Multipass Cavity Optical Device With Integrated Phase Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing optical radiation processing systems require precise positioning of multiple optical elements, which is time-consuming, rigid, and prone to degradation due to poor positioning, leading to losses in intensity and spatial distortions of the output radiation.

Innovation Solution

A device utilizing a multipassage cavity with a small number of optical elements, where the light radiation is reflected multiple times, allowing for spatial phase modifications using a single or few corrective elements with different phase profiles at various reflection locations, reducing the need for precise alignment and increasing system rigidity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple optical elements are used to process light radiation, then the spatial phase of the light can be modified, but the positioning precision requirement increases to micron level

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precision of optical elementsVSAvoidnumber of optical elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple optical elements into a single integrated optical element that performs multiple spatial phase modifications. Instead of using separate elements that require precise positioning relative to each other, the invention integrates all phase modification functions into one element, eliminating alignment requirements between multiple components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a single optical element that performs multiple functions - it modifies the spatial phase of light radiation at multiple different locations simultaneously. This multi-functional element replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate optical elements, each performing a single phase modification function.

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

2Reliability

If multiple optical elements are used with precise positioning, then effective light processing is achieved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing quality of light radiationVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple optical elements into one integrated element, the patent eliminates the time-consuming assembly process of positioning multiple components. The single element approach removes all alignment and positioning steps that would be required when assembling multiple separately manufactured optical elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple optical elements are positioned relative to each other, then spatial phase modifications are achieved, but the system becomes sensitive to shocks and vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability against shocks and vibrationsVSAvoidnumber of optical elements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple optical elements into a single rigid integrated element, eliminating the mechanical connections and relative positioning requirements between multiple components. This integration removes the system's sensitivity to shocks and vibrations that would affect the relative positions of multiple separate elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Manufacturing precision

If optical elements are precisely positioned, then light processing accuracy is maintained, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple precision-manufactured optical elements into a single element, eliminating the need for expensive precision positioning mechanisms and alignment procedures. The single integrated element approach reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the required optical processing accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies setup, reduces manufacturing costs, and enhances the system's resistance to shocks and vibrations while maintaining effective radiation processing with fewer optical elements, minimizing degradation and improving treatment quality.

Implementation Method 1

The device utilizes a multipassage cavity with a small number of optical elements, where the light radiation is reflected multiple times

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

The spatial phase of the light radiation is modified during at least one reflection or transmission on at least one correction element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase modulation: Phase Modulation

Data Source

PatentEP3100095B1Device for processing light/optical radiation, method and system for designing such a device
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 CAILABS
  • EP3100095B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3100095B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3100095B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (100) for processing light radiation (108), comprising at least two reflective optical elements (102, 104) which define a multi-pass cavity (106) such that at least one of said optical elements (102, 104) reflects said light radiation (108) at least twice in at least two different reflection locations, characterised in that it comprises at least one element, referred to as a correction element, having at least one location, referred to as a correction location, which produces a reflection or transmission of said optical radiation and of which the surface is irregular such that the spatial-phase profile of said correction location (116) has a different phase shift for a plurality of different reflection or transmission points at said correction location (116). The invention also relates to a method and to a system for designing such a device (100).