Monolithic Optical Element for Compact Telescope Beam Expander
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems for long-range laser applications face challenges in maintaining collimation over large distances, leading to the need for large optics that are difficult to house in size-constrained systems, and there is a requirement for improved beam expanders that can be compact and efficient.
Innovation Solution
A telescope and beam expander assembly with a monolithic optical element that serves as both a secondary mirror and a beam expander, featuring a primary mirror and an optical element with front and rear surfaces, where the rear surface's reflective portion forms a secondary mirror and the front surface's reflective portion forms a secondary expander mirror, allowing for beam expansion while maintaining compactness and mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If large optics are used to maintain collimation over long distances, then beam collimation is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the beam expander and telescope secondary mirror into a single monolithic optical element. The optical element includes a first surface that expands the laser beam and a second surface that reflects light to a focal point, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device size while maintaining collimation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beam expander to increase beam diameter, a secondary mirror to focus light, and provides structural support. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed and decreases device volume
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate beam expander and telescope components are used, then optical functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam expander and telescope are merged into a single integrated assembly where the optical element performs both beam expansion and light focusing functions, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element is designed to perform multiple optical functions within a single component, including beam expansion, light reflection, and focal point formation, thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining full optical functionality
3Productivity
If traditional beam expanders are used, then beam expansion is achieved, but spherical aberration occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The optical element incorporates an aspheric surface instead of a traditional spherical surface to eliminate spherical aberration. The aspheric curvature allows precise control of light paths while maintaining beam expansion functionality, improving optical precision
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 solution provides a compact and efficient combination of telescope and beam expander functionality, enabling long-range laser applications with superior properties, including reduced device size and ease of boresighting, while correcting for aberrations and reducing spherical aberration in beam expansion.
Implementation Method 1
an outward facing aspect of the rear surface is mounted opposite the primary mirror and includes a reflective portion that forms a secondary mirror to reflect gathered light from the primary mirror toward a focal point
Implementation Method 2
An inward facing aspect of the front surface includes a reflective portion that forms a secondary expander mirror configured to reflect a beam onto an inward facing aspect of the rear surface for beam expansion
Implementation Method 3
The front surface of the optical element includes an optically transmissive, non-reflective portion that is substantially flat
Implementation Method 4
the non-reflective portion of the front surface defines a complementary curve to that of the rear surface to correct for aberration in beam expansion
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A telescope and beam expander assembly (100) includes a primary telescope mirror (102). An optical element (104) is spaced apart from the primary mirror (102). The optical element (104) includes front and rear surfaces (108, 110), wherein an outward facing aspect of the rear surface (110) is mounted opposite the primary mirror (102) and includes a reflective portion (112) that forms a secondary mirror to reflect gathered light (114) from the primary mirror (102) toward a focal point (116). An inward facing aspect of the front surface (108) includes a reflective portion that forms a secondary expander mirror configured to reflect a beam onto an inward facing aspect of the rear surface (110) for beam expansion. The optical element (104) can include a monolithic body of optically-transmissive material on which the front and rear surfaces (108, 110) are located.