Compact Folded Optical Multipass System Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical multipass systems are limited by their size, geometry, and complexity, which restricts their compactness, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, and they struggle to achieve high optical path lengths and pattern densities while avoiding interference.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical multipass system with a multipass pattern folding assembly that includes folding reflective surfaces to fold the optical pattern intra-cavity, reducing the physical extent of the cell while maintaining or increasing the optical path length, using a combination of end and folding reflective surfaces to direct and focus the light beam in a compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional optical multipass systems use traditional end-mirror configurations, then the optical path length can be extended, but the physical size and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces folding reflective surfaces that fold the optical pattern intra-cavity, effectively adding dimensional complexity to the optical path arrangement. This allows the light beam to traverse a longer path within a more compact physical footprint by utilizing folded configurations rather than linear extensions
Solution Approach 2:
The optical pattern is folded back into the existing cavity space multiple times, nesting the optical path within itself. The folding reflective surfaces create a compact arrangement where the optical beam repeatedly enters and exits folded regions, achieving extended path length without proportional increase in external dimensions
2Length of stationary object
If conventional optical multipass systems increase the number of reflections to achieve higher path density, then the optical path length increases, but the system complexity and interference effects worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The optical cavity is segmented into distinct regions by the folding reflective surfaces, creating separate folding regions where the optical pattern is systematically directed. This segmentation organizes the multiple reflections into manageable sections, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high path density
Solution Approach 2:
The folding reflective surfaces act as intermediary elements that mediate between the light source and the end mirrors. These intermediaries systematically direct the optical pattern through folded configurations, achieving high path density without requiring direct complex arrangements between all components
3Device complexity
If conventional optical multipass systems use traditional configurations, then the system structure is simple, but the compactness and flexibility of the system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustably mounted folding reflective surfaces that can be repositioned to create different optical path configurations. This dynamic adjustability allows the same basic structure to achieve multiple compact arrangements and adapt to different optical path length requirements without redesigning the entire 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
This approach enables the creation of compact optical multipass systems with high optical path lengths and pattern densities, reducing costs and complexity, and allowing for flexible configurations that overcome the limitations of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
an optical multipass system with a multipass pattern folding assembly that includes folding reflective surfaces to fold the optical pattern intra-cavity
Implementation Method 2
using a combination of end and folding reflective surfaces to direct and focus the light beam in a compact configuration
Data Source
AI summary
An optical multipass system is configured to include, in addition an end-mirror configuration of reflective surfaces, a multipass pattern folding assembly. The end-mirror configuration includes at least two reflective surfaces arranged to provide for establishing cell stability of an optical multipass cell comprising all or part of the optical multipass system, or further provide for directing and/or focusing light within the optical multipass cell. The multipass pattern folding assembly includes at least two inner reflective surfaces configured to provide for folding an optical pattern intra-cavity at least twice off one of the inner reflective surfaces of the multipass pattern folding assembly.