Light source characteristic modulation device

Abstract

The invention discloses a light source characteristic modulation device which can flexibly modulate light beam characteristics of a light source and achieve efficient transmission. The device comprises a light source module, a collimation module, a modulation module, a focusing coupling module, a driving control module and a shading module. After a light beam emitted by the light source is converted into parallel light through the collimation module, modulation of wavelength, light intensity, polarization and a light passing area is realized by the modulation module through elements such as the electric switching filter and the attenuation sheet. The focusing coupling module couples the modulated light beam into the optical fiber bundle, free transmission in the long-distance low-loss complex space environment is achieved, and the outlet end of the optical fiber bundle can be matched with a standard interface. And the driving control module realizes automatic adjustment and switching of each module. The shading module is of a closed structure and can prevent light from overflowing. The device adopts a modular design, the modulation function can be expanded, and the device is suitable for various optical application scenes.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of light source modulation technology, and specifically relates to a light source characteristic modulation device. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of optical technology, the demand for precise control of light source characteristics is increasing in fields such as space exploration, airborne remote sensing, military reconnaissance, and integrated circuit testing. In broadband optical systems, the operating wavelength may cover the ultraviolet to infrared range, but practical applications often require selective modulation of specific sub-bands (such as ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared). Traditional light source modulation methods typically use fixed optical elements, making it difficult to achieve rapid switching and multi-parameter coordinated control, thus limiting the system's flexibility and efficiency.

[0003] Furthermore, in precision applications such as integrated circuit measurement, the increased numerical aperture of the optical system leads to changes in the incident angle of light, resulting in significant differences in optical transmittance for different polarization states. Therefore, dynamic modulation of the polarization characteristics of the light source is required. Traditional polarization modulation schemes rely on manual adjustment or single-function devices, which are insufficient to meet the high-precision and high-efficiency engineering requirements.

[0004] In beam transmission, traditional methods rely on mirrors to change the direction of the light path, which is only suitable for straight-line propagation scenarios. For transmission requirements with limited space or curved paths, mirror solutions have limitations. Although fiber optic transmission technology can achieve free beam transmission, existing systems still have room for optimization in terms of coupling efficiency, multi-channel switching, and energy loss.

[0005] Current light source modulation devices are mostly discrete designs with limited functionality, making it difficult to simultaneously meet the modulation requirements of multiple characteristics such as wavelength selection, light intensity attenuation, polarization modulation, and beam shaping. Furthermore, they lack modular expansion capabilities, failing to adapt to complex and ever-changing practical needs. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an integrated, automated, scalable, and repeatable light source characteristic modulation device to solve the aforementioned technical problems and meet the high-performance requirements of modern optical systems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a light source characteristic modulation device. Through modular design, it can simultaneously or independently achieve wavelength selection, light intensity attenuation, polarization modulation, and beam shaping of the light source, meeting the needs of complex optical applications.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A light source characteristic modulation device includes a light source module, a collimation module, a modulation module, a focusing coupling module, and a drive control module; wherein,

[0009] The collimation module is used to convert the divergent beam emitted by the light source module into parallel light;

[0010] The modulation module includes at least one set of switchable modulation units for modulating the wavelength, intensity, polarization, and light transmission region characteristics of the parallel light beam; wherein each modulation unit includes a modulation device and a driving device for driving the modulation device to move, and the modulation device includes multiple different optical modulation elements.

[0011] The focusing coupling module is used to couple the modulated beam into the fiber bundle;

[0012] The drive control module is used to control the electric adjustment and switching of each module.

[0013] Furthermore, it also includes a light-shielding module, which is a closed structure used to carry the light source module, collimation module, modulation module, and focusing coupling module, to prevent non-working light from spilling out and to provide a controllable environment.

[0014] Furthermore, the light source module includes a single-band light source, a pulsed light source, or a continuous wide-band light source.

[0015] Furthermore, the collimation module includes a collimating lens and a collimating lens adjustment mechanism, the collimating lens adjustment mechanism being used to adjust the spatial position and attitude of the collimating lens in multiple dimensions.

[0016] Furthermore, the collimating lens is a lens, a lens group, a reflecting mirror, or a reflecting mirror group.

[0017] Furthermore, in the modulation module, the driving device and the modulation device are respectively an electric rotary device and a corresponding modulation disk. The modulation disk has multiple stations, and each station is equipped with different optical modulation elements.

[0018] Furthermore, the optical modulation element includes a filter, an attenuator, a polarizer, or a beam shaping element.

[0019] Furthermore, the focusing coupling module includes a focusing lens, a fiber bundle switching device, and a focusing coupling module adjustment device. The focusing lens converges the modulated beam to the focal plane, the fiber bundle switching device is used to couple the converged beam spot to a selected fiber bundle, and the focusing coupling module adjustment device is used to optimize the coupling position and orientation of the fiber bundle.

[0020] Furthermore, the fiber bundle has a multi-fiber array at the inlet and a single fiber or sub-fiber bundle at the outlet, and is compatible with a standard interface.

[0021] Furthermore, the drive control module includes a multi-functional control driver and control software, used to realize the automated control of the collimation module, modulation module, and focusing coupling module.

[0022] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0023] High-efficiency and flexible transmission: It adopts fiber bundle coupling technology to support low-loss free transmission, adapt to curved paths or space-constrained scenarios, and the output end can be flexibly configured with standard interfaces to achieve connection with other devices, or a custom interface can be customized according to usage requirements.

[0024] Automated control: The drive control module enables electric switching, improves modulation efficiency, reduces manual intervention, and is suitable for repeated modulation switching. It can also automatically and efficiently execute modulation actions after a modulation plan is preset according to modulation needs.

[0025] High-precision adjustment: The drive control module uses electric control switching, enabling high-precision adjustment control. By selecting multi-step stepper motors and servo motors, positioning accuracy of less than 0.005° and repeatability of less than 0.001° can be achieved. This allows for high-precision, repeatable modulation, maintaining high reproducibility of characteristic adjustments and eliminating the influence of random errors in positioning.

[0026] Highly scalable: The number of modulation device groups can be increased or decreased, supporting multi-characteristic coordinated control, and adapting to customized needs of different application scenarios.

[0027] Environmental adaptability: The light-shielding module prevents light leakage and supports temperature-controlled or nitrogen environments, ensuring stable operation of the device and making it suitable for high-precision experimental and industrial environments.

[0028] High energy efficiency: The collimation and focusing design optimizes the optical path, combined with a high-coupling-efficiency fiber bundle, to minimize energy loss. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a light source characteristic modulation device according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the front of the modulation device turntable;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the reverse side of the modulation device turntable;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber optic cable arrangement at the fiber optic bundle entrance.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the sub-fiber bundle arrangement at the fiber bundle outlet;

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the fiber bundle outlet sub-fiber bundle interface.

[0035] Figure label:

[0036] Light source module 101, collimation module 102, modulation module 103, focusing coupling module 104, drive control module 105, and light-shielding module 106;

[0037] Light source 210, collimating lens adjustment mechanism 221, collimating lens 222, first driving device 231, first modulation device 232, second driving device 233, second modulation device 234, third driving device 235, third modulation device 236, first fiber bundle 241, second fiber bundle 242, third fiber bundle 243, focusing lens 244, fiber bundle switching device 245, focusing coupling module adjustment device 246, control driving unit 251. Detailed Implementation

[0038] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0039] This invention relates to a light source characteristic modulation device capable of modulating the characteristics of a light source and enabling free transmission of the light beam, specifically, as shown in the example... Figure 1 As shown, the device includes a light source module 101, a collimation module 102, a modulation module 103, a focusing and coupling module 104, a drive and control module 105, and a light-shielding module 106. The light beam emitted from the light source module 101 is converted into parallel light by the collimation module 102, and then the modulation module 103 modulates the wavelength, polarization, light intensity, and light transmission area using electrically switched filters, attenuators, and other components. The focusing and coupling module 104 couples the modulated light beam into an optical fiber bundle, achieving low-loss, long-distance free transmission. The exit end of the optical fiber bundle can be adapted to a standard interface. The drive and control module 105 realizes the automatic adjustment and switching of each module. The light-shielding module 106 is a closed structure used to house the remaining modules.

[0040] This device can select the wavelength of the light source beam by using different filters, select the light intensity of the light source beam by using different attenuators, and freely transmit the light source beam over long distances in complex spatial environments by using different fiber bundles, with minimal energy loss during transmission. The light source 210 in the light source module 101 can be a single-band ultraviolet light source, a pulsed light source, or a continuous broadband light source. The light source 210 in this device is not specifically required to be a particular type of light source. Any light source commonly used in practical applications can be used as the light source for this device.

[0041] The collimation module 102 includes a collimating lens adjustment mechanism 221 and a collimating lens 222. A beam of light with a certain divergence angle emitted from the light source 210 propagates to the collimating lens 222, where it becomes parallel light and continues to propagate. The numerical aperture of the collimating lens 222 must be greater than (or equal to) the aperture angle of the beam emitted from the light source 210; otherwise, some beams will not be collected and collimated by the collimating lens 222, resulting in wasted light energy.

[0042] In use, the spatial position and orientation of the collimating lens 222 can be adjusted by the collimating lens adjustment mechanism 221, so that the light source 210 is located on the front focal plane of the collimating lens 222, thereby collimating the divergent beam emitted from the light source 210 into a parallel beam. The collimating lens 222 can be a lens, a lens group, or a reflector or a reflector group.

[0043] After the collimated parallel beam by collimating lens 222 propagates to modulation module 103, certain characteristics of the parallel beam are modulated by modulation elements on the modulation device. Modulation module 103 includes multiple sets of modulation devices; this device uses three sets of modulation devices as an example, but it is not limited to only three sets. The number of modulation devices can be increased or decreased according to the requirements of simultaneous modulation characteristics. The three sets of modulation devices are: first driving device 231, first modulation device 232, second driving device 233, second modulation device 234, third driving device 235, and third modulation device 236. The driving device (which can be an electrically driven rotating device) rotates, causing the modulation devices to rotate, and selecting the modulation element with the corresponding characteristics to modulate the characteristics of the parallel beam. Figure 2 As shown, the modulation device is a disk with multiple circular openings and eight working positions. Different modulation elements can be selected to achieve different modulation characteristics. For example, an attenuator can be selected to modulate the intensity characteristics of the beam; a bandpass filter can be selected to modulate the working band of the beam; a light-blocking plate can be selected to modulate the light transmission area of ​​the beam, producing special-shaped light transmission areas such as ring, diode, quadrupole, circular, rectangular, and matrix light transmission areas. Of course, other beam shaping elements or polarizers can also be selected.

[0044] One empty slot is reserved at each modulator's workstation. By matching and selecting the working positions of the three sets of modulators, it is possible to achieve no modulation, single-characteristic modulation, simultaneous modulation of two characteristics, or simultaneous modulation of three characteristics of the beam. For example, the intensity, wavelength, and light transmission area of ​​the beam can be modulated simultaneously. If it is necessary to simultaneously modulate more beam characteristics (such as polarization characteristics), the number of modulator groups can be increased. The modulators are non-optical power devices (parallel flat plates), and the beam passing through the modulators remains a parallel beam.

[0045] The modulated parallel beam propagates to the focusing coupling module 104, which includes a first fiber bundle 241, a second fiber bundle 242, a third fiber bundle 243, a focusing mirror 244, a fiber bundle switching device 245, and a focusing coupling module adjustment device 246. The focusing mirror 244 converges the parallel beam into a small spot at its focal plane. The focusing mirror 244 can be a lens, a lens group, or a reflector or a reflector group. The focusing coupling module adjustment device 246 can perform multi-dimensional adjustments to the spatial position and orientation of the fiber bundles (groups). The focusing coupling module adjustment device 246 adjusts the fiber bundle inlet end face to coincide with the focal plane of the focusing mirror 244, while simultaneously adjusting other dimensions of the fiber bundle end face to maximize coupling efficiency.

[0046] This device contains multiple fiber optic bundle stations, allowing simultaneous placement of multiple fiber optic bundles to meet various application requirements. The fiber optic bundle switching device 245 enables switching between multiple fiber optic bundles, selecting different arrangements of fiber optic bundles according to usage needs, and coupling the focused beam emitted from the focusing lens 244 into the selected fiber optic bundle. For example... Figure 3 As shown, the fiber bundle consists of multiple optical fibers arranged in a certain order at one end (the entrance end), but is not limited to... Figure 3 The arrangement shown is as described; at the other end (exit end), it can be a single fiber or a bundle of multiple fibers arranged in a different manner as sub-fiber bundles. See the sub-fiber bundle arrangement reference. Figure 4 But not limited to Figure 4 The arrangement is shown. Figures 5-6 As shown, the sub-fiber (bundle) interfaces at the outlet ends of the first fiber bundle 241, the second fiber bundle 242, and the third fiber bundle 243 adopt industry standard interfaces, which can be SMA905 interfaces or FC interfaces.

[0047] This device contains multiple electrically driven components, such as the collimating lens adjustment mechanism 221, the drive component, the fiber optic bundle switching device 245, and the focusing coupling module adjustment device 246, which can be remotely controlled.

[0048] The drive control module 105 of this device includes a multi-functional control drive device and a set of drive control software, which are integrated into a drive control unit 251 as shown in the figure. It can drive the drive device to rotate to select different positions of the modulation device, drive the fiber bundle switching device 245 to axially displace to switch between different fiber bundles, drive the collimating lens adjustment mechanism 221 to adjust the position and attitude of the collimating lens, and drive the focusing coupling module adjustment device 246 to perform multi-dimensional adjustment of the spatial position and attitude of the fiber bundle (group) and select the appropriate spatial position and attitude adjustment.

[0049] The light-shielding module 106 of this device is a rectangular hexahedron that encloses the entire device, preventing non-working light from escaping. Ventilation holes are provided on the side panels of the light-shielding module 106, allowing for the introduction of clean air for temperature control or the introduction of nitrogen to create a nitrogen environment. The top and side panels of the light-shielding module 106 can be quickly opened for inspection and maintenance of the various modules within the device.

[0050] The specific embodiments described above further illustrate the purpose, technical solution, and beneficial effects of the present invention. It should be understood that the above descriptions are merely specific embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A light source characteristic modulation device, characterized in that, It includes a light source module (101), a collimation module (102), a modulation module (103), a focusing coupling module (104), and a drive control module (105); among which, The collimation module (102) is used to convert the divergent beam emitted by the light source module (101) into parallel light; The modulation module (103) includes at least one set of switchable modulation units for modulating the wavelength, intensity, polarization, and light transmission region characteristics of the parallel light beam; wherein each modulation unit includes a modulation device and a driving device for driving the modulation device to move, and the modulation device includes multiple different optical modulation elements. The focusing coupling module (104) is used to couple the modulated beam into the fiber bundle; The drive control module (105) is used to control the electric adjustment and switching of each module.

2. The light source characteristic modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a light-shielding module (106), which is a closed structure used to carry the light source module (101), collimation module (102), modulation module (103), and focusing coupling module (104), to prevent non-working light from spilling out and to provide a controllable environment.

3. The light source characteristic modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The light source module (101) includes a light source (210) that is a single-band light source, a pulsed light source, or a continuous wideband light source.

4. The light source characteristic modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The collimation module (102) includes a collimating lens (222) and a collimating lens adjustment mechanism (221), which is used to adjust the spatial position and attitude of the collimating lens (222) in multiple dimensions.

5. The light source characteristic modulation device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The collimating mirror (222) is a lens, a lens group, a reflecting mirror, or a reflecting mirror group.

6. The light source characteristic modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the modulation module (103), the driving device and the modulation device are respectively an electric rotary device and a corresponding modulation disk. The modulation disk has multiple stations, and each station is equipped with different optical modulation elements.

7. The light source characteristic modulation device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The optical modulation elements include filters, attenuators, polarizers, and / or beam shaping elements.

8. The light source characteristic modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The focusing coupling module (104) includes a focusing lens (244), a fiber bundle switching device (245), and a focusing coupling module adjustment device (246). The focusing lens (244) focuses the modulated beam onto the focal plane. The fiber bundle switching device (245) is used to couple the focused beam spot to the selected fiber bundle. The focusing coupling module adjustment device (246) is used to optimize the coupling position and orientation of the fiber bundle.

9. A light source characteristic modulation device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The fiber bundle has a multi-fiber array at the inlet and a single fiber or sub-fiber bundle at the outlet, and is compatible with a standard interface.

10. A light source characteristic modulation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive control module (105) includes a multi-functional control driver and control software, which are used to realize the automated control of the collimation module (102), the modulation module (103), and the focusing coupling module (104).

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