Dispersion Interferometry Optics With Collinear Diffracted Beams

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical devices for dispersion interferometry are susceptible to mechanical disturbances and failures, particularly in acoustically influenced environments, and require complex setups with multiple components.

Innovation Solution

An optical device utilizing a laser beam source, frequency doubling device, and optical modulation device to generate collinear diffracted laser beams of different orders, allowing for interference detection without signal mixing, and a compact design with reduced components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional dispersion interferometry systems are used, then measurement of gas mixture density and pressure can be performed, but the systems are susceptible to mechanical disturbances and environmental noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesusceptibility to mechanical disturbancesVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical stabilization methods with optical frequency multiplication and digital signal processing. The interferometer uses frequency-doubled laser beams and electronic phase modulation to achieve stabilization, eliminating the need for mechanical precision components that are susceptible to vibrations and environmental noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters by using frequency-doubled laser beams (second harmonic) instead of fundamental frequency beams. This parameter change enables the use of non-linear optical effects and digital signal processing techniques that are less sensitive to mechanical disturbances, thereby improving reliability without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used in dispersion interferometry systems, then various optical functions can be achieved, but the device complexity increases and stability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoptical function capabilityVSAvoidcomponent count

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical functions into a single interferometer design. The frequency doubling crystal, phase modulator, and interferometric measurement components are integrated into one compact system, reducing the total component count while maintaining full optical functionality for dispersion measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The interferometer is designed with multi-functionality, using the same optical path and components for both frequency-doubled beam generation and interferometric measurement. This universal design allows the system to perform multiple optical functions without requiring separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If frequency-doubled laser beams are used, then susceptibility to environmental interference is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesusceptibility to environmental interferenceVSAvoidoptical device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical stabilization systems with a frequency-doubled optical system combined with digital signal processing. The frequency-doubled beams enable the use of electronic phase modulation and digital correlation techniques that achieve environmental interference rejection without requiring complex mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Achieves high accuracy and bandwidth in determining gas mixture density with low susceptibility to environmental interference, requiring fewer components and simplifying the measurement setup.

Implementation Method 1

a frequency doubling device and an optical modulation device for generating a second laser beam at a frequency of a second harmonic of the fundamental frequency

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSecond harmonic generation: Second Harmonic Generation

Implementation Method 2

a first diffracted laser beam having an intensity of the first diffraction order of a modulated fundamental frequency, and a second diffracted laser beam having an intensity of the second diffraction order

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS12613135B2Optical device, system and method for dispersion interferometry

Publication Date: 2026.04.28 DEUTSCHES ZENTRUM FÜR LUFT UND RAUMFAHRT E V

AI summary

An optical device, a system and a method for dispersion interferometry includes a frequency doubling device and an optical modulation device, a transmission beam path which is configured to emit a first and second measurement beam on an optical element and a reception beam path which is configured to receive a first and second measuring beam returned by the optical element.