Optical Assembly Absorptive Material Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical power monitoring systems, unwanted light such as scattered or reflected light introduces noise, reducing measurement accuracy and varying the measured optical power, especially in free space optics where housing enclosures are not feasible due to alignment and performance interference issues.
Innovation Solution
An optical assembly with an absorptive material and a reflector is used to direct the tapped portion of the optical beam towards the optical power monitor, while the absorptive material absorbs unwanted light, thereby reducing noise without enclosing the free space optics in a housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If free space optics are used for optical power monitoring, then housing enclosures cannot be used which maintains system openness, but unwanted scattered or reflected light introduces noise reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes unwanted scattered or reflected light from the optical path using absorptive materials, allowing the free space optical system to remain open while eliminating noise sources that would otherwise degrade measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Absorptive materials are introduced as intermediary elements in the free space optical path to selectively absorb unwanted light while allowing the desired optical signal to pass through, resolving the contradiction between system openness and measurement precision
2Measurement precision
If absorptive material is added to block unwanted light, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Absorptive materials are strategically placed only in specific locations where scattered or reflected light enters the optical path, providing localized noise reduction without requiring complete enclosure or complex modifications throughout the entire system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the optical properties of specific regions by introducing absorptive materials with appropriate absorption characteristics, changing the light interaction parameters locally to reduce noise while maintaining overall system simplicity
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 enables accurate optical power monitoring with reduced noise by blocking unwanted light, maintaining the openness of the optical system and improving measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
the optical element includes an absorptive material to absorb light other than the portion of the optical beam that is propagated toward the optical power monitor
Implementation Method 2
a reflector material to reflect the portion of the optical beam toward the optical power monitor
Data Source
AI summary
In some implementations, an optical assembly includes an optical power monitor to receive a portion of an optical beam and to perform a measurement on the portion of the optical beam; an optical tap to tap the optical beam and provide the portion of the optical beam; and an optical element to allow the portion of the optical beam from the optical tap to propagate toward the optical power monitor, wherein the optical element includes an absorptive material to absorb light other than the portion of the optical beam that is propagated toward the optical power monitor.