Light Modulation Device Integrating Phase and Polarization Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional light modulation devices that control intensity and polarization distributions are typically large due to separate devices for intensity and polarization modulation, making them unsuitable for compact applications.
Innovation Solution
A light modulation apparatus comprising a phase modulation spatial light modulator and a polarization modulation spatial light modulator, optically coupled via a telecentric optical system, with a pinhole member to filter out zeroth-order light components and allow nth-order components to pass through, enabling simultaneous intensity and polarization control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are used for intensity modulation and polarization modulation, then control over intensity distribution and polarization state is achieved, but device size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines intensity modulation and polarization modulation functions into a single integrated optical system. Two spatial light modulators (one for intensity, one for polarization) are optically coupled through a telecentric optical system, allowing both modulation functions to be performed in sequence within one compact device rather than requiring separate independent devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The telecentric optical system serves multiple functions: it couples the two spatial light modulators, performs fourth-order aberration correction, and enables both intensity and polarization modulation. This multi-functional design reduces the overall device complexity and size while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If a telecentric optical system is used to couple spatial light modulators, then fourth-order aberration is corrected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The telecentric optical system is divided into multiple lens groups with specific focal lengths arranged in a predetermined sequence. This segmentation allows each lens group to contribute to correcting specific aberrations while maintaining modularity, making the complex system more manageable and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent specifies precise parameter relationships between lens groups (focal lengths, spacing) to achieve aberration correction. By optimizing these parameters, the system corrects fourth-order aberrations effectively while controlling the overall complexity through mathematical relationships rather than arbitrary design.
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 apparatus achieves downsizing while maintaining control over intensity and polarization distributions, allowing for efficient modulation of light in microscopy and laser processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first spatial light modulator (20) having a first phase modulation plane (20a) on which a plurality of regions (20b) are arrayed one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally, and for displaying a kinoform (20c) for performing intensity modulation on the first phase modulation plane (20a), and modulating light (P1) incident on the first phase modulation plane (20a) in phase in each of the plurality of regions (20b) to generate first modulated light (P2)
Implementation Method 2
a member (40) having a light passing hole (41) for letting an nth-order light component (n is an integer other than 0) of the first modulated light (P2) pass therethrough, and for blocking a zeroth-order light component of the first modulated light (P2)
Implementation Method 3
a second spatial light modulator (50) having a polarization modulation plane (50a) on which a plurality of regions (50b) are arrayed one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally, and for modulating the first modulated light (P2) incident on the polarization modulation plane (50a) through the light passing hole (41) of the member (40) in polarization state in each of the plurality of regions (50b) to generate second modulated light (P3)
Data Source
AI summary
A light modulation apparatus 1A includes a first spatial light modulator, a pinhole member, and a second spatial light modulator. The first spatial light modulator has a phase modulation plane on which a kinoform for performing intensity modulation is displayed, and generates modulated light P2. The pinhole member has a light passing hole for letting a first-order light component of the modulated light P2 pass therethrough, and blocks a zeroth-order light component of the modulated light P2. The second spatial light modulator has a polarization modulation plane that controls the polarization state of the modulated light P2 incident on the polarization modulation plane through the light passing hole of the pinhole member, and generates modulated light P3.