Fast Frequency-Tunable Optical Relay Using Single Acousto-Optic Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical beam delivery systems incur high monetary and physical space costs due to the use of multiple electro-optical devices, making it impractical to provide optical beams to multiple utilization locations with a single laser.
Innovation Solution
A fast frequency-tunable optical relay using a single acousto-optic device (AOD) in a double-pass configuration, combined with an output optical element array and reflective optical assemblies, allows for switching between output optical beam configurations on timescales of 100 ns to 100 µs, reducing the need for multiple devices and optimizing power distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical relays use multiple electro-optical devices to provide optical beams to multiple utilization locations, then the system can achieve beam delivery to multiple locations, but the monetary cost and physical space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electro-optical devices into a single integrated optical relay device. This single device performs the functions of multiple separate devices by using a unified structure with a beam splitter, mirrors, and a single optical modulator, thereby reducing physical space requirements while maintaining the capability to deliver beams to multiple utilization locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical relay device is designed as a universal system that can serve multiple utilization locations simultaneously. The device uses a beam splitter and configurable mirrors to direct optical beams to different destinations based on control signals, making it adaptable to various applications and locations without requiring separate dedicated devices for each location.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional optical relays use multiple electro-optical devices to provide optical beams to multiple utilization locations, then the system can achieve beam delivery to multiple locations, but the monetary cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple electro-optical devices into a single integrated unit. Instead of using separate modulators and deflectors for each beam path, the invention uses one optical modulator and a shared optical path with beam splitting elements, significantly reducing the quantity of expensive optical components required.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical relay device is designed to be universally applicable to multiple utilization locations. It uses programmable control of mirrors and beam splitters to direct beams to different destinations, replacing the need for multiple dedicated devices and reducing overall system cost.
3Quantity of substance
If a single laser is used to provide optical beams to multiple utilization locations, then monetary cost is reduced, but conventional techniques require multiple electro-optical devices that increase space and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single laser combined with an integrated optical relay device that includes beam splitters and mirrors. This combination allows one laser to effectively serve multiple locations by splitting and directing its beam through a compact configuration, avoiding the need for multiple lasers and the space they would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical relay device uses spatial arrangement of mirrors and beam splitters in three-dimensional space to direct beams from a single laser to multiple locations. By utilizing different spatial paths and angles, the system achieves multi-location beam delivery without requiring proportional increases in physical 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 solution provides a compact, low-power optical relay that can efficiently split and direct optical beams to multiple locations with flexibility, addressing the cost and space constraints of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
the optical relay comprises one acousto-optic device (AOD) in a double pass configuration and configured to receive (a) an input optical beam propagating in a first direction toward the AOD from a first side of the AOD and (b) an electrical driving signal
Implementation Method 2
each reflective optical assembly of the plurality of reflective optical assemblies is configured to cause at least a portion of an intermediate optical beam that exited the AOD to the second side of the AOD and propagated through the parallelizing lens to return to the AOD via the parallelizing lens
Data Source
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AI summary
A frequency-tunable optical relay comprising one acousto-optic device (AOD) in a double pass configuration is provide. The AOD is configured to receive (a) an input optical beam propagating in a first direction toward the AOD from a first side of the AOD and (b) an electrical driving signal. The optical relay further comprises an output optical element array comprising a plurality of output optical elements disposed on the first side of the AOD. Each output optical element of the plurality of output optical elements is configured to provide a respective output optical beam substantially propagating either parallel or anti-parallel to a second direction. The plurality of output optical elements are spaced apart from one another in a third direction, which is transverse to both the first direction and the second direction.