Interferometer Spring Structure for Larger Optical Path Difference
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Solution Overview
Problem
The optical path difference in existing Fourier infrared spectrometers is limited by the supporting spring in the interferometer, leading to low resolution and analysis precision, and the installation of reflectors is difficult, causing non-parallel reflected light and low spectral resolution.
Innovation Solution
A method for preparing a supporting spring model using a second-order Bezier curve and genetic algorithm to optimize the optical path difference, combined with an integrated interferometer device design featuring a corner cube reflector and concave beam splitter, ensuring parallel light reflection and improved structural robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional serpentine supporting spring is used in the interferometer, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the optical path difference is small resulting in low resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the supporting spring by using a fourth-order Bezier curve instead of a traditional serpentine shape. This allows optimization of the spring's curvature and dimensions to achieve a larger optical path difference while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through computer-aided design and fabrication processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional serpentine pattern to a three-dimensional Bezier curve structure with optimized spatial distribution. This dimensional transformation enables the supporting spring to achieve greater optical path difference by utilizing spatial geometry more effectively, thereby improving resolution without proportionally increasing manufacturing complexity
2Manufacturing precision
If a traditional supporting spring is used, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the optical path difference is limited leading to low spectral resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the Bezier curve parameters (control points, degrees, and coefficients) to maximize the optical path difference. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves high spectral resolution while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes through computer-aided design and fabrication
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses computer simulation and virtual modeling to replicate and optimize the supporting spring structure before physical manufacturing. This allows extensive iteration and optimization of the Bezier curve geometry to achieve optimal optical path difference without requiring multiple physical prototypes, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving spectral resolution
3Manufacturing precision
If a corner cube reflector is integrated with the substrate layer, then the reflected light becomes parallel to incident light improving resolution, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the corner cube reflector directly into the substrate layer, merging two previously separate components into a single unified structure. This integration ensures that the reflected light is always parallel to the incident light, improving spectral resolution, while the integrated nature of the structure actually simplifies assembly and reduces alignment complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The corner cube reflector is pre-integrated into the substrate layer during the manufacturing process rather than being added as a separate component afterward. This preliminary integration ensures precise alignment and parallel light reflection from the outset, eliminating the need for subsequent alignment operations and reducing overall device complexity
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 method enhances the optical path difference and resolution of the infrared spectrometer, improving analysis precision and spectral information accuracy by ensuring parallel light reflection and integrating the reflector with the substrate layer.
Implementation Method 1
supporting spring structure...configured to provide supporting moments for the interferometer movable part
Implementation Method 2
the reflected light is not parallel to the incident light, resulting in low resolution of the infrared spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
A method for preparing a supporting spring model and an integrated interferometer device are provided, which relates to the technical field of infrared spectrometers. The method includes the following steps: multiple groups of initial control point coordinate sequences, which are determined based on a second-order Bezier curve and are configured to simulate control point coordinates of a supporting spring model, are iterated by using a genetic algorithm; and a supporting spring model for preparing a supporting spring structure in an integrated interferometer device is determined. The supporting spring model are simulated and iterated, so as to improve an optical path difference of the integrated interferometer device and further improve a resolution of the infrared spectrometer. The interferometer device includes a component layer, a buried oxide layer and a substrate layer. Reflectors are integrated with the substrate layer without installing the reflectors additionally.