Light Source Device Multiplexing via Beam Combining Prism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional holographic observation apparatuses face challenges in achieving high-resolution images of living cells due to phase shifts caused by containers and glass plates, leading to complex and costly configurations with optical fiber couplers, which hinder miniaturization and increase production lead times.
Innovation Solution
A light source device with multiple laser sources emitting different wavelengths, a current source for alternating-current drive, and a return light adjustment section to control the coherence length and spectrum, eliminating the need for optical fiber couplers, allowing for efficient multiplexing and adjustment of light beams without using optical fiber couplers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If optical fiber couplers are used to multiplex light from multiple semiconductor laser light sources, then light from different wavelengths can be combined, but the attenuation factor becomes large requiring high intensity light sources and individual optical systems for each wavelength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam combining prism as an intermediary optical element that directly combines light beams from multiple laser sources without requiring optical fiber couplers. This prism serves as a mediator that merges the optical paths of multiple wavelengths into a single path, eliminating the need for complex fiber coupling arrangements and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multiplexing functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical fiber couplers are used for multiplexing, then multiple wavelengths can be combined, but individual optical systems for each wavelength must be configured for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual optical adjustment systems into a single unified adjustment mechanism. By using a beam combining prism with a common optical path, the patent allows all wavelength channels to be adjusted simultaneously through one set of adjustment elements rather than requiring separate adjustment systems for each wavelength, thereby significantly improving ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If optical fiber couplers are used, then light from multiple sources can be multiplexed, but the configuration becomes complex and miniaturization becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fiber coupling system with an optical beam combining approach using prisms. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical alignment of optical fibers and their couplers, allowing for a more compact and miniaturizable design while maintaining the light multiplexing functionality. The optical path combining method requires less spatial arrangement than mechanical fiber coupling.
4Adaptability or versatility
If optical fiber couplers are used, then multiple wavelengths can be combined, but production lead times increase due to high costs and skill requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs standard optical prisms that can be manufactured using conventional optical fabrication techniques rather than requiring specialized optical fiber coupler assemblies. These prism components are more readily available, easier to manufacture, and do not require the same level of specialized skills for production, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and production lead times while achieving the same wavelength combination function.
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 results in a compact, cost-effective light source device that produces high-efficiency, low-coherence light beams, enabling high-resolution holographic imaging of cells without the complexity and expense of traditional systems.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted from the semiconductor laser light source is partially reflected on an end surface of a ferrule where the light is incident to be returned to the semiconductor laser light source
Implementation Method 2
the semiconductor laser light source is driven by a current with a superimposed alternating-current component
Implementation Method 3
four kinds of holographic images are obtained using four kinds of semiconductor laser light sources at different wavelengths for reconstruction of an image of the observation target object
Implementation Method 4
the light from the semiconductor laser light sources is concentrated to a ferrule and led by optical fibers, the light at each wavelength led by each optical fiber has to be multiplexed by an optical fiber coupler
Data Source
AI summary
A light source device connected to an optical fiber and emit light from the optical fiber, the device includes: a plurality of laser light sources to respectively emit light at different wavelengths; a current source to supply a drive current with a superimposed alternating-current component to each laser light source; a light source control section to selectively switch the laser light sources by controlling the current sources; a plurality of optical systems disposed in optical paths of the respective laser light sources to reflect the light from the respective laser light sources to an incident end of the optical fiber and to reflect return light reflected on the incident end to the respective laser light sources; and a return light adjustment section to adjust an amount of the return light to continuously spread a spectrum of the light emitted from the optical fiber.