Acousto-optical System Digital Signal Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Acousto-optical systems face limitations in flexibility, cost, energy consumption, and component size due to the need for multiple frequency generators and amplitude modulators when processing multiple wavelengths, leading to non-linearity and increased complexity.
Innovation Solution
An acousto-optical system that modifies initial digital signals before superposition, using a digital data processing unit to generate a digital combination signal, which is then converted to an analog driver signal, allowing phase shifting and amplitude modification to reduce non-linearity and component count, and includes a compensation unit for real-time correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency generators and amplitude modulators are used to process multiple wavelengths, then the flexibility and wavelength control are improved, but the device complexity, cost, and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple frequency generators and amplitude modulators into a single integrated acousto-optical element with a segmented transducer. Instead of using separate components for each wavelength, the invention merges their functions into one device that can be controlled by a single multi-frequency electronic signal, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining wavelength control flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The acousto-optical element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - it can select, modulate, and deflect multiple wavelengths using a single device. The segmented transducer structure allows the element to respond to different frequency components of the electronic signal, enabling one component to replace multiple specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency generators and amplitude modulators are used to process multiple wavelengths, then the flexibility and wavelength control are improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple frequency generators and amplitude modulators into a single acousto-optical element, the patent eliminates the energy consumption associated with running multiple separate electronic components. The single integrated device processes all wavelengths simultaneously, reducing total energy usage while maintaining the ability to control multiple wavelengths flexibly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple frequency generators and amplitude modulators are used to process multiple wavelengths, then the flexibility and wavelength control are improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing cost by combining multiple expensive electronic components (frequency generators, amplitude modulators) into a single acousto-optical element. This consolidation reduces the bill of materials, simplifies assembly, and lowers overall manufacturing costs while preserving full wavelength control capabilities.
4Power
If analog signals are amplified to high levels for processing multiple wavelengths, then the signal strength is improved, but non-linearity and distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary digital signal processing and compensation before the acoustic signal is generated. By pre-calculating the required acoustic signal levels and applying compensation factors in the digital domain, the system achieves accurate wavelength selection without needing to amplify analog signals to high levels, thereby maintaining signal linearity and avoiding distortion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the analog amplification process with digital signal processing. Instead of using high-power analog amplifiers that introduce non-linearity, the system uses digital calculations to determine the precise acoustic signal requirements, then generates compensated digital signals that are converted to acoustic signals with appropriate strength, eliminating the non-linearity inherent in analog amplification.
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
This approach reduces the number of electronic components, energy consumption, and costs, while enhancing flexibility and maintaining linear response, allowing for efficient processing of multiple wavelengths without the need for excessive amplification or heat dissipation issues.
Implementation Method 1
The transducer converts the electronic signal into an acoustic signal by physically contracting and expanding according to the electronic signal
Implementation Method 2
The crystal oscillates physically according to the acoustic signal and therefore forms the optical equivalent of an optical diffraction grating deflecting selectively light of particular wavelengths
Data Source
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AI summary
An acousto-optical system is described comprising at least one acousto-optical element having at least one transducer that is attached to a crystal, a driver unit for generating at least one acoustic signal for driving acousto-optical elements modifying light transmitted through the acousto-optical element and comprising at least one digital data processing unit, at least one digital-to-analog converter transforming the digital combination signal into an initial analog driver signal, and an amplifier for amplifying the initial analog driver signal to become said analog electronic driver signal. Further, a microscope and a method of operating the acousto-optical element is are described. Various objectives are achieved like more flexibility, real time compensation for non-linearity and reducing the number, size, costs and energy consumption of electronic components.