preparation mode that can be switched with each other, and then in the vortex wave plate preparation mode, the control parameters for the polarization direction of the polarization direction control device to dynamically adjust the polarization direction, the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions of the displacement stage, and the rotation speed information are recorded; or in the polarization grating preparation mode, the control parameters for the polarization direction of the polarization direction control device to dynamically adjust the polarization direction, the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions of the displacement stage, and the translation direction and speed information are recorded; the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions The user is allowed to lock the polarization-sensitive orientation layer of the sample on the focal plane of the objective lens; after obtaining the user's ready instruction, the user is prompted to perform corresponding addition and subtraction operations on the rear-end beam shaping device in the optical path according to the current preparation mode; after obtaining the confirmation information fed back by the user, the linkage control of the translation stage, the polarization direction control device and the laser power supply is synchronously performed according to the current user setting information; the linkage control includes instructing the laser power supply to perform a "turn off" operation in the gap between the translation or rotation of the translation stage according to the step length, and to perform a "turn on" operation during the orientation process of the orientation layer.

[0040] Similarly, the method of this embodiment may further include: deploying a CCD and a corresponding monitoring optical path to monitor the light spot on the sample, so that the user can determine the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions, and aligning the center of the fan-shaped light spot with the rotation center of the sample in the vortex wave plate preparation mode and adjusting the rear-end beam shaping device.

[0041] In summary, the system for preparing a compatible vortex wave plate and a polarization grating and the switching method thereof disclosed in this embodiment have at least the following beneficial effects:

[0042] 1. The same optical path system can match the preparation requirements of two components, vortex wave plates and polarization gratings, based on the dynamic increase or decrease of the back-end beam shaping device in the optical path.

[0043] 2. At the control software level, the switchable vortex wave plate and polarization grating preparation modes allow the control console to easily and flexibly meet user needs. For example, by aligning the edge of the line spot with the center of rotation of the sample rotation stage and controlling the relative rotation speed between the sample and the polarization rotator, vortex wave plates of varying orders can be produced. Alternatively, by placing the sample on a translation stage and controlling the stage's translational speed and polarization rotation speed, polarization gratings of varying periods can be produced.

[0044] 3. After receiving the user's ready instruction, the control host prompts the user to make corresponding additions and subtractions to the back-end beam shaping device in the optical path according to the current preparation mode. After receiving confirmation information from the user, the control host synchronously executes the linkage control of the translation stage, polarization direction control device and laser power supply according to the current user setting information, effectively avoiding misoperation.

[0045] The foregoing description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various modifications and variations of the present invention are possible. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention are intended to be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A preparation system for compatible vortex wave plates and polarization gratings, characterized in that: Along the optical axis, it includes the front-end beam shaping device, polarization direction control device, linear spot generator and back-end beam shaping device located between the objective lens and the laser light source: Front-end beam shaping device, used to convert Gaussian laser into flat-top uniform spot; A polarization direction control device for adjusting the polarization direction of the flat-top uniform light spot; A linear spot generator, used to convert a flat-top uniform spot into a uniform linear spot; A rear-end beam shaping device that can dynamically increase or decrease is used to shear the linear light spot into a fan-shaped light spot; The polarization direction control device establishes a data communication connection with the control host, and the control host also establishes a data communication connection with the laser light source and the electric drive device of the translation stage; the translation stage is used to carry the sample and realize the rotation, lifting and translation functions of the sample; The control host is configured to first obtain a preparation mode set by a user, the preparation modes including a vortex wave plate preparation mode and a polarization grating preparation mode that can be switched between each other. Then, in the vortex wave plate preparation mode, the control parameters for dynamically adjusting the polarization direction of the polarization direction control device, the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and final positions of the translation stage, and the rotation speed information are recorded; or in the polarization grating preparation mode, the control parameters for dynamically adjusting the polarization direction of the polarization direction control device, the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and final positions of the translation stage, and the translation direction and speed information are recorded; the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and final positions is used by the user to lock the polarization-sensitive alignment layer of the sample on the focal plane of the objective lens; after obtaining the user's ready instruction, the control host prompts the user to perform corresponding addition and subtraction operations on the rear-end beam shaping device from the optical path according to the current preparation mode; after obtaining confirmation information fed back by the user, the control host synchronously executes the linkage control of the translation stage, the polarization direction control device, and the laser power supply according to the current user setting information; the linkage control includes instructing the laser power supply to be "off" during the intervals when the translation stage is translated or rotated according to the step size, and to be "on" during the alignment process of the alignment layer.

2. The system for preparing a compatible vortex wave plate and a polarization grating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The polarization direction regulating device regulates the polarization direction by rotating a half wave plate.

3. The system for preparing a compatible vortex wave plate and a polarization grating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The linear spot generator includes in sequence: an X-direction cylindrical lens located behind the first slit, a Y-direction cylindrical lens located behind the second slit, and a Powell prism for uniform linear spot.

4. The system for preparing a compatible vortex wave plate and a polarization grating according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rear-end beam shaping device is provided with a fan-shaped mask plate with adjustable opening and closing size.

5. The system for preparing a compatible vortex wave plate and a polarization grating according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: It also includes a CCD and corresponding monitoring optical path for monitoring the light spot on the sample, allowing users to determine the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions, and align the center of the fan-shaped light spot with the rotation center of the sample in the vortex wave plate preparation mode and adjust the rear-end beam shaping device.

6. A switching method, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: Step S1, deploying a preparation system for a compatible vortex wave plate and a polarization grating as described in any one of claims 1 to 5; Step S2, the control host first obtains the preparation mode set by the user, the preparation mode includes a vortex wave plate preparation mode and a polarization grating preparation mode that can be switched with each other, and then in the vortex wave plate preparation mode, the control parameters for the polarization direction of the polarization direction control device to dynamically adjust the polarization direction, the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions of the displacement stage, and the rotation speed information are recorded; or in the polarization grating preparation mode, the control parameters for the polarization direction of the polarization direction control device to dynamically adjust the polarization direction, the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions of the displacement stage, and the translation direction and speed information are recorded; the three-axis coordinate information of the initial and end positions The user is allowed to lock the polarization-sensitive orientation layer of the sample on the focal plane of the objective lens; after obtaining the user's ready instruction, the user is prompted to perform corresponding addition and subtraction operations on the rear-end beam shaping device in the optical path according to the current preparation mode; after obtaining the confirmation information fed back by the user, the linkage control of the translation stage, the polarization direction control device and the laser power supply is synchronously performed according to the current user setting information; the linkage control includes instructing the laser power supply to perform a "turn off" operation in the gap between the translation or rotation of the translation stage according to the step length, and to perform a "turn on" operation during the orientation process of the orientation layer.

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