Axicon Segments for High-Speed Anamorphic Pattern Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical pattern generators, such as those using tilting mirrors and rotating convex polygons, face limitations in high-speed pattern generation, duty cycle efficiency, and aberration issues, making them unsuitable for applications requiring irregular patterns, high-speed operation, and anamorphic image structures.

Innovation Solution

A rotating component with axicon segments, where at least two segments have different included angles, deflecting an incident optical beam to generate patterns, combined with anamorphic optics for increased duty cycle and adjustable figure shapes, and potentially using dual axicon designs for enhanced performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a tilting mirror is used for pattern generation, then the system can produce patterns of figures, but the pattern generation rate is limited due to the need for the mirror to stop and reverse direction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern generation rateVSAvoidtime for mirror to stop and reverse

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a static tilting mirror that oscillates back and forth to a dynamic rotating polygon mirror that continuously rotates. This dynamic approach eliminates the need to stop and reverse direction, thereby increasing the pattern generation rate and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rotating polygon mirror utilizes periodic rotation to generate patterns. By rotating at a controlled speed and using multiple reflective sides, the system achieves periodic scanning action that maintains continuous motion while systematically covering the required pattern area, avoiding the stop-and-reverse cycle of oscillating mirrors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

2Productivity

If a tilting mirror is driven near the galvanometer resonant frequency to increase pattern generation rate, then the speed increases, but the system duty cycle is reduced and pattern versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern generation rateVSAvoidpattern generation versatility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating polygon mirror system allows dynamic adjustment of rotation speed independent of resonant frequency constraints. This enables the system to operate at various speeds while maintaining pattern versatility, as the continuous rotation combined with multiple reflective sides can generate both regular and irregular patterns without being locked into oscillatory motion at a specific resonant frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a rotating convex polygon is used to generate scan lines, then multiple lines can be produced, but image aberrations such as line bow are introduced due to changing angular orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescan line generation capabilityVSAvoidscan line straightness

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric positioning of the polygon mirror rotation axis relative to the optical beam path. By offsetting the rotation axis from the beam center, the system compensates for the angular orientation changes that occur during rotation, thereby reducing line bow aberration while maintaining the ability to generate multiple scan lines through the periodic rotation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

4Speed

If galvanometer or convex polygon mechanisms are used for high-speed pattern generation, then some speed is achieved, but the duty cycle is reduced due to acceleration and deceleration requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepattern generation speedVSAvoidduty cycle

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating polygon mirror enables continuous useful action by maintaining constant rotation without acceleration or deceleration phases. The continuous rotation ensures that the laser beam is continuously scanned across the pattern area, maximizing the duty cycle while achieving high-speed pattern generation through the periodic reflection from multiple mirror sides.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 high-speed, high-duty-cycle pattern generation with reduced aberrations and the ability to produce anamorphic image structures, suitable for various applications including industrial and medical uses, by effectively addressing the limitations of prior art.

Implementation Method 1

Each axicon segment deflects the incident optical beam to generate a figure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRefraction: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP2248073B1Optical pattern generators using axicon segments

Publication Date: 2016.04.20 RELIANT TECH INC

Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3

AI summary

Optical pattern generators use rotating reflective axicon segments to produce images that can have different dimensions along the pattern direction compared to the cross pattern direction. Examples include both single axicon pattern generators and dual axicon pattern generators that independently control the image space relative aperture and thereby control the image dimensions in two orthogonal directions.