Deflector Device for Multi-Beam Scanning Optical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional scanning optical systems face challenges in efficiently steering multiple beams of optical radiation with different orientations through deflector devices, leading to power loss, increased complexity, and operational delays due to the use of semi-transparent mirrors and flip mirrors.
Innovation Solution
A scanning optical system employing a deflector device with uni-axial or bi-axial scanning mirrors and an electromagnetic drive unit, capable of tilting beams with different orientations, allowing for efficient scanning and alignment of beams with varying angles of incidence, and an interferometric measuring device for optical analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If semi-transparent mirrors are used to couple beam paths onto a common optical axis, then beam alignment is achieved, but power loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes semi-transparent mirrors from the optical path coupling mechanism. Instead of using mirrors that reflect and transmit beams, the system uses a deflector device that can handle multiple beams directly without requiring beam path coupling elements, thereby eliminating the power loss associated with semi-transparent mirrors.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector device is designed to handle multiple beams with different orientations simultaneously, replacing the need for separate coupling elements for each beam. This universal approach allows all beams to be processed through a single device without requiring semi-transparent mirrors for alignment.
2Ease of operation
If flip mirrors are used to direct beams, then beam steering is achieved, but operational delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical flip mirrors with a deflector device that uses electromagnetic actuation (such as electro-optic modulators or resonant scanners). This substitution eliminates the mechanical rotation time required by flip mirrors, achieving instantaneous or near-instantaneous beam steering without operational delays.
3Measurement precision
If coupling elements are added to align beams, then beam path coupling is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple beam path coupling elements into a single deflector device. Instead of using separate semi-transparent mirrors and alignment elements for each beam, all beams are coupled and aligned through one integrated deflector device, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The deflector device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it aligns beams with different orientations, couples them onto a common optical axis, and enables scanning operation. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate coupling elements, reducing system complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple optical sources with different orientations are used, then functional versatility is achieved, but beam handling complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deflector device is designed to handle multiple beams with different orientations simultaneously, providing a universal solution for processing diverse optical sources. This multi-functional capability allows the system to maintain functional versatility while avoiding the complexity of separate beam handling mechanisms for each source.
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
Enables efficient beam steering with reduced power loss and complexity, facilitating precise diagnostic and surgical applications by allowing multiple beams to be scanned and aligned effectively, enhancing the system's operational efficiency and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a deflector device that is disposed to receive and deflect a beam of optical radiation through various scan angles
Implementation Method 2
A scanning optical system employing a deflector device with uni-axial or bi-axial scanning mirrors and an electromagnetic drive unit, capable of tilting beams with different orientations
Implementation Method 3
an electromagnetic drive unit for driving the scanning mirror through an angular range
Implementation Method 4
an interferometric measuring device for optical analysis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
In an embodiment, a scanning optical system comprises: first and second optical sources (22, 32) for providing first and second beams (18, 20), respectively, of optical radiation; a deflector device (42) disposed to receive and deflect the first and second beams, the deflector device configured for a scanning operation on a beam of radiation traversing the deflector device; wherein the first beam (18) is incident on the deflector device (42) with a first orientation and the second beam (20) is incident on the deflector device (42) with a second orientation that is different from the first orientation.