Interferometer Rotational Path Adjustment for OPD Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Interferometer systems face challenges in setting up, calibrating, and maintaining optical path length differences (OPDs) for reliable interference pattern measurements, requiring highly stable conditions and complex setup processes.
Innovation Solution
An interferometer system with a first light transmitting structure in one path that is adjustable in rotational position relative to the optical axis, allowing for efficient adjustment of OPD, and optionally a second light transmitting structure in the other path for varying optical path lengths, with automatic removal and repositioning capabilities for calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If highly stable conditions and solid rigid support structures are used, then reliability of interference pattern measurements is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the optical path length adjustable through a movable mirror that can be positioned along the optical axis. This allows the interferometer to adapt its configuration dynamically rather than being fixed, enabling setup and calibration flexibility while maintaining measurement reliability during operation. The movable mirror mechanism provides controlled adjustment capability without requiring complex rigid support reconfiguration.
2Reliability
If highly stable conditions and solid rigid support structures are used, then reliability of interference pattern measurements is improved, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The movable mirror provides dynamic adjustment capability that simplifies operation during setup and calibration phases. By allowing controlled movement of the mirror along the optical axis, the system enables easy adjustment of optical path length without requiring complex reconfiguration of rigid supports, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical path length difference is adjusted using path length increasing structures, then OPD setting capability is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a movable mirror that can be positioned at different locations along the optical axis to adjust the optical path length difference. This dynamic positioning mechanism provides versatile OPD setting capability without introducing multiple separate path length increasing structures, thereby maintaining relatively simple device complexity while achieving the desired adaptability.
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 simplifies the setup and calibration of interferometer systems, enhancing stability and resolution, and is applicable to both ground-based and mobile systems, including those in remote or hard-to-reach locations like spacecraft.
Implementation Method 1
The systems are e.g. configured to use interference of electromagnetic waves, particularly optical beams for measuring or monitoring various parameters. Particularly, the systems can detect optical path length differences, or variation in optical path length differences, between interfering beams
Implementation Method 2
The first interferometer path is provided with a first light transmitting structure having a rotational position that is adjustable with respect to an optical axis of the first path... adjusting an OPD of the system can be set or adjusted by simply setting or adjusting a rotational position of the first light transmitting structure
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
Interferometer system, including optical means (2, 3, 4, 5) arranged for directing light along a first interferometer path and (separate) second interferometer path, and for combining the light for allowing interferometry, characterized in that the first interferometer path (PI) is provided with a first light transmitting structure (10) having a rotational position that is adjustable with respect to an optical axis of the first path.