Mirror with Non-Reflective Zone for Laser Beam Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laser imaging systems using beam splitters suffer from beam loss and illumination support issues, which hinder precise targeting and beam orientation in target processing systems.

Innovation Solution

A reflection system with a mirror having a non-reflective or weakly reflective zone for the emission end of optical fibers, allowing the same optics to transmit and image the treatment beam, and incorporating a method for manufacturing this mirror with a reflective surface and optical fibers, along with optional diffraction gratings and lenses for focusing and beam control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a beam splitter is used to transmit the treatment beam and reflect imaging light, then imaging functionality is achieved, but beam losses occur and illumination support is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimaging precisionVSAvoidbeam loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror surface is segmented into distinct functional zones: a reflective zone for imaging and a non-reflective zone for beam transmission. This segmentation allows the single optical component to handle both imaging and beam transmission without the losses associated with beam splitters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mirror serves multiple functions simultaneously: it reflects imaging light back to the camera for target visualization, transmits the treatment laser beam to the target, and provides structural support for the optical fiber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate beam splitter and support structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a beam splitter is used for imaging, then target visualization is achieved, but the system becomes complex and less reliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetarget detection accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mirror combines multiple functions into a single component: beam transmission, imaging reflection, and optical fiber support. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed in the system, simplifying the overall device architecture and improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mirror is designed as a universal optical element that performs both beam transmission and imaging reflection, replacing the need for separate beam splitters and support structures, thereby reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If the same optics are used for both beam transmission and imaging, then system complexity is reduced, but precise beam orientation control becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidbeam orientation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Different zones of the mirror have different optical properties: the reflective zone maintains high reflectivity for imaging, while the non-reflective zone allows beam transmission. This local differentiation enables precise beam orientation control through the non-reflective zone while maintaining imaging capability through the reflective zone.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 efficient beam transmission and imaging without losses, allowing for precise targeting and orientation adjustments based on reflected images, enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of laser beam processing systems.

Implementation Method 1

The transmitting device may be a transmitting optical fiber or an assembly of several transmitting optical fibers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission through optical fiber: Optical Fibre

Implementation Method 2

a camera oriented towards said reflecting face constituting a first mirror and intended to receive light reflected by said target towards this first mirror

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

Said reflection device incorporates a light-emitting device, one emitting end of which is located at the level of said reflecting face in a zone which is little or not reflective

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption/minimal reflection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

Said reflection device comprises a face coated with a volume diffraction grating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentEP2232308B1Laser imaging system
Publication Date: 2012.11.28 THALES SA
  • EP2232308B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3b
  • EP2232308B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2232308B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a mirror for optical imaging, that comprises a reflection device (M1) having a reflecting surface (1). Said reflection device includes a light-emission device (2) having one emission end located in said reflecting surface in an area (Z1) that is not or slightly reflecting. The invention can be used in laser imaging systems.