OPD Stabilization via Fiber Stretchers and Translation Stages
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for stabilizing optical path differences (OPD) in optical fibers over a wide bandwidth frequency range are inefficient, particularly in environmental conditions like thermal, mechanical, and acoustic disturbances, and often introduce noise or require expensive infrastructure like vacuum tunnels.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using a reference laser to radiate and retro-reflect an optical beam through optical fibers, processed by a metrology interferometer to separate frequency bands for controlling OPD, with a fiber stretcher and translation stage controlled by separate frequency signals to minimize disturbances and maintain fiber path lengths locked to fractions of a wavelength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional vacuum tunnel infrastructure is used for OPD stabilization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical vacuum tunnel system with an optical fiber-based system. Instead of using physical vacuum tunnels to stabilize optical paths, the invention uses optical fibers to transmit light while employing electronic control (piezoelectric actuators, feedback controllers) to compensate for OPD variations caused by environmental factors. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical infrastructure while achieving comparable or superior stabilization precision through active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts control parameters (feedback signals to piezoelectric actuators) in real-time to compensate for OPD changes. The system monitors optical path differences and modifies actuator positions based on measured deviations, allowing the system to adapt to environmental variations without requiring a rigid, complex mechanical infrastructure like vacuum tunnels.
2Stability of the object's composition
If active feedback control is implemented for OPD stabilization, then stability is improved, but device complexity and noise introduction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where optical path differences are measured and used to generate control signals for piezoelectric actuators. The feedback loop continuously monitors OPD deviations and adjusts actuator positions to compensate for environmental disturbances, achieving stable OPD control. The feedback mechanism uses interferometric measurement and electronic control to maintain precision without requiring overly complex infrastructure.
3Measurement precision
If fiber stretcher and translation stage are used for OPD control, then measurement precision is improved, but sensitivity to environmental disturbances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical stabilization with active electronic control. Instead of relying on mechanically isolated environments, the system uses piezoelectric actuators driven by feedback signals to actively compensate for environmental disturbances affecting optical path length. This electronic control approach maintains precision while reducing sensitivity to environmental factors through real-time compensation rather than physical isolation.
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 approach effectively stabilizes OPD over extended periods with minimal dispersion, reduces infrastructure costs, and allows for portable imaging systems by using optical fibers instead of vacuum tunnels, while minimizing noise and environmental sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
radiating, by a laser, an optical beam
Implementation Method 2
splitting, by a beam splitter, the optical beam into a first optical beam and a second optical beam
Implementation Method 3
circulating, by a first circulator, the first optical beam through a fiber stretcher to a translation stage of an adjustable optical telescope
Implementation Method 4
inputting, into an interferometer, the first optical beam and the second optical beam; outputting, from the interferometer, an in-phase signal and a quadrature signal
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed method for fiber stabilization of optical path differences involves splitting a laser produced optical beam into a first and second optical beam. Further, the method involves circulating the first optical beam to an adjustable optical telescope, and circulating the second optical beam to a reference optical telescope. Also, the method involves splitting the first circulated beam into the first optical beam and the adjustable optical telescope beam, and splitting the second circulated beam into the second optical beam and the reference optical telescope beam. Additionally, the method involves inputting, into an interferometer, the first and second optical beams; and outputting, from the interferometer, a sinusoidal signal. Also, the method comprises filtering the sinusoidal signal to form a high frequency and low frequency signal. Further, the method involves controlling a translation stage by using the low frequency signal, and controlling a fiber stretcher by using the high frequency signal.