Acoustic Wave Delay Line for Terahertz Spectrometer Miniaturization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional delay line devices in terahertz time-domain spectrometer systems are bulky, occupy large space, and lack modular integration, making them unsuitable for commercialization, miniaturization, and portability.
Innovation Solution
A delay line device with a baseplate, slide rail component, grating ruler, and electric-magnetic induction component that adjusts the time signal delay between pump and probe lights using a movable slide and reflector, driven by an electric-magnetic induction system, allowing for precise, stable, and fast scanning with modular integration for compact structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional stepping motor-based delay line device is used, then the delay adjustment function is achieved, but the device becomes heavy and occupies large area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional stepping motor-driven mechanical delay line with an acoustic wave-based delay line. The acoustic wave modulates the refractive index of the optical waveguide, enabling delay adjustment without heavy mechanical components. This substitution of mechanical system with acoustic field control achieves precise delay adjustment while dramatically reducing device weight and size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position (stepping motor rotation) to acoustic wave properties (frequency, amplitude, phase). By applying acoustic waves to the optical waveguide, the refractive index is dynamically modulated, enabling continuous and precise delay adjustment through parameter control rather than mechanical movement.
2Measurement precision
If a traditional stepping motor-based delay line device is used, then the delay adjustment function is achieved, but the device structure becomes complex and lacks modular integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the delay adjustment function, measurement function, and control function into a single integrated acoustic wave delay line module. The acoustic wave generator, optical waveguide, and detection elements are combined in one compact structure, eliminating the need for separate mechanical components, controllers, and alignment mechanisms. This merging achieves precise delay control while simplifying the overall device structure and enabling modular integration.
3Measurement precision
If a traditional stepping motor-based delay line device is used, then the delay adjustment function is achieved, but the device is not suitable for miniaturization and portability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bulky mechanical stepping motor and moving mirror assembly with a compact acoustic wave delay line based on optical waveguides and acoustic transducers. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical components and complex alignment mechanisms, enabling the device to be miniaturized while maintaining precise delay adjustment capability through acoustic field control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional mechanical movement (linear displacement of mirror) to three-dimensional acoustic field modulation within the optical waveguide. The acoustic wave propagates through the waveguide material, creating a distributed refractive index modulation that achieves delay control in a compact volumetric structure rather than through linear mechanical expansion.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables high-precision, stable, and fast scanning with a compact structure, suitable for miniaturization and easy integration, enhancing the terahertz time-domain spectrometer system's portability and commercial viability.
Implementation Method 1
an electric-magnetic induction component comprising an induction coil, wherein the induction coil is connected to the second end of the slide, and the electric-magnetic induction component is used to provide power to drive the slide to move
Implementation Method 2
a reflector fixed on one end of the slide for realizing the pump light's 180-degree reversal
Data Source
AI summary
A delay line device and a terahertz time-domain spectrometer system include: a baseplate, a slide rail component, in which the slide rail component includes a slide, a reflector, a grating ruler component, and an electric-magnetic induction component. When the electric-magnetic component, after being applied a current, cuts the magnetic induction coil to generate power to push the slide moving, the grating ruler component placed on the slide rail component collects the movement information of the slide. The slide's movement drives the reflector placed on the slide to move together to change the optical distance of a pump light, so as to generate the delay between the pump light and a probe light.