Tunable Laser Assembly With Active Pointing Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tunable lasers are incapable of generating an accurate laser beam over a broad spectral range, leading to variations in beam path and intensity on the target area during wavelength tuning.
Innovation Solution
A beam steering assembly with active pointing compensation, controlled by a controller, dynamically steers the laser beam to maintain a desired path and intensity on the target area as the laser assembly is tuned over a tunable range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the laser assembly is tuned over a broad spectral range, then the tunable wavelength range is improved, but the beam path stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A feedback control system is implemented where a beam position sensor detects the actual beam position on the target area, and a controller adjusts the beam steering assembly in real-time to compensate for beam path variations during wavelength tuning, maintaining stable beam delivery across the broad spectral range
Solution Approach 2:
A beam steering assembly consisting of steerable mirrors or beam steering elements is introduced as an intermediary component between the laser assembly and the target area. This intermediary dynamically adjusts the beam direction to compensate for wavelength-dependent beam path variations, enabling both broad tuning range and stable beam delivery
2Productivity
If the laser assembly is tuned rapidly across the spectral range, then the productivity is improved, but the beam pointing accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The beam steering assembly is designed with dynamic control capabilities, allowing rapid adjustment of mirror angles or beam steering element positions in real-time during wavelength sweeps. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to maintain beam pointing accuracy even during rapid tuning operations across the spectral range
Solution Approach 2:
A real-time feedback control loop continuously monitors beam position and adjusts the steering assembly at high speeds to compensate for pointing variations during rapid wavelength tuning, maintaining both high productivity and measurement precision
3Stability of the object's composition
If active pointing compensation is implemented, then the beam path stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam steering assembly is designed to serve multiple functions: it performs beam direction control, beam path stabilization during tuning, and can potentially perform spatial scanning if needed. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into a single integrated subsystem
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 laser beam is accurately steered and maintained on a constant target area, ensuring consistent intensity and beam path across the tunable range, suitable for applications requiring rapid and precise spectral sweeps.
Implementation Method 1
a beam steering assembly; a laser assembly that is tunable over a tunable range, the laser assembly generating a laser beam that is directed at the beam steering assembly; and a controller that dynamically controls the beam steering assembly to dynamically steer the laser beam
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly (10) for generating a laser beam (12) includes a beam steering assembly (18); a laser assembly (16) that is tunable over a tunable range; and a controller (20). The laser assembly (16) generates a laser beam (12) that is directed at the beam steering assembly (18). The controller (20) dynamically controls the beam steering assembly (18) to dynamically steer the laser beam (12) as the laser assembly (16) is tuned over at least a portion of the tunable range. As a result thereof, the laser beam (12) is actively steered along a desired beam path (12A) while the wavelength of the laser beam (12) is varied.