Multi-Transducer Acousto-Optic Deflector for Multi-Wavelength Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art acousto-optic deflectors are limited by their single acoustic frequency working range, making them inefficient for deflecting laser beams of different central optical wavelengths, requiring multiple deflectors and complex manufacturing processes for transducers with varying sizes and frequencies.
Innovation Solution
An acousto-optic deflector with two or more electro-acoustic transducers, each operating in different acoustic frequency ranges and/or polarisation modes, sharing a common electrode and with separate control systems, allowing for efficient deflection of laser beams across multiple optical wavelengths and polarisation modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single electro-acoustic transducer is used in the prior art acousto-optic deflector, then the device is simple in structure and easy to manufacture, but it is limited to a single acoustic frequency working range which makes it inefficient for deflecting laser beams of different central optical wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the transducer into multiple independent electro-acoustic transducers, each capable of operating in different acoustic frequency ranges. This segmentation allows the deflector to handle multiple optical wavelengths efficiently without requiring a complete redesign of the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional transducer system where multiple electro-acoustic transducers can operate across different acoustic frequency ranges. This universal design enables a single deflector to efficiently deflect laser beams of various central optical wavelengths, replacing the need for multiple wavelength-specific deflectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple electro-acoustic transducers with different sizes and frequencies are implemented, then the acoustic frequency working range is expanded to cover multiple optical wavelengths, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electro-acoustic transducers into a single integrated deflector system with a common optical path. While each transducer may have different characteristics, their integration into one unified device simplifies the overall manufacturing process compared to producing and assembling multiple separate deflectors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate deflectors are used to handle different optical wavelengths, then each wavelength can be optimally deflected, but the system complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wavelength-specific deflectors into a single multi-functional deflector system. By integrating multiple electro-acoustic transducers with different frequency ranges into one device, the system maintains wavelength-specific optimization capabilities while reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms multiple single-function deflectors into one universal deflector that can handle multiple optical wavelengths. This multi-functional design allows a single device to perform the work of several separate deflectors, reducing system complexity while maintaining optimal performance across different wavelengths.
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 efficient scanning and imaging across various optical wavelengths with improved scanning speed and throughput, reducing the need for multiple deflectors and simplifying manufacturing, while maintaining high optical throughput and scanning precision.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic wave generator (14) coupled to the bulk (12), the acoustic wave generator (14) comprising a first electro-acoustic transducer (16) and a second electro-acoustic transducer (18) for generating acoustic waves in the bulk (12)
Implementation Method 2
as acoustic waves are propagated through the bulk the crystal lattice constants of the crystal are slightly modified by the acoustic waves, whereby the bulk acts as an optical grating of modifiable grating constant
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention relates to an acousto-optic deflector comprising a bulk of acousto-optic medium and acoustic wave generator coupled to the bulk, characterised by that the acoustic wave generator comprises at least two different electro-acoustic transducers for generating acoustic waves in the bulk.