Laser Shutter Unit Compact Optical Path Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser shutter units require a large size to ensure reliable switching between emitting and blocking laser light, due to the need for sufficient spatial separation of optical paths, which increases the device's size and can lead to inefficiencies in light reception and output.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a multiple reflective optical element that reflects zero-order and first-order diffracted laser light multiple times to increase the optical path lengths, allowing for closer placement of light receiving and output units while maintaining reliable switching, thereby reducing the overall size of the shutter unit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the optical path length is increased to ensure reliable switching between emitting and blocking laser light, then the reliability of laser switching is improved, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a multiple reflective optical element that reflects laser light multiple times between the acousto-optic element and the output unit, effectively extending the optical path length in a compact spatial configuration. This uses dimensional folding of the optical path to achieve long optical paths without proportionally increasing device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple reflective optical element creates a nested optical path structure where the laser beam undergoes multiple reflections within a confined space between the acousto-optic element and the output unit, effectively nesting multiple optical path segments within a small physical volume.
2Reliability
If the optical path length is increased to improve light reception reliability, then the reliability of light reception is improved, but the distance between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple reflective optical element folds the optical path into multiple segments between the acousto-optic element and the output unit, increasing the effective light reception distance without increasing the linear distance between components. The laser beam travels a longer cumulative path through multiple reflections.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between different optical paths by controlling the acousto-optic element, allowing the laser beam to be directed along extended reflective paths for reliable reception while maintaining compact component placement.
3Volume of moving object
If the device size is reduced by placing components closer together, then the device volume is reduced, but the optical path length becomes insufficient for reliable switching
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple reflective optical element creates an extended optical path within the compact space by introducing multiple reflection surfaces, allowing the optical path length to be effectively increased without increasing the linear dimensions of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the acousto-optic element, multiple reflective optical element, and output unit into a compact integrated structure where the reflective element serves multiple functions: extending the optical path, maintaining component proximity, and enabling reliable switching.
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 configuration ensures reliable switching between emitting and blocking laser light while minimizing the device's size by effectively increasing the optical path lengths between the acousto-optic element and the output or light receiving units, improving the reliability of laser light guidance.
Implementation Method 1
When an ultrasonic wave is applied to the AO crystal, an optical axis of a laser transmitted through the AO crystal changes.
Implementation Method 2
a multiple reflective optical element configured to reflect first light that is the laser light emitted from the acousto-optic element in the first direction and second light that is the laser light emitted from the acousto-optic element in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A laser shutter unit includes an acousto-optic element configured to switch an emission direction of incident laser light between a first direction and a second direction, and a multiple reflective optical element configured to reflect first light that is the laser light emitted from the acousto-optic element in the first direction and second light that is the laser light emitted from the acousto-optic element in the second direction, and further reflect at least one of the first light and the second light.