Diffraction Grating with Orientation Mark for Polarization Light Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical elements and modules face challenges in efficiently controlling the amount of outgoing light, leading to increased costs and complex assembly processes due to the need for multiple polarizing plates or filters, and poor stability against temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
An optical element with a diffraction grating and a mark that utilizes polarization-dependent characteristics to control the amount of outgoing light, allowing for quick and accurate adjustment of the grating groove direction, reducing costs and enhancing manufacturing efficiency by simplifying the adjustment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a polarizer or diffraction grating is used to control the amount of outgoing light, then the light output can be adjusted to a desired level, but the structure becomes complex and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light amount adjustment function and the optical element function into a single integrated diffraction grating structure. The diffraction grating simultaneously serves as both the optical element for light control and the adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for separate adjustment components and reducing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a rotatable adjustment mechanism that allows the diffraction grating to be rotated around the optical axis. This dynamic adjustment capability enables continuous control of the light output amount by changing the orientation of the grating grooves relative to the incident light, providing flexible light control without requiring multiple static optical elements.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple polarizing plates are used to adjust light amount, then the desired light output can be achieved, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates the functions of multiple polarizing plates into a single diffraction grating structure. Instead of assembling multiple separate polarizing plates to achieve light amount control, the invention uses one integrated diffraction grating that performs the same function, significantly reducing the number of assembly steps and improving productivity.
3Reliability
If a deflector is rotated to adjust light output, then stability against temperature fluctuations can be achieved, but there is no indicator for rotation amount and assembly efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation adjustment system with an optical indicator system. Instead of relying on mechanical indicators or trial-and-error rotation, the invention uses a mark on the diffraction grating that visually indicates the rotation angle, allowing operators to quickly and accurately position the grating without complex mechanical measurement systems.
4Illumination intensity
If filters with various transmittances are prepared to adjust laser output, then the intensity can be weakened, but costs increase due to the need for multiple filters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal diffraction grating structure that can adjust light intensity across a wide range by simply rotating the single grating element. Instead of requiring multiple filters with fixed transmittance values, this multi-functional grating can continuously vary the light output amount by changing its orientation, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple different filter components.
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 solution enables precise and efficient control of outgoing light, reducing costs and improving manufacturing efficiency by using a diffraction grating with a simple structure and a mark for easy rotation and adjustment, while maintaining stability across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a diffraction grating having a periodic structure formed from a plurality of grating grooves and allowing control of an amount of outgoing light using polarization-dependent characteristics when incident light is outputted as outgoing light
Implementation Method 2
allowing control of the amount of outgoing light using polarization-dependent characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
It is to provide an optical element, an optical module, an optical connector, and an optical module manufacturing method that can quickly and very accurately control the amount of outgoing light to a desired amount when incident light is outputted, reduce costs, and enhance manufacturing efficiency.A diffraction grating 9 having a periodic structure made from a plurality of grating grooves 10 and formed to allow control of an amount of outgoing light using polarization-dependent characteristics when incident light is outputted as the outgoing light and a mark 11 indicating at least one of either a grating groove 10 direction of the diffraction grating 9 or a periodic direction of the diffraction grating 9 are included.