Optical Array Beam Alignment via Variable-Width Monitoring Pixels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face challenges in accurately aligning dispersed optical beams with arrays of rectangular elements without complicating the modules, particularly in WDM systems, as prior methods require additional structures and are not suited for systems like those shown in FIG. 1, and there is a need for a simple method to measure beam position and tilt relative to the array without moving the beam outside the array area.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating monitoring pixels with non-rectangular shapes that change in width in the vertical direction within the pixel array, allowing for the detection of beam position and tilt by analyzing spectral features and responses, enabling initial alignment and monitoring of beam drift during assembly and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If additional array structures are added for beam alignment detection, then beam alignment measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing pixel array multi-functional by enabling it to perform both its primary function (spectrally-selective light processing) and beam alignment detection. The same array elements serve dual purposes: processing optical signals while also detecting beam position and tilt through analysis of spectral features, eliminating the need for separate alignment detection structures
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own existing resources (the pixel array and spectral analysis capabilities) to perform beam alignment detection. By analyzing spectral features already present in the optical signal, the system achieves self-diagnosis and self-alignment monitoring without requiring external or additional dedicated alignment detection components
2Ease of operation
If beam alignment detection is implemented without moving beam outside array area, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from spatial position (which would require moving the beam outside the array) to spectral characteristics. By analyzing how spectral features shift and change based on beam position and tilt, the system achieves accurate measurement while keeping the beam within the array area, thus maintaining ease of operation
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 allows for accurate alignment and monitoring of beam position and tilt within the array, facilitating efficient assembly and performance diagnostics without significant changes to the optical system, improving system performance and reducing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The optical beam is typically focused on the array and is dispersed in space along a so-called dispersion axis so that different optical elements of the array receive different spectral components of the beam, or different wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
providing sensing means for measuring the portion of the beam of light received by the monitoring optical element
Data Source
AI summary
An array of optical elements for processing a spatially dispersed optical beam including monitoring optical elements for determining the position of the optical beam in the array is disclosed. The monitoring optical elements have a width that varies in ay direction normal to the array axis, enabling the determination of the beam position across the monitoring elements in both x and y directions. The monitoring optical elements are preferably disposed in the end portions of the array for the beam tilt determination. The optical elements can be e.g. liquid crystal pixels or micro-mirrors.