Adjustable Beam Directing Optical System for FLDI
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-point focused laser differential interferometer (FLDI) systems face challenges in achieving accurate velocity measurements due to bias errors caused by non-parallel laser beams and suboptimal cost, adjustability, and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable beam directing optical system for FLDI instruments, incorporating an optical half waveplate for linear polarization and an optical prism for splitting the laser beam into orthogonally-polarized beams, along with beam realignment devices to direct the beams to predetermined locations, allowing for adjustable crossing distances and angles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If various types of prisms are used to split the laser beam, then two beams can be created to propagate through the FLDI instrument, but measurement errors are created due to non-parallel beam paths causing bias errors in velocity measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable beam directing devices that can be dynamically positioned to realign the two split beams, transforming a static optical system into a dynamic one. This allows the beam paths to be adjusted to ensure parallelism, thereby eliminating bias errors in velocity measurements while maintaining two-point measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial parameters (position and angle) of the beam directing devices to adjust the beam paths. By modifying these parameters, the system can compensate for non-parallel beam paths and restore parallelism, thus improving measurement precision while preserving the two-point measurement function
2Device complexity
If fixed optical components are used for beam splitting, then the system structure is simple, but adjustability and ease of use are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable beam directing devices that can be dynamically positioned, transforming a static optical system into a dynamic one. This allows users to easily adjust the beam paths and realign the split beams without significantly increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the optical system into separable components: fixed beam splitting elements and adjustable beam directing devices. This segmentation allows the adjustable components to be independently positioned and optimized for ease of operation while maintaining overall system simplicity
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
The system enables precise two-point measurements with reduced bias errors, improved adjustability, and enhanced user convenience, effectively addressing the limitations of existing FLDI systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical half waveplate to achieve an incident linear polarization orientation with equal components of laser intensity aligned to the vertical and horizontal axis of the optical system
Implementation Method 2
an optical prism for splitting these components of an incident laser beam into two orthogonally-polarized beams equally about an optical axis of the FLDI instrument
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable beam directing optical system for a focused laser differential interferometer (FLDI) instrument according to various aspects of the present technology may include optical half waveplate to achieve an incident linear polarization orientation with equal components of laser intensity aligned to the vertical and horizontal axis of the optical system, and an optical prism for splitting these components of an incident laser beam into two orthogonally-polarized beams equally about an optical axis of the FLDI instrument. A series of beam realignment devices positioned downstream of the optical prism are configured to selectively direct each beam to a predetermined location.