Beam Co-alignment via Lateral Displacement and Prism Dispersion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for combining and co-aligning laser beams of different wavelengths, such as dichroic mirrors and grating-based spectral beam combining, face challenges with increasing complexity and cost as the number of wavelengths and spectral range increase, and are limited by the restricted spectral range achievable with simple grating designs and the need for precise alignment and high voltages in active systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of an optical collimating element and a wavelength-dependent optical deflecting element, such as a prism, with lateral deflectors that impart selected lateral displacements to each beam to ensure co-alignment, allowing for a broader spectral range and reduced complexity compared to traditional methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dichroic mirrors are used to combine and co-align laser beams of different wavelengths, then beam co-alignment can be achieved, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly as the number of wavelengths and spectral range increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser beams of different wavelengths into a single co-aligned output beam using a unified optical system. The system integrates wavelength-dependent beam combining with lateral displacement compensation, merging previously separate alignment functions into one cohesive apparatus that handles multiple wavelengths simultaneously without requiring multiple dichroic mirrors for each wavelength pair.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to handle multiple wavelengths and spectral ranges universally. The beam combining apparatus can accommodate different laser sources across a broad spectrum by using wavelength-selective optics that automatically route and align beams of any wavelength within the system's capacity, eliminating the need for wavelength-specific mirror pairs.
2Reliability
If grating-based spectral beam combining is used, then beam combining can be achieved, but the spectral range is restricted to nanometres or less around visible and near infrared wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters of the system by incorporating lateral displacement compensation mechanisms that allow the same optical system to effectively handle a broad spectral range. By adjusting lateral displacements and using wavelength-dependent optics, the system can accommodate wavelengths from visible through near-infrared and beyond, expanding the spectral versatility beyond what simple gratings can achieve.
3Reliability
If electrostatic actuation is used to move fibre inputs for wavelength adjustment, then beam co-alignment can be maintained, but high voltages are required and the device remains active during use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-positioning the fibre inputs laterally during the manufacturing or setup phase. This initial lateral displacement is designed to compensate for the specific wavelength combinations intended for use. Once configured, the system maintains beam co-alignment passively without requiring continuous active adjustment, thereby reducing energy consumption and eliminating the need for high voltages during normal operation.
4Ease of operation
If the separation between fibres is increased to accommodate electrodes, then electrostatic actuation becomes possible, but the overall device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrostatic actuation components from the fibre array structure, eliminating the need for electrodes to be integrated between fibres. By removing this requirement, the fibre separation can be minimized to only what is mechanically necessary, thereby reducing the overall device size while still allowing for wavelength adjustment through alternative means.
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 approach enables efficient co-alignment of a broad range of laser wavelengths, reducing the need for complex designs and high voltages, and allows for flexible adjustment of wavelengths without requiring precise alignment, thereby improving the scalability and operational efficiency of beam combining systems.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of respective lateral deflectors to impart in use a selected respective lateral displacement to each input beam, wherein the optical collimating element is for passing each of said radiation beams with respective imparted lateral displacements
Implementation Method 2
the optical deflecting element is for receiving the radiation beams passed by said optical collimating element, and is adapted to apply a wavelength-dependent angular deflection to said beams
Implementation Method 3
said respective lateral displacements are selected having regard to the waveband of each beam to cause the radiation passed by said optical deflecting element to be co-aligned
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of combining and co-aligning a plurality of radiation beams each having a respective waveband, includes the steps of passing each of said radiation beams to a respective lateral deflector to impart a selected lateral displacement to said beam. Each of said radiation beams with respective imparted lateral displacements is then passed to an optical collimating element which passes said radiation beams to an optical deflecting element which applies a wavelength dependent deflection to the radiation beams. The respective lateral displacements are selected having regard to the waveband of each beam to cause all to exit the optical deflecting element at the same angle so they are co-aligned. An apparatus for carrying out the method is presented. Additionally, an apparatus and method for separation of an input field of radiation containing a plurality of wavebands are presented; the apparatus includes an optical deflector, a focussing element and a plurality of lateral deflectors. Further, an apparatus and method for beam steering are presented; the apparatus includes a lateral deflector and a collimating element. An apparatus and method for angularly deflecting a detection beam are presented; the apparatus comprises a focussing element and a lateral deflector.