Autocorrelation Measurement Device Compact Optical Path Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional autocorrelation measurement devices for short pulse widths are complex and large due to their configuration, which includes a Michelson interferometer with beam splitters and separate paths for first and second pulsed light.
Innovation Solution
A compact autocorrelation measurement device design featuring a first and second reflection member, a focusing unit, a nonlinear optical crystal, a detection unit, and a delay adjusting unit, where the first and second pulsed light are focused non-coaxially onto the nonlinear optical crystal to generate second harmonic light, allowing for downsizing by branching the pulsed light into the same direction rather than different directions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a Michelson interferometer configuration is used with beam splitters and separate paths for first and second pulsed light, then the autocorrelation measurement function is achieved, but the device becomes complicated and large in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the paths of first and second pulsed light into a single optical path direction. The first and second reflection members are arranged to reflect light in the same direction, merging what were previously separate beam paths into one unified path, thereby simplifying the device configuration while maintaining measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The reflection members are designed with multiple reflection surfaces that can handle both first and second pulsed light simultaneously in the same direction. This multi-functional design allows a single optical path to perform what previously required separate paths, reducing overall device complexity
2Measurement precision
If a Michelson interferometer configuration is used with beam splitters and separate paths for first and second pulsed light, then the autocorrelation measurement function is achieved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the optical paths of first and second pulsed light into the same direction using multiple reflection surfaces, the patent reduces the spatial footprint required for separate beam paths, thereby downsizing the device while preserving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses multiple reflection surfaces arranged in a compact configuration where light reflects in the same direction through dimensional arrangement of reflection members. This spatial reorganization allows the optical paths to overlap or run parallel in a compact manner, reducing the overall device area
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 device achieves downsizing while maintaining the ability to analyze pulse widths effectively through the detection of second harmonic light intensity, enabling precise measurement of pulse widths with improved spatial efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a nonlinear optical crystal disposed on a focusing position by the focusing unit and for generating second harmonic light by incidence of the first pulsed light and the second pulsed light
Data Source
AI summary
An autocorrelation measurement device includes a first reflection member, a second reflection member, a focusing unit, a nonlinear optical crystal, a detection unit, a filter, an aperture, a delay adjusting unit, and an analysis unit. Incident pulsed light is transmitted through the second reflection member and incident on the first reflection member. First pulsed light reflected on a first reflection surface of the first reflection member and a second reflection surface of the second reflection member and second pulsed light reflected on a second reflection surface of the first reflection member and a first reflection surface of the second reflection member are incident on the nonlinear optical crystal via the focusing unit. Second harmonic light generated in the nonlinear optical crystal is detected by the detection unit.