External Resonator Optical Kit for Easier Laser Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser systems face difficulties in adjusting the position and direction of output light, particularly when replacing laser light sources or diffraction gratings, especially for mid-infrared light, due to complex optical axis adjustments required during wavelength tuning.
Innovation Solution
An optical kit and device with a configuration that includes a corner reflector and mirrors, utilizing adjustable holding parts and mechanisms to align optical axes, allowing for easy adjustment of output light position and direction through monitored light intensity optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a laser system uses a fixed optical configuration for wavelength tuning, then the position and direction of output light are stable during tuning, but the system becomes difficult to adjust when replacing laser light sources or diffraction gratings
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate adjustable components: the diffraction grating can be independently adjusted relative to the laser light source, and the mirror can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized and adjusted separately, making replacement and alignment easier while maintaining overall system stability during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow dynamic reconfiguration of the optical path. The diffraction grating and mirror positions can be dynamically adjusted during setup and maintenance, enabling easy replacement of components while maintaining the required optical alignment. This dynamic adjustability resolves the contradiction between fixed stability and operational flexibility
2Productivity
If optical axis adjustment is performed simultaneously with fine adjustment for establishing an external resonator, then component replacement becomes more efficient, but the adjustment complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is pre-configured with the diffraction grating and mirror positioned at optimal angles and locations before final assembly. This preliminary setup establishes a baseline configuration that simplifies subsequent adjustments during component replacement, allowing users to make only minor refinements rather than complete realignments, thus improving efficiency without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms through the optical path design where the laser light source, diffraction grating, and mirror are arranged to provide visual or measurable feedback on alignment status. This feedback guides the adjustment process, making it more systematic and less complex by providing clear indicators of when proper alignment is achieved
3Ease of operation
If a corner reflector with adjustable holding parts is used, then optical axis alignment becomes easier during component replacement, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holding parts for the diffraction grating and mirror are merged into a single corner reflector assembly that maintains fixed geometric relationships between components. This integration simplifies the overall structure by combining multiple adjustment functions into one unified unit, making alignment easier while avoiding the complexity of separate adjustable mechanisms for each component
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
Enables precise and easy alignment of output light position and direction, ensuring accurate optical axis alignment even with wavelength changes, particularly for invisible light like mid-infrared, by using adjustable holding parts and mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective diffraction grating configured to diffract laser light emitted from the laser light source and is incident from a first direction and configured to reflect 0th-order diffraction light in a second direction
Implementation Method 2
a mirror configured to reflect the diffraction light from the corner reflector in a third direction different from the first direction and the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an optical kit for forming an optical system including an external resonator of a laser light source that outputs laser light, the optical kit including: a base including a main surface; a light source holding part provided on the main surface for holding the laser light source; and a holding part provided on the main surface for holding the optical system, wherein the holding part has a reflector holding part for holding the corner reflector, a first opening member holding part for holding the first opening member, and a second opening member holding part for holding the second opening member, and wherein the first opening member holding part is positioned closer to the reflector holding part than an emission surface of the laser light of the laser light source held by the light source holding part.