Compact Convertible Optical Platform for Single- and Double-Pass Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems with single pass/double pass configurations are large, require precise alignment, suffer from optical losses, and have stability issues, leading to lengthy downtimes and inefficient use of space.
Innovation Solution
A compact convertible optical system with a baseplate and predefined mounting points for optical elements, allowing rapid alignment and replacement, and featuring a monolithic structure to reduce instabilities, while maintaining high efficiency and flexibility in configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical systems use sufficient mode separation between frequencies generated by AOMs, then frequency tuning capability is achieved, but the system size becomes large and occupies significant real-estate on optical table
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested optical configuration where the double-pass path is folded back through the same optical elements (AOMs, lenses, mirrors) in a compact arrangement. The optical beam retraces its path through the AOMs and lenses, effectively nesting the return path within the forward path space, thereby achieving frequency doubling without requiring doubled physical space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses precise angular orientation of optical elements (mirrors at 45 degrees, polarizing beam splitters) to fold the optical path in three-dimensional space. By changing the spatial dimensionality of the beam path and using polarization control, the system achieves compact configuration while maintaining the required optical path length for frequency tuning.
2Reliability
If traditional optical systems are designed for specific optical wavelength, then optical performance is optimized, but the system cannot be easily reconfigured for different configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal optical baseplate with standardized mounting positions and adjustable optical elements that can be configured for multiple operating modes (single-pass, double-pass, SP/DP, DP/SP). The same physical hardware platform supports different optical configurations by adjusting component positions and orientations, eliminating the need for separate dedicated systems for each configuration type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable and reconfigurable optical elements mounted on the baseplate, allowing dynamic reconfiguration between different pass modes. The optical system can be adjusted in real-time to change from single-pass to double-pass configuration or vice versa, providing operational flexibility while maintaining optimized performance for each mode.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional optical systems use large separation between optical elements, then mode separation is sufficient, but the system introduces amplitude stability issues due to pointing instabilities
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the double-pass optical path through the same compact sequence of elements, the patent minimizes the physical separation between optical components while still achieving adequate mode separation through precise angular control. The folded path ensures that elements are close together, reducing pointing instability, while the optical geometry maintains the necessary frequency separation.
4Measurement precision
If traditional optical systems require precise alignment, then correct frequencies are generated, but the system complexity increases and requires more time for alignment and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-configures the optical baseplate with predetermined mounting positions and alignment features for optical elements. The standardized positions and pre-established optical paths reduce the complexity of alignment procedures, allowing researchers to quickly set up and reconfigure the system without extensive real-time adjustment, thereby maintaining frequency precision while reducing operational complexity.
5Stability of the object's composition
If traditional optical systems have fixed optical elements, then system stability is maintained, but replacement of optical elements causes lengthy downtimes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into modular, independently replaceable elements mounted on a common baseplate. Each optical component (AOM, lens, mirror) can be independently accessed and replaced without disturbing the entire system, allowing rapid maintenance and element replacement while maintaining overall system stability through the fixed baseplate structure.
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 system provides fast alignment, high optical efficiency, reduced size, and improved stability, enabling efficient frequency tuning and modulation with minimal optical losses, and is portable and easily reconfigurable.
Implementation Method 1
laser light at a single frequency to be significantly modulated in amplitude, phase, and frequency by using acousto-optic modulators (AOMs)
Data Source
AI summary
A compact convertible single pass (SP)/double pass (DP) optical system is disclosed. The convertible optical system is convertible in the sense that the optical system can be configured to have any one of multiple configurations, including SP/DP, DP/SP, just SP, or just DP. This flexibility in the configuration is made possible by a compact baseplate with various predefined mounting points for the various optical elements required for the different configurations. Further, there is significant commonality among the optical elements required to implement the various configurations. For this reason, if one is cost constrained, one can start with the compact baseplate and populate it with the optical elements required for either the SP or DP configuration and later add the optical elements required to create the SP/DP or DP/SP configuration as funding permits.