Microstructuring Storage Medium Using Parallel Laser Diodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microstructuring technologies face challenges in achieving high-speed, high-precision, and high-energy writing of microstructures, particularly computer-generated holograms, with insufficient local resolution, accuracy, throughput, and writing speed, as well as limitations in handling less photosensitive or heat-sensitive materials.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a diffraction-limited reduction optics system with a line light modulator and pulsed laser, capable of writing microstructures with high energy density and accuracy, enabling rapid and parallel writing of microstructures in materials like thin aluminum layers and polymers, with advanced autofocusing and intensity control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a laser beam sequentially scans each dot of the dot matrix to write computer-generated holograms, then the local resolution and precision can be maintained, but the writing speed and throughput are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the writing process into parallel operations by using multiple independent light sources (laser diodes) arranged in a row, where each light source can write to a different location simultaneously. This parallelization maintains the precision of individual point writing while dramatically increasing throughput by writing multiple points at the same time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from sequential one-dimensional scanning to two-dimensional parallel writing by arranging multiple light sources in a row and using optical elements (lens, mirror) to direct their beams to different locations on the storage medium simultaneously. This dimensional expansion enables high-speed writing while maintaining resolution.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high energy density is used to write microstructures in less photosensitive materials, then the ability to structure materials like thin aluminum layers and polymers is improved, but the risk of damage or excessive heating increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pulsed laser operation where each laser diode emits light in controlled pulses rather than continuous illumination. This periodic action delivers high peak power for effective material structuring while allowing cooling intervals between pulses, preventing excessive heat accumulation and damage to heat-sensitive materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables independent intensity control for each laser diode, allowing optimization of energy parameters for different material types. By adjusting pulse duration, peak power, and duty cycle for each position, the system adapts to various materials (polymers, metals, ceramics) while maintaining safe operating temperatures through parameter optimization.
3Area of stationary object
If the writing device covers large areas with high resolution, then the information storage capacity increases, but the writing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the large-area writing task into multiple parallel zones, with each laser diode responsible for a specific region. This segmentation allows simultaneous writing across the entire area, reducing total writing time from sequential processing to parallel processing while maintaining high resolution in each segment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional writing system where multiple laser diodes, optical elements, and control circuits work together to simultaneously perform multiple writing operations across different regions. This universal parallel writing capability handles large areas efficiently by coordinating multiple functional units to write different portions of the hologram at the same time.
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
Enables the production of high-resolution microstructures with writing speeds up to 100 Mpoints/sec, precise positioning, and the ability to write large-area microstructures with improved accuracy and energy efficiency, overcoming limitations in existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The reduction optics (10) are diffraction-limited and, starting from the surface of the individual modulator elements, the reduction optics (10) produce a reduction in area of at least 25
Implementation Method 2
reduction optics for reducing the beam emitted by the modulator
Implementation Method 3
A device utilizing a diffraction-limited reduction optics system with a line light modulator and pulsed laser, capable of writing microstructures with high energy density and accuracy
Implementation Method 4
selectively introduces light energy into the storage medium or not
Implementation Method 5
a modulator with a plurality of individually switchable modulator elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The device has a radiation source (4) for producing partially coherent beam from electromagnetic radiation. A modulator (6) is provided with a multiple individually switchable modulator elements. A beam-forming optical element (8) for illuminating the modulator. A reducing optical element (10) for reducing the beam radiated by the modulator. The reducing optical element is configured with limited diffraction and that the element (10) produces a surface reduction of 25 from the surface of the individual modulator elements. Independent claims are included for the following: (1) controlling method for a device for microstructuring of storage medium (2) Storage medium has an optically changeable layer (3) auto focusing device for an optical imaging of a writing device for the microstructuring of a storage medium (4) auto focusing method for an optical imaging of a writing device for the microstructuring of a storage medium and (5) operating point determination method of a device for structuring of a storage medium (6) auto focusing method for an optical imaging of a writing device for the microstructuring of a storage medium.