Micro-Raman Optical Assembly Using Rotatable Holders for Compact Laser Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing micro-Raman devices face issues with increased size due to the use of shutters or placing laser light sources in an off state to block laser light, and require multiple ND filters for intensity adjustment, leading to inefficiencies and larger device sizes.
Innovation Solution
A micro-Raman device design that uses rotatable holders with through holes and ND filters to selectively block and adjust laser light intensity without turning off laser light sources, reducing device size and increasing adjustment patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shutter is used to block laser light from one of the first laser light source and the second laser light source, then laser light can be blocked without placing the light source in an off state, but the size of the micro-Raman device is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the blocking function and intensity adjustment function into a single rotatable holder assembly. The holder contains multiple through-holes arranged in arcs, and by rotating the holder, different through-holes can be positioned to either block the laser light path or allow it to pass through with specific intensity attenuation by ND filters, eliminating the need for separate shutter mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable holder serves multiple functions: it acts as both a shutter (blocking light when positioned appropriately) and an intensity adjustment mechanism (when ND filters are positioned in the light path). This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components, thereby reducing device size while maintaining reliable laser light control.
2Volume of moving object
If one of the first laser light source and the second laser light source is placed in an off state to block laser light, then device size is reduced, but it takes time for output to be stabilized when the light source is placed in an on state again
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the light blocking function with the intensity adjustment function in a single rotatable holder mechanism. By positioning the holder to block the light path mechanically rather than turning off the laser source, the system avoids the warm-up time required for laser output stabilization while achieving the same effect of preventing light from reaching the sample.
3Manufacturing precision
If a large number of ND filters are used to finely adjust intensity of laser light, then intensity adjustment precision is improved, but the size of the micro-Raman device is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the intensity adjustment function into multiple discrete through-holes arranged in an arc on the rotatable holder. Each through-hole can be positioned to work with specific ND filters, allowing fine intensity adjustment by selecting different combinations of through-holes and filters. This segmented approach provides precise control while using fewer filters than a non-rotating design would require.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable holder introduces dynamic positioning capability, allowing the system to select different through-holes and ND filter combinations based on the desired intensity level. This dynamic configuration enables fine intensity adjustment with a smaller set of ND filters compared to a static arrangement where all filters would need to be simultaneously accessible.
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 design allows for selective blocking and fine intensity adjustment of multiple laser light sources without increasing device size, enabling more efficient operation with fewer ND filters.
Implementation Method 1
a first laser light source and a second laser light source that generate first laser light of a first wavelength and second laser light of a second wavelength, respectively
Implementation Method 2
The first ND filter is arranged on the first holder in a manner extending over the second through hole and the fourth through hole. The second ND filter is arranged on the second holder in a manner extending over the sixth through hole and the eighth through hole
Data Source
AI summary
A micro-Raman device includes a first laser light source, a second laser light source, a first holder, a second holder, a first ND filter, and a second ND filter. The first laser light source and the second laser light source generate first laser light of a first wavelength and second laser light of a second wavelength, respectively. The second wavelength is different from the first wavelength. The first laser light and the second laser light proceed in a second direction orthogonal to a first direction while being separated from each other in the first direction. The first holder and the second holder are arranged overlapping each other in the second direction.