Compact Optical Multiplexer Using Grating and Spherical Mirrors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical multiplexers and demultiplexers are inefficient in combining the outputs of fiber lasers and semiconductor lasers to achieve high-power laser beams, which is essential for military and industrial applications, and they lack a compact form factor suitable for use in space-constrained environments.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical multiplexer/demultiplexer is designed using two spherical reflective optical elements in combination with a diffraction grating operating in a near-Littrow configuration, allowing for the multiplexing and demultiplexing of light beams of different wavelengths or frequencies, enabling the combination of multiple light sources into a single high-energy beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional optical multiplexers/demultiplexers are used to combine laser outputs, then power amplification can be achieved, but the device size becomes large and不适合 for space-constrained applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple laser beams of different wavelengths into a single high-power beam by integrating a diffraction grating with spherical reflective optical elements. The grating disperses incoming light while the spherical mirrors recollimate and redirect the separated wavelengths to converge at a common focal point, merging multiple low-power beams into one high-power beam in a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes angular dispersion in the diffraction grating to separate wavelengths spatially, then employs spherical mirrors to redirect these angularly separated beams into a common spatial pathway. This dimensional transformation from angular separation to spatial convergence enables compact beam combining without requiring large linear distances.
2Measurement precision
If conventional optical multiplexers/demultiplexers are used, then wavelength separation can be achieved, but the number of optical elements increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical reflective optical elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as collimators for incoming divergent beams, as imaging optics to focus the diffracted wavelengths, and as beam redirectors to guide separated wavelengths to their respective destinations. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of optical elements while maintaining precise wavelength separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of collimation, diffraction, imaging, and beam directing into a unified optical architecture where the diffraction grating and spherical mirrors work together as an integrated system. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate collimating lenses and imaging lenses, reducing device complexity while preserving spectral resolution.
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 solution provides a compact and efficient method to combine laser outputs into a high-energy beam, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies by achieving significant power amplification in a small form factor, suitable for military and industrial applications.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction grating operating in a near-Littrow configuration, allowing for the multiplexing and demultiplexing of light beams of different wavelengths or frequencies
Implementation Method 2
two spherical reflective optical elements in combination with a diffraction grating
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for optical spectrometry utilizes a simplified construction, reducing the number of independent optical elements needed while providing a sizeable dispersed spectrum. The apparatus provides a spectral intensity distribution of an input source wherein individual spectral components in the source can be measured and, in some embodiments, can be manipulated or filtered.