Adjustable Coupler Optical Waveguide for Ultrasonic Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection systems for ultrasonic waves in materials face low sensitivity due to diffusely reflecting or scattering surfaces, leading to aberrated and mismatched wavefronts, resulting in weak and imprecise signals.
Innovation Solution
An optical waveguide interferometer with an adjustable coupler allows for precise control of the gap between the probe segment and the biological target, aligning the distance to a desired multiple of the wavelength of light, minimizing distortions and enhancing signal precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a laser probe beam is directed onto a diffusely reflecting or scattering surface to detect ultrasonic waves, then the detection can be performed remotely, but the reflected beam becomes highly aberrated and mismatched with the reference beam, resulting in low sensitivity and weak signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optical waveguide as an intermediary component between the laser source and the target surface. The waveguide delivers the probe beam to the target and collects the reflected beam, acting as a mediator that maintains beam quality despite diffuse reflection from the scattering surface. This resolves the wavefront aberration problem while preserving remote detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adjusts the gap distance between the waveguide end and the target surface to optimize the coupling of the reflected beam back into the waveguide. By changing this geometric parameter, the system maximizes the amount of reflected light that re-enters the waveguide, thereby improving signal strength and detection sensitivity despite surface scattering.
2Measurement precision
If the gap between the probe segment and the biological target is not precisely controlled, then the system is simple to operate, but the detection accuracy decreases due to fluctuations in path length and signal strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using a portion of the reflected beam to monitor the gap distance between the waveguide and the target surface. This feedback signal is used to adjust the waveguide position or the laser wavelength, maintaining optimal coupling conditions and compensating for fluctuations, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the gap distance dynamic and adjustable rather than fixed. The waveguide can be positioned at different distances from the target surface, and the system adapts the gap size based on the specific application requirements. This dynamic adjustment capability allows optimization of signal strength and detection accuracy for different target types and conditions.
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 configuration improves the accuracy of ultrasonic wave detection by reducing distortions and fluctuations, providing more precise data on material properties such as dimensions, composition, and thickness.
Implementation Method 1
This phase shift is detected with a photodetector after mixing the reflected probe beam with a stable reference beam
Implementation Method 2
a laser probe beam is directed onto the material. When the surface vibrates it imparts a phase shift onto the reflected beam
Implementation Method 3
an excitation source configured to induce waves in a biological target
Data Source
AI summary
A biological sensing apparatus comprises an excitation source configured to induce waves in a biological target, and an optical waveguide interferometer configured to sense the induced waves in the biological target. The optical waveguide interferometer comprises a probe segment having a probe segment end, and an adjustable coupler configured to permit setting a gap between the probe segment end and the biological target. A controller is coupled to the adjustable coupler and configured to set the gap between the probe segment end and the biological target.