Dense Pattern Multiple Pass Cells With Central Exit Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiple pass optical cells with dense spot patterns face challenges in separating the exit beam from the entrance beam due to the small angle between them, limiting the number of passes and requiring complex and costly custom-made astigmatic mirrors, which are difficult to manufacture and align.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a separate exit hole in the center of the rear mirror allows for the separation of the exit beam from the entrance beam, independent of the cell configuration, enabling the use of cylindrical or astigmatic mirrors with a non-zero twist angle to form a Lissajous pattern and simplify alignment, while allowing for a wider variety of detectors and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a separate exit hole is added in the center of the rear mirror, then the exit beam can be separated from the entrance beam, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror is segmented into two functional zones: a central transmission zone with a hole for beam exit, and a reflective zone for optical path generation. This segmentation allows the beam to be separated from the entrance beam while maintaining the mirror's primary reflective function, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Length of stationary object
If astigmatic mirrors are used to achieve dense spot patterns, then the optical path length increases, but the manufacturing cost and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the optical path by using a twisted cylindrical mirror configuration instead of traditional astigmatic mirrors. This parameter change achieves dense spot patterns and long optical path lengths while using more manufacturable standard cylindrical mirrors, resolving the contradiction between optical path length and manufacturing ease.
3Productivity
If the number of passes is increased to achieve longer optical path, then the pass density increases, but the spot pattern becomes more difficult to separate from the entrance beam
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a twist angle dimension to the cylindrical mirror configuration, creating a three-dimensional optical path that spirals through the cell. This dimensional change allows high pass density while maintaining clear spatial separation between the exit beam and entrance beam, resolving the contradiction between productivity and ease of operation.
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 approach enables a compact optical cell with a long optical path, increased pass density, and reduced costs, allowing for a wide range of configurations and compatibility with various wavelengths, making it suitable for diverse optical applications and easier alignment.
Implementation Method 1
forming a Lissajous pattern of spots on the mirrors by repeated reflection of laser light entering the cell
Data Source
AI summary
An optical cell and a method of operating an optical cell comprising employing a first mirror comprising a first hole therein at approximately a center of the first mirror and through which laser light enters the cell, employing a second mirror comprising a second hole therein at approximately a center of the second mirror and through which laser light exits the cell, and forming a Lissajous pattern of spots on the mirrors by repeated reflection of laser light entering the cell.