Laser Beam Directing System with Auxiliary Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser beam alignment systems require rigid mechanical structures with high mass, leading to sluggish performance and inability to adjust the beam path during operation, limiting precise and rapid guidance of the main laser beam, especially under dynamic loads.
Innovation Solution
The system employs two auxiliary lasers aligned parallel to the axes of rotation, which are directed to a detector to compare their beams, allowing for precise adjustment of the deflection mirrors to ensure orthogonality of the beam path, enabling dynamic readjustment and alignment during operation with high accuracy (approximately 1 to 5 microrads).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a rigid mechanical structure with high mass is used to ensure precise alignment of deflecting mirrors, then alignment precision is improved, but the system becomes sluggish and cannot adjust the beam path during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the alignment function into two independent parts: a rigid structure for precision and a flexible optical path for rapid adjustment. The optical components (deflecting mirrors, beam splitters) are segmented from the heavy mechanical structure, allowing the lightweight optical path to be reconfigured quickly while the rigid structure maintains alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the optical path using movable deflecting mirrors and beam splitters that can be repositioned during operation. This allows the system to switch between static precision alignment and dynamic beam path adjustment, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and flexibility.
2Measurement precision
If conventional straightening systems with rigid mechanical structures are used, then precise alignment is achieved, but the system cannot adjust the beam path during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The optical path is designed with movable components (deflecting mirrors, beam splitters) that can be dynamically repositioned during operation. This enables the system to adapt the beam path in real-time while maintaining precise alignment through the rigid structural framework.
Solution Approach 2:
Beam splitters are introduced as intermediary optical elements that can redirect the laser beam between different paths. These intermediaries enable flexible beam path adjustment without compromising the precision alignment established by the rigid mechanical structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary lasers and detectors are added to enable dynamic readjustment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary lasers and detectors form a self-contained alignment subsystem that automatically measures and corrects beam path deviations. This self-service capability enables dynamic readjustment without requiring complex external control systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall system 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
This design allows for highly precise and rapid alignment of the main laser beam, enabling it to be coupled into the telescope optics parallel to the axes of rotation, ensuring accurate guidance over longer periods, even under dynamic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
the first auxiliary laser, the second auxiliary laser and the first detector are arranged and aligned in the laser beam alignment system in such a way that by comparing the beams of the first auxiliary laser and the second auxiliary laser incident on the first detector
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a laser beam directing system (1) and to a corresponding method for orienting optical components (23, 25, 27, 29) of the laser beam directing system (1). The laser beam directing system (1) comprises a first deflection mirror (23), which is connected to an elevation axis of the laser beam directing system (1). In addition, the laser beam directing system (1) comprises a main laser (13), which can be coupled via the first deflection mirror (23) into a telescope lens (12). Furthermore, the laser beam directing system (1) comprises a first auxiliary laser (19) and a second auxiliary laser (21). The first auxiliary laser (19) is oriented parallel to a rotational azimuth axis of the laser beam directing system (1). The second auxiliary laser (21) is oriented parallel to a rotational elevation axis of the laser beam directing system (1). In addition, the laser beam directing system (1) comprises a first detector (15). The first auxiliary laser (19), the second auxiliary laser (21) and the first detector (15) are arranged and oriented in the laser beam directing system (1) in such a manner that by comparing the beams of the first auxiliary laser (19) and of the second auxiliary laser (21) incident upon the first detector (15) the first deflection mirror (23) can be oriented in such a manner that a main laser beam (13) can be coupled parallel to the rotational elevation axis into the telescope lens (12).