Coaxial Light Beam Combining Device with Thermal Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for combining multiple laser beams into a coaxial light beam for digital imaging applications are complex, costly, and prone to misalignment due to temperature fluctuations, with angular deviations exceeding 10 μrad, making them unsuitable for generating a collimated multicolor source.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing optical single-mode fibers and dichroic mirrors with flexure joints and manipulators for precise alignment, along with high-precision fiber connectors and a robust device body, allows for simple and cost-effective combination of individual light beams into a coaxial beam with minimal angular deviation, maintaining precision under temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If devices from prior art are used to combine light beams, then beam combination is achieved, but angular deviations exceed 10 μrad and temperature stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple light beams of different wavelengths into a single coaxial light bundle using a unified optical path design. The beam combining unit integrates dichroic mirrors and optical waveguides in a single structure that maintains precise angular positioning (deviations < 10 μrad) while providing thermal stability through integrated mounting structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical waveguides serve as intermediary elements that couple individual light beams into the beam combining unit. These waveguides provide precise alignment and maintain angular positioning accuracy while isolating the sensitive optical components from external temperature fluctuations through their protective structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of individual parts are used, then beam combination functionality is achieved, but device complexity and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components are merged into integrated units. The beam combining unit combines dichroic mirrors, optical waveguides, and mounting structures into a single assembled component that provides complete beam combination functionality while reducing the number of separate parts that need to be handled individually.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal coupling positions that can accommodate different light beam wavelengths and configurations. The beam combining unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: combining beams, maintaining angular precision, providing thermal stability, and enabling easy replacement of optical waveguides through standardized interfaces.
3Manufacturing precision
If complicated adjustment mechanisms are used, then precise beam coupling is achieved, but adjustment time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Optical waveguides are pre-aligned and pre-positioned within the device body during manufacturing, with their output ends precisely positioned at the coupling positions. This preliminary alignment eliminates the need for complex real-time adjustments during operation, reducing adjustment time while maintaining coupling precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a simplified system using optical waveguides that maintain their alignment through structural integration. The flexure joints provide passive mechanical compliance that maintains precision without requiring active adjustment mechanisms.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical waveguides are frequently replaced, then adaptability is improved, but handling time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components with optical waveguides as replaceable units. Each waveguide can be independently removed and replaced at the coupling positions without affecting other components, enabling quick adaptation while minimizing replacement time through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling positions are designed with universal interfaces that can accommodate different optical waveguide types and configurations. This universal design allows rapid replacement and reconfiguration of waveguides for different applications without requiring complex adaptation procedures.
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 precise and reliable combination of laser beams into a collimated multicolor source with angular deviations less than 10 μrad, improving handling efficiency and reducing costs while maintaining accuracy across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the adjusting devices is provided with a dichroic mirror which is designed to be reflective for the light wavelength of the light beam to be coupled in at the relevant position and transparent for the light wavelengths of the light beams that have to penetrate it.
Implementation Method 2
Each dichroic mirror is aligned with the direction of the incident light beam in such a way that the light beam is reflected in the center of the light beam. For this purpose, the dichroic mirrors are inclined essentially at 45° with respect to the light beam to be coupled in
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for combining individual light beams (7, 8, 9, 10) to form a coaxial light bundle (12). In this case, the apparatus (1) has a plurality of coupling-in positions (3, 4, 5, 6), the number of which corresponds to the number of light beams (7, 8, 9, 10), and also at least one coupling-out position (11) for the coaxial light bundle (12). It is suitable in particular for generating a collimated beam bundle as a multicolour source for use in digital image generation. The apparatus (1) according to the invention comprises an apparatus base body (2) with the coupling-in positions (3, 4, 5, 6) for the light beams (7, 8, 9, 10) and with a coupling-out position (3, 4, 5, 6) for the light bundle (12) and adjusting devices (14, 16, 18, 20) for coaxially orienting the individual light beams (7, 8, 9, 10) relative to the beam direction of the light bundle (12). The coaxial light bundle (12) can optionally emerge as free beam at the coupling-out position (11) or into an optical waveguide via connecting elements.