Hologram Recording Apparatus Using Segmented Optical Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hologram recording apparatuses are limited by high manufacturing costs and spatial restrictions due to the need for redundant optical elements to record multiple hologram pixels (hogels) simultaneously, which slows down the recording process.
Innovation Solution
A hologram recording apparatus that includes a coherent light source, a beam splitter, a signal beam forming unit with refractive regions to split and deflect signal beams into multiple sub-beams, and a reference beam forming unit, allowing for simultaneous recording of multiple hogels on a hologram recording medium using a spatial light modulator and Fourier transformation optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If redundant optical elements are installed to simultaneously record multiple hogels, then the recording speed is improved, but the manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single optical element into multiple refractive regions, where each region processes a different portion of the signal beam to create multiple sub-beams. This segmentation allows one physical element to perform the function of multiple elements, achieving simultaneous recording of multiple hogels without proportionally increasing the number of optical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The single optical element with multiple refractive regions serves multiple functions simultaneously - it splits the signal beam into multiple sub-beams, each directed to different hogel locations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate optical elements for each hogel, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high recording speed.
2Productivity
If redundant optical elements are installed to simultaneously record multiple hogels, then the recording speed is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting a single optical element into multiple refractive regions rather than using multiple separate elements, the patent reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and aligned. This segmentation approach lowers manufacturing costs while enabling simultaneous recording of multiple hogels for high-speed operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical elements into a single integrated element with multiple refractive regions. This consolidation reduces the number of manufacturing steps, assembly operations, and quality control requirements, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while achieving the same productivity benefit of simultaneous multi-hogel recording.
3Productivity
If multiple optical elements are used to record multiple hogels simultaneously, then the productivity is improved, but the spatial restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element is segmented into multiple refractive regions within a compact structure, allowing multiple beam processing functions to be performed in a small spatial footprint. This eliminates the need for large arrays of separate optical elements that would require significant space, enabling high-speed simultaneous recording in a compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of arranging multiple optical elements in a two-dimensional array that consumes horizontal space, the patent uses vertical stacking of refractive regions within a single element. This dimensional reorganization allows multiple functions to be packed into a compact volume, reducing spatial restrictions while maintaining high productivity.
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 high-speed recording of holograms by reducing the number of optical elements required, lowering manufacturing costs, and minimizing the time needed to record multiple hogels, thus enhancing the efficiency of hologram recording.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element for splitting the signal beam into a plurality of sub signal beams and deflecting the plurality of sub signal beams in different directions
Implementation Method 2
Holography is a technology whereby an interference pattern between a signal beam containing a signal and a reference beam is recorded
Implementation Method 3
a first Fourier transformation optical system for Fourier transforming and focusing the modulated plurality of sub signal beams
Data Source
AI summary
A hologram recording apparatus is provided, including: a coherent light source; a beam splitter which splits a beam emitted from the coherent light source into a signal beam and a reference beam; a signal beam forming unit including a first optical element which splits the signal beam into a plurality of sub signal beams and deflects the plurality of sub signal beams in different directions. The signal beam forming unit further directs the plurality of sub signal beams onto a hologram recording medium. The recording apparatus also includes a reference beam forming unit which directs the reference onto a location on the hologram recording medium which overlaps with locations on the hologram recording medium on which the plurality of sub signal beams are incident.