Monolithic Light Guide for Intensity Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical detection systems face challenges in efficiently monitoring and stabilizing light beam intensity due to the large footprint and complexity of beam splitters, and the alignment issues with small mirrors, which increase cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic optical element with a light guide having a shaft and a beveled tip, where the tip and shaft are positioned within the beam, allowing light to be transmitted longitudinally through the shaft and out of a recessed window, while maintaining the rest of the beam intact, enabling efficient light sampling and intensity monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a beam splitter is used to sample light intensity, then light sampling can be achieved, but the footprint and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light sampling function and the support structure into a single monolithic optical element. The light guide is integrally formed with a base that serves as both structural support and optical window, eliminating the need for separate mounting brackets and alignment mechanisms required by traditional beam splitters.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts only the necessary light sampling function from the complex beam splitter system. By using a light guide that captures and transmits a small fraction of light through internal reflection, the system achieves effective light sampling without requiring large optical components or complex alignment mechanisms.
2Measurement precision
If a beam splitter is used to reflect light to a sampling detector, then light sampling is enabled, but the footprint of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide utilizes internal reflection to redirect light from the beam path into a perpendicular dimension. Light incident on the light guide is transmitted longitudinally through the shaft and exits through a window on the side, allowing the sampling detector to be positioned in a different spatial plane than the main beam path.
3Measurement precision
If a small mirror is used to reflect light out of the beam, then light sampling can be achieved, but alignment becomes problematic and beam efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide and support base are formed as a single monolithic structure, eliminating the need for separate mounting hardware that would require alignment. The integral construction ensures stable positioning without sensitive alignment requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The monolithic optical element serves its own support and alignment functions through its integrated base structure. The base provides mechanical support and positioning for the light guide without requiring external mounting components, making the system self-aligning and more reliable.
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 solution provides a compact, cost-effective, and efficient method for monitoring light beam intensity, reducing the need for large sampling detectors and minimizing light loss, suitable for space-constrained applications with improved alignment and reduced complexity.
Implementation Method 1
light of the beam incident on the tip is transmitted longitudinally through the light guide and out the window
Implementation Method 2
light of the beam incident on the shaft is transmitted transversely through the shaft and remains in the beam downstream of the shaft
Data Source
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AI summary
System, including methods and apparatus, for optical detection. The system may comprise a light source to generate a beam of light, an optical element, and a detector. The optical element may include a light guide having a shaft and a tip, with the tip forming a beveled end of the light guide. The optical element may extend into the beam, such that the tip and at least a portion of the shaft are located inside the beam, and a window of the optical element is located outside the beam. Light of the beam incident on the tip may be transmitted longitudinally through the light guide and out the window, while light of the beam incident on the shaft may be transmitted transversely through the shaft and remains in the beam downstream. The detector may be configured to detect light received from the window.