Reducing Large Laser Beam Size Without Central Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Characterizing and controlling large-diameter laser beams (>100 mm) is challenging due to the need for specific optics, such as mirror systems with central obstructions, which are costly and difficult to align, and high-intensity beams that require opaque attenuation, posing safety risks to diagnosis systems.
Innovation Solution
A method using a partially reflecting plate and a convergent reflective element, like an on-axis parabolic mirror, to reduce beam size without central obstruction, achieving controlled attenuation through reflection and transmission coefficients, allowing for safe and precise beam control for diagnosis and optical system control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If mirror systems with central obstruction are used to reduce beam size, then beam size is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to occultation of part of the beam
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the beam size reduction function from the telescope mirror system and implements it through a combination of a beam splitter and a curved mirror. The beam splitter divides the large beam into two paths, one reflected by the curved mirror to achieve size reduction, while the other maintains the original beam path without obstruction, enabling simultaneous beam size reduction and uninterrupted beam measurement.
2Measurement precision
If off-axis parabolic mirrors are used to eliminate central obstruction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the optical system into distinct functional components: a beam splitter plate and a curved mirror. This segmentation allows the use of simpler, more manufacturable elements compared to a complex off-axis parabolic mirror, while achieving the same functional outcome of beam size reduction without central obstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam splitter plate serves multiple functions: it divides the beam for size reduction, allows transmission of the original beam for measurement, and provides a platform for mounting the curved mirror. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying the overall system.
3Illumination intensity
If very opaque optical densities are used to attenuate beam intensity, then beam intensity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to safety risks from inadvertent switching
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a curved mirror as an intermediary element that reflects the beam to achieve attenuation through a controlled number of reflections. This intermediary approach provides gradual, predictable attenuation compared to the abrupt intensity reduction from very opaque optical densities, eliminating the safety risk associated with inadvertent switching between high and low density settings.
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 the reduction of large-diameter light beams to smaller sizes with controlled attenuation, eliminating the need for opaque densities, ensuring safety and maintaining optical quality without central obstructions, suitable for high-power laser applications.
Implementation Method 1
the dispatching onto a convergent reflective element of a second light beam arising from the reflection on the partially reflecting plate
Implementation Method 2
the dispatching of a third light beam arising from the transmission through the partially reflecting plate
Implementation Method 3
the dispatching onto a convergent reflective element of a second light beam
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for reducing the dimensions of an incident light beam of large dimensions are disclosed. The method includes the dispatching of a first light beam toward a partially reflecting plate of dimensions suitable for the dimensions of the light beam of large dimensions, the dispatching onto a convergent reflective element of a second light beam arising from the transmission through the partially reflecting plate of the first light beam, the dispatching of a third light beam arising from the reflection on the convergent reflective element of the second light beam, toward said partially reflecting plate, and the reflection of the third beam on the partially reflecting plate so as to form a fourth light beam.