Interference Light Filter Openings for Alignment-Free Patterning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing interference light generation techniques require precise alignment of laser beams with filter openings, limiting the flexibility and accuracy in forming desired patterns, and necessitate replacement of filters when beam diameters change.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that form filter openings using a first laser beam to split into multiple light fluxes, allowing for accurate and flexible pattern formation without precise alignment, by manufacturing the filter on the spot and using a spatial light modulator to control wavefronts for interference light generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a filter with pre-formed openings is used in existing interference light generation techniques, then the device structure is simple, but precise alignment between laser beams and filter openings is required, limiting flexibility and accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The filter is manufactured in advance using laser irradiation to form openings at precisely controlled positions and shapes. This preliminary action eliminates the need for alignment during operation, as the openings are pre-positioned to match the intended laser beam paths exactly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical alignment process is replaced by optical manufacturing. Instead of physically aligning the filter with the laser beam through mechanical adjustment, the openings are directly formed by laser irradiation at the exact positions where beams will pass, substituting mechanical alignment with optical fabrication.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the beam diameter of the laser beam changes, then the existing filter openings may not be appropriate, but replacing the filter is necessary, increasing device complexity and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The filter becomes a dynamic component that can be reconfigured. Instead of being a static element requiring replacement, the filter's openings can be modified or recreated to adapt to different beam diameters, transforming the system from static to dynamic and adaptable.
Solution Approach 2:
The parameters of the filter openings (position, size, shape) are changed by varying the laser irradiation conditions during manufacturing. This allows the same filter base material to produce different opening configurations suitable for different beam diameters without requiring physical replacement of the filter.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filters with different opening configurations are prepared for different beam diameters, then adaptability is improved, but the number of components and alignment procedures increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single filter base material serves multiple functions by being able to accommodate different opening configurations. The same filter structure can be used for different beam diameters and pattern requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized filters and reducing both component count and alignment time.
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 accurate and flexible formation of interference light patterns without the need for precise alignment between laser beams and openings, allowing for efficient and adaptable interference light generation.
Implementation Method 1
a manufacturing step of manufacturing a filter by splitting the first laser beam into a plurality of first light fluxes and irradiating the base material with the plurality of first light fluxes to form a plurality of openings
Implementation Method 2
a wavefront control unit that controls the wavefront of a laser beam by presenting a hologram pattern
Implementation Method 3
causing the plurality of second light fluxes having passed through each of the plurality of openings to interfere with each other
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
An interference light generation method involves placing a base material 15 in an optical path of a first laser beam LA, manufacturing a filter 6 by irradiating the base material 15 with a plurality of first light fluxes L1 obtained by splitting the first laser beam LA to form a plurality of openings P corresponding to irradiation positions of the plurality of first light fluxes L1 in the base material 15, and generating interference light Ls by splitting a second laser beam LB into a plurality of second light fluxes L2 having the same optical axis as the plurality of first light fluxes L1 while each of the plurality of openings P of the filter 6 is maintained on the optical axis of the plurality of first light fluxes L1 corresponding to the plurality of openings P, and causing the plurality of second light fluxes L2 having passed through each of the plurality of openings P to interfere with each other.