Deformometer Optical Cavity Deformation Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining deformation of optical cavities, such as Fabry-Perot refractometers and fixed-length optical cavities, face limitations in measurement accuracy due to deformations of optical elements when gases are injected, which affect the refractive index and pressure measurements.
Innovation Solution
A deformometer system that combines multiple wavelengths of light or species of gas to measure deformation by determining the difference in index of refraction, using a combination of lasers, optical combiners, beam splitters, and detectors to analyze the deformation of optical cavity elements, thereby accounting for gas-induced distortions and providing accurate pressure and refractive index measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (Fabry-Perot refractometers or fixed-length optical cavities) are used to determine deformation, then the measurement system is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to deformations of optical elements when gases are injected
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the measurement process by using multiple lasers at different wavelengths to independently measure deformation effects, allowing the total deformation to be determined through combination of multiple measurement channels rather than a single complex measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement approach where the deformation of optical elements is measured indirectly through its effect on laser wavelengths, rather than directly measuring the physical deformation, enabling precision without direct mechanical contact
2Measurement precision
If multiple wavelengths of light are combined to measure deformation, then measurement precision improves by accounting for gas-induced distortions, but device complexity increases due to multiple lasers and optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple lasers serving universal functions of probing the optical cavity at different wavelengths, where each laser performs the same measurement function but at different spectral points, allowing the system to extract multiple parameters (deformation and refractive index) simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple laser beams into a single optical path through the cavity using optical combiners, and combines the measurement signals from multiple wavelengths to simultaneously determine both deformation and refractive index, reducing the number of separate measurement systems needed
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 deformometer system effectively determines deformation and refractive index changes, overcoming the limitations of conventional methods by providing precise measurements of pressure and refractive index, even in the presence of gas-induced distortions, and can serve as a primary standard for pressure measurement from 0.1 mPa to 3.6 MPa.
Implementation Method 1
an optical cavity that receives the combined light and that produces filtered combined light from the combined light
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter in optical communication with the exit optical cavity optic and that: receives the filtered combined light from the optical cavity; splits the filtered combined light into first filtered light and second filtered light
Implementation Method 3
a first light detector in optical communication with the beam splitter and that: receives the first filtered light from the beam splitter; and produces a first cavity signal from the first filtered light; and a second light detector in optical communication with the beam splitter and that: receives the second filtered light from the beam splitter; and produces a second cavity signal from the second filtered light
Implementation Method 4
a first laser in optical communication with entry optical cavity optic and that provides first light; a second laser in optical communication with entry optical cavity optic and that provides second light
Data Source
AI summary
A deformometer includes: a cavity body; entry and exit optical cavity optics, such that the optical cavity produces filtered combined light from combined light; a first laser that provides first light; a second laser that provides second light; an optical combiner that: receives the first light; receives the second light; combines the first light and the second light; produces combined light from the first light and the second light; and communicates the combined light to the entry optical cavity optic; a beam splitter that: receives the filtered combined light; splits the filtered combined light; a first light detector in optical communication with the beam splitter and that: receives the first filtered light from the beam splitter; and produces a first cavity signal from the first filtered light; and a second light detector that: receives the second filtered light; and produces a second cavity signal from the second filtered light.