Light Deflection Device Using Diffraction Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light deflection devices, such as those using gimbal mirrors or rotary stages, are not suitable for systems requiring reduced size and weight or low power consumption, as they necessitate controlling large mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A light deflection device comprising a light deflection element, a driving unit, an angle increasing optical element with a diffraction element having varying periodic structure pitches, and a light collecting element, which together enable increased deflection angles while minimizing size and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gimbal mirror or rotary stage is used to control laser light direction, then the light deflection can be achieved, but the size and weight of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical light deflection systems (gimbal mirrors, rotary stages) with an optical phase modulation element that uses optical fields to control light direction. This substitution eliminates heavy mechanical components while achieving the same light control function through electromagnetic field manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical position/orientation to optical phase modulation. By varying the phase modulation parameters of the optical element, light direction is controlled without mechanical movement, thereby reducing system weight and size.
2Ease of operation
If a gimbal mirror or rotary stage is used to control laser light direction, then the light deflection can be achieved, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces power-intensive mechanical drive systems with low-power optical phase modulation. The optical element can be driven by voltage or current signals that directly modulate the optical phase, consuming significantly less power than mechanical motors and actuators required for gimbal mirrors and rotary stages.
3Volume of moving object
If the optical path length between the angle increasing optical element and light collecting element is shortened, then the device size is reduced, but the focal length requirement must be met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the optical path length parameter to achieve compact device volume while maintaining the required focal length. By carefully selecting and adjusting the optical path length between components, the design achieves a balance between miniaturization and optical performance requirements.
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 proposed light deflection device achieves a significant increase in deflection angles with a simpler structure, reducing size and weight, and enabling low power consumption, making it suitable for compact and energy-efficient applications.
Implementation Method 1
an angle increasing optical element consisting of a diffraction element having different periodic structure pitches in a plane
Implementation Method 2
the liquid crystal compound is twisted and aligned along a helical axis extending in a thickness direction
Implementation Method 3
the liquid crystal compound is twisted and aligned along a helical axis extending in a thickness direction
Data Source
AI summary
An object is to provide a light deflection device and an optical device having a simple structure suitable for reducing the size and weight where a deflection angle can be increased. The light deflection device includes: a light deflection element that deflects incident light in one in-plane direction to be emitted; a driving unit that drives the light deflection element; a light collecting element that is disposed on a light emission side of the light deflection element; and an angle increasing optical element consisting of a diffraction element in which a periodic structure pitch gradually changes from a center of deflection of the light deflection element toward an outer side.