Movable Diffraction Grating Stress Regulation for Laser Modules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable diffraction gratings with resin layers struggle to accurately diffract and reflect incident light due to stress-induced bending, leading to reduced diffraction efficiency when used in external-resonator laser modules.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a stress regulation portion with multiple oxide layers on opposing surfaces of the movable portion, which induces controlled stress to bend the diffraction grating pattern-bearing resin layer concavely, ensuring accurate light diffraction and reflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a resin layer is provided on the movable portion to improve flexibility in design of the diffraction grating pattern, then design flexibility is improved, but the resin layer bends due to stress and cannot accurately diffract and reflect incident light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the stress state of the movable portion through the stress regulation portion. By controlling the stress parameters (tensile or compressive stress in the oxide film), the curvature of the resin layer is adjusted to achieve accurate diffraction while maintaining design flexibility of the grating pattern.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical support structures with a stress-based control mechanism. Instead of using complex mechanical means to maintain the resin layer shape, the invention uses stress regulation through oxide film deposition to control the curvature and shape of the resin layer, achieving accurate diffraction through stress management rather than mechanical constraints.
2Ease of manufacture
If the resin layer is formed without stress regulation, then manufacturing is simpler, but the resin layer bends in various ways due to stress and cannot accurately diffract light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary element - the stress regulation portion made of oxide film - that mediates between the simple resin layer formation process and the required diffraction accuracy. This intermediary layer allows the resin layer to be formed simply while the oxide film subsequently regulates the stress to ensure accurate diffraction, thus maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and diffraction reliability.
3Manufacturing precision
If a stress regulation portion is added to induce stress and bend the first surface concavely, then diffraction accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the stress regulation function in a specific localized portion - the stress regulation portion made of oxide film deposited on the movable portion. Rather than complicating the entire device structure, the invention introduces a localized functional element that provides the necessary stress control to achieve accurate diffraction, thus improving precision without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If multiple oxide layers are used in the stress regulation portion, then stress control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the stress regulation portion into multiple oxide layers with different stress characteristics. This segmentation allows independent control of stress parameters through each layer, enabling precise stress control for accurate diffraction. The segmented layer structure provides reliable stress management while keeping the manufacturing process manageable through standardized deposition techniques.
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 configuration enhances the diffraction efficiency of the movable diffraction grating by maintaining a consistent concave shape, suppressing light spreading and spectral variations, and allows for quick wavelength changes in external-resonator laser modules.
Implementation Method 1
a stress regulation portion which induces stress on the movable portion, wherein the first surface is caused to bend concavely by the stress
Data Source
AI summary
A movable diffraction grating includes; a supporting portion; a movable portion which includes a first surface and is swingably connected with the supporting portion; a resin layer which is provided on the first surface and includes a diffraction grating pattern formed therein; a reflection layer which is provided on the resin layer an along the diffraction grating pattern and is formed of metal; and a stress regulation portion inducing stress on the movable portion, and the first surface is caused to bend concavely by stress.