Dispersive Beam Combiner With Monolithic Mirrors for Low-Loss Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for combining light beams from different laser sources in the mid-infrared range suffer from significant power loss, complexity, reliability issues, and large size, particularly when wavelengths are close together, and existing solutions like dichroic plates are difficult to manufacture and costly.
Innovation Solution
A device using a dispersive element and a set of deflecting mirrors, where each mirror is integrated with a monolithic part, allowing precise alignment and superimposition of light beams with different wavelengths, reducing mechanical complexity and improving stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a dichroic semi-reflective plate is used to combine light beams, then power loss is reduced, but manufacturing difficulty and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical system of dichroic plates with a purely optical system using a diffraction grating. The grating disperses multiple wavelengths spatially, allowing beams to be combined without the need for wavelength-selective reflective coatings, thus eliminating manufacturing difficulties associated with dichroic plates in the mid-infrared range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a diffraction grating as an intermediary element that mediates the combination of multiple light beams. The grating separates beams by wavelength and directs them to different spatial locations, enabling combination without direct beam interaction that would cause power loss, while avoiding the manufacturing constraints of dichroic plates.
2Ease of operation
If a pivoting mirror system is used to direct light beams, then beam alignment is achieved, but device reliability and robustness decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using movable pivoting mirrors to dynamically align beams, the patent inverts the approach by using a fixed diffraction grating that passively separates and directs beams based on their wavelengths. The alignment is achieved through the inherent dispersive properties of the grating rather than active mechanical adjustment, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pivoting mirror system with a static diffraction grating. The grating's fixed structure eliminates mechanical wear, misalignment, and reliability issues associated with moving parts, while still achieving precise beam direction through optical dispersion.
3Productivity
If multiple semi-reflective plates are used to combine beams, then beam combination is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the function of multiple semi-reflective plates into a single diffraction grating element. The grating simultaneously handles the separation and direction of multiple wavelengths in one component, eliminating the need for multiple separate optical elements and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffraction grating serves multiple functions simultaneously: it disperses different wavelengths, directs beams to appropriate paths, and enables combination of multiple light sources. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized components, reducing complexity.
4Ease of operation
If a pivoting mirror system with large size is used, then beam direction is achieved, but device size and alignment stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the large-scale mechanical pivoting mirror system with a compact diffraction grating. The grating achieves beam direction through its periodic structure and diffraction physics, eliminating the need for large mechanical components and reducing overall device size while maintaining directional control.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using large mechanical mirrors to physically redirect beams, the patent inverts the approach by using a small diffraction grating that optically separates and directs beams through wavelength-dependent diffraction. This achieves beam direction with minimal device footprint.
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 device achieves efficient, compact, and reliable superimposition of light beams with minimal power loss, suitable for mid-infrared wavelengths, enabling precise detection and measurement of molecular concentrations.
Implementation Method 1
a dispersive element which deflects each of said beams differently, as a function of the mean emission wavelength corresponding to that beam
Implementation Method 2
a deflecting mirror reflecting the light beam emitted by this source towards the dispersing element
Data Source
AI summary
A device includes several distinct laser sources each emitting an individual laser beam, a dispersive element, and a set of deflecting mirrors which, for each laser source, include a deflecting mirror associated to the source, the mirror reflecting the light beam emitted by the source towards the dispersive element, the mirror being positioned and oriented such that, after deflection by the dispersive element, the light beam is substantially centered on a common propagation axis, which is the same for the different light beams, the mirrors being integral with each other.