Multi-Path Laser Scanning for 100% Polygon Duty Cycle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser scanners, including resonant galvanometer and polygon scanners, face limitations in achieving high scan throughput and duty cycle, with resonant scanners reducing throughput at high frequencies and polygon scanners compromising angular resolution and throughput with increased facets.
Innovation Solution
A multi-path scanning approach using an acoustic optical deflector to switch laser beams between multiple pathways, synchronized with a rotating polygon scanner to maintain continuous illumination away from facet edges, achieving a 100% duty cycle and flexible line rate without sacrificing throughput.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the oscillation frequency of resonant galvanometer scanner is increased, then the scan speed is improved, but the data throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the scanning function into two independent components: a resonant galvanometer scanner optimized for high-speed line scanning and a polygon scanner optimized for high-throughput frame scanning. This segmentation allows each component to operate at its optimal performance point without compromising the other, resolving the contradiction between scan speed and data throughput.
2Speed
If the number of facets on polygon scanner is increased, then the line scan rate is improved, but the angular resolution is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the line scanning function (performed by resonant galvanometer) from the frame scanning function (performed by polygon scanner). This allows the polygon scanner to use fewer facets for optimal angular resolution while the resonant galvanometer provides high line scan rates through its oscillation mechanism, eliminating the need to increase polygon facets at the cost of resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical facet-based line scanning mechanism of the polygon scanner with an acoustic optical deflector (AOD) for line scanning. The AOD uses acoustic waves to dynamically control beam deflection, providing high line scan rates without the mechanical constraints of polygon facets, thereby maintaining angular resolution while achieving high line scan rates.
3Speed
If the number of facets on polygon scanner is increased, then the line scan rate is improved, but the overall data throughput is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning system into two specialized scanners: a resonant galvanometer for high-speed line scanning and a polygon scanner for efficient frame scanning. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high line scan rates and high data throughput simultaneously, as each scanner operates in its optimal performance regime without the trade-offs inherent in using a single polygon scanner.
4Productivity
If polygon scanner duty cycle is increased towards 100%, then the scanning efficiency is improved, but the angular resolution is reduced due to smaller facet size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical facet-based scanning with an acoustic optical deflector (AOD) for line scanning. The AOD achieves 100% duty cycle through electronic control of acoustic waves without mechanical moving parts, eliminating the facet size limitation entirely while maintaining high angular resolution through precise acoustic beam steering.
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 system enables high-speed laser scanning with a 100% duty cycle and flexible line rate, maintaining overall scanning throughput by ensuring continuous illumination and avoiding interruptions at polygon scanner edges.
Implementation Method 1
A rapid switching device (for example, an acoustic optical deflector (AOD)) is used to separate the laser beam into the multiple pathways
Implementation Method 2
a moving laser beam reflector positioned to receive laser light... reflecting the time and spatially separated laser pulses off the moving reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
High speed laser scanning systems and methods are disclosed for imaging target samples. Embodiments of the laser scanning systems and methods include separating a laser beam into two or more different pathways and pulsing light along the two or more pathways. The different pathways intersect the surface of a moving mirror at different locations and light traveling in a pathway that is being approached by an edge of the moving reflective surface is turned off while light traveling in a different pathway that is farther from the edge of the moving reflective surface is turned on. Embodiments include reflective surfaces that form a rotating polygonal scanner. Further embodiments include recombining the two or more different pathways, focusing the laser light on a test sample, and imaging the light reflected from the test sample.