Annular Concave Mirror Array for Low-Attenuation Optical Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical spatial communication systems face challenges in transmitting spatial optical signals without significant attenuation across various directions, particularly due to the use of curved or plane mirrors that create blind spots or increase beam diameter, leading to signal loss.
Innovation Solution
A transmission device equipped with a light source, spatial light modulator, and an annular mirror array of concave mirrors that reflect modulated light laterally, allowing for 360-degree horizontal projection with reduced attenuation by using concave mirrors with larger curvature radii.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a curved translucent surface is used for omnidirectional optical signal transmission, then the optical signal can be transmitted in all directions, but the beam diameter increases with distance and the optical signal is easily attenuated
Solution Approach 1:
The annular mirror array divides the omnidirectional reflection function into multiple discrete concave mirrors arranged in an annular pattern. Each mirror reflects optical signals in specific directions, collectively achieving 360-degree coverage while maintaining controlled beam diameters and reducing signal attenuation compared to a single curved surface.
2Loss of energy
If a plane mirror is used instead of a curved translucent surface, then attenuation of the optical signal is reduced, but a blind spot area where the optical signal cannot be transmitted increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple plane mirrors are merged into an annular mirror array configuration, combining the low attenuation advantage of plane mirrors with the omnidirectional coverage capability. The array of discrete mirrors eliminates blind spots by ensuring continuous angular coverage while maintaining the low attenuation characteristics of plane mirror reflection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustment mechanism is added to transmit spatial optical signals in various directions, then communication in multiple directions is enabled, but installation time and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a phase modulation type spatial light modulator that dynamically controls the transmission direction of spatial optical signals by adjusting the pattern set in the modulation part. This electronic control mechanism replaces mechanical adjustment mechanisms, enabling multi-directional communication without additional installation complexity or time.
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 solution enables efficient, low-attenuation transmission of spatial optical signals in any direction across a horizontal plane, improving detection accuracy and enabling simultaneous communication with multiple targets or multiplexed communication with a single target.
Implementation Method 1
an annular mirror array including a plurality of concave mirrors annularly disposed with an optical axis of the illumination light as a center, and disposed at a position at which modulated light modulated by the modulation part of the spatial light modulator is reflected laterally as a spatial optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a transmission device including a light source that emits illumination light, a spatial light modulator including a modulation part irradiated with the illumination light emitted from the light source, and an annular mirror array including a plurality of concave mirrors annularly disposed with an optical axis of the illumination light as a center, and disposed at a position at which modulated light modulated by the modulation part of the spatial light modulator is reflected laterally as a spatial optical signal.