Cylindrical Lens Interference Optics for Ultra-Short Pulse Structuring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical devices for interference structuring of samples are expensive, prone to incorrect adjustments, and unsuitable for ultra-short laser pulses due to the complexity of beam manipulation and large path differences between partial beams, which exceed the coherence length of laser radiation.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising a laser, beam splitter, and cylindrical lenses aligned such that the partial beams interfere in an interference region with a small path difference, allowing for efficient and simplified manipulation of the laser beam and interference structuring, particularly suitable for short and ultra-short pulse durations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a known device with many optical elements is used for interference structuring, then linear structure elements can be formed, but the device becomes expensive and prone to incorrect adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary optical elements from the known device. By using a simplified optical path where the laser beam is split into two partial beams that directly interfere after passing through minimal optics (beam splitter and cylindrical lenses), the device achieves the required structuring precision without the complexity of multiple optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using many optical elements to shape and deflect partial beams as in the known device, the patent inverts the approach by using a minimal optical path where the interference pattern is created directly through the geometric arrangement of the beam splitter and cylindrical lenses, achieving precision through simplicity rather than complexity.
2Area of stationary object
If the path lengths of partial beams are made large for extensive structuring, then large area structuring is achieved, but the coherence length of the laser radiation is exceeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the contradiction by changing the dimensional approach to path length management. Instead of increasing path length in one dimension (which would exceed coherence length), the device uses cylindrical lenses to create interference patterns in a different dimensional configuration, allowing large area structuring while keeping the optical path difference within the coherence length of ultra-short laser pulses.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise angle maintenance is required for beam deflection, then structuring precision is improved, but device handling becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter from precise angular deflection to the relative positioning and orientation of the beam splitter and cylindrical lenses. This parameter change simplifies device handling because the cylindrical lenses naturally guide the beams at the required angles through their geometric configuration, eliminating the need for precise angular adjustments while maintaining structuring precision.
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 device enables efficient interference structuring of samples with linear structure elements, suitable for both surface and volume structuring, using cylindrical lenses to maintain a small path difference and ensure coherence, even with ultra-short laser pulses, thus simplifying handling and improving precision.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter (1) for splitting the laser beam (8) into at least two partial beams (8.1, 8.2)
Implementation Method 2
at least one first cylindrical lens (2) and at least one second cylindrical lens (3) for refracting the at least two partial beams (8.1, 8.2)
Implementation Method 3
at least one first cylindrical lens (2) and at least one second cylindrical lens (3) for refracting the at least two partial beams (8.1, 8.2) in the direction of an interference region (14)
Implementation Method 4
the at least two partial beams (8.1, 8.2) of the laser beam (8) interfere with one another in the interference region (14)
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device, its use, and a method for interference structuring of a sample. A laser emits a laser beam that is split into at least two partial beams by a beam splitter. A first cylindrical lens and a second cylindrical lens for refracting the partial beams into an interference area are arranged in the beam path. The partial beams interfere in such a way that a structure having linear structure elements may be formed in a structural region of the sample. The cylinder axis of the first cylindrical lens is aligned parallel to the cylinder axis of the second cylindrical lens.