Nested Beam Splitter Module for Compact Optical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional beam splitter optical devices are often expensive, difficult to manufacture and assemble with precision, and occupy significant space, making them vulnerable to vibrations and thermal drift, which is a challenge in compact research environments like microscopes.
Innovation Solution
A compact beam splitter apparatus that splits an incident light beam into multiple beams using a combination of beam splitters, mirrors, and prisms, allowing for efficient redirection and detection of light beams, reducing the spatial footprint and complexity of the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional beam splitter devices are used to split light beams, then beam splitting functionality is achieved, but the device occupies significant space and becomes vulnerable to vibrations and thermal drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested beam splitter configuration where a second beam splitter is positioned within the optical path of the first beam splitter. This nested arrangement allows multiple beam splitting operations to occur in a compact, overlapping spatial configuration rather than requiring separate, extended optical paths, thereby reducing the overall spatial footprint while maintaining functional stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement by positioning beam splitters at different depths and angles within the optical system. The first and second beam splitters are oriented at different positions and angles relative to the optical axis, creating a multi-dimensional compact structure that reduces the two-dimensional footprint while maintaining optical path stability
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional beam splitter devices are used, then beam splitting is achieved, but the devices are expensive and difficult to manufacture and assemble with precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the beam splitting function into multiple separate beam splitter components (first beam splitter and second beam splitter) rather than using a single complex device. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and assembled independently with standard precision tolerances, reducing overall manufacturing difficulty and cost while maintaining functional precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs standard, commercially available beam splitter components that can be used in multiple configurations and applications. These universal components are designed with standardized mounting interfaces and optical specifications, making them easier to manufacture, source, and assemble compared to custom-designed beam splitting systems
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 apparatus effectively splits light beams into multiple parallel paths, enabling compact and efficient light manipulation, suitable for applications like microscopy, while minimizing space and vulnerability to environmental factors.
Implementation Method 1
A primary beam splitter of an optical apparatus can be used to split an incident light beam into a primary plurality of light beams and to direct a first beam of the primary plurality of light beams in a first direction and a second beam of the primary plurality of light beams in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A primary beam splitter (310) of an optical apparatus (300) can be used to split an incident light beam (305) into a primary plurality of light beams and to direct a first beam therefrom in a first direction and a second beam therefrom in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. Secondary beam splitters (315a,b) positioned in beam paths of the first and second beams can be used to split the first and second beams of the primary plurality of light beams into a secondary plurality of light beams (320a,b) and to split the same into a tertiary plurality of light beams (325a,b). A primary plurality of beam reflectors (335a,b/340a,b/345a,b) can be positioned and used to redirect the secondary and tertiary plurality of light beams toward a common detector (355).