Optical Attenuator With Integrated Absorption Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical attenuators for laser beams become large-scale due to the need for light shielding, branching, and absorption means, making them complex and inefficient for sufficient light attenuation.
Innovation Solution
An optical attenuator comprising a branch member, an expansion member, and an absorption member with a heat-absorbing plate and distribution parts that absorb and dissipate heat efficiently, using a cooling medium to manage heat generated by the laser beam, allowing for effective attenuation of a portion of the light to be measured.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If light shielding means, light branching means, and light absorption means are provided to sufficiently attenuate the laser beam, then light attenuation efficiency is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the light branching function and light absorption function into a single integrated absorption member. The absorption member includes a light incident surface that receives the laser beam and a light non-incident surface opposite to it, integrating multiple functions (branching and absorption) into one component, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining sufficient light attenuation efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption member is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a beam splitter (branching means) and an absorber. By making the absorption member universal, the patent eliminates the need for separate light shielding means and light branching means, thus reducing the overall device complexity while achieving the required light attenuation
2Loss of energy
If light shielding means, light branching means, and light absorption means are provided to sufficiently attenuate the laser beam, then light attenuation efficiency is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functional components (light shielding means, light branching means, and light absorption means) into a single absorption member. This integration significantly reduces the device volume by eliminating the space required for separate components while maintaining the capability to sufficiently attenuate the laser beam
Solution Approach 2:
The absorption member is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions (beam splitting and absorption) within a single structure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall device size by consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate components into one compact unit
3Device complexity
If a simple configuration is used for the optical attenuator, then device complexity is reduced, but light attenuation efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves a simple configuration by merging the branching and absorption functions into one absorption member. Despite this simplification, the integrated design maintains high light attenuation efficiency through optimized internal structure with light incident and non-incident surfaces, proving that simplicity does not compromise performance
Solution Approach 2:
The universal absorption member performs multiple functions within a single component, simplifying the overall device configuration. The multi-functional design ensures that light attenuation efficiency is maintained through the inherent optical properties and geometric configuration of the absorption member itself
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 optical attenuator achieves significant light attenuation with a simple configuration, efficiently distributing and dissipating heat, thereby reducing the size and complexity of the device while maintaining high attenuation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first distribution part disposed adjacent to the light receiving part and that introduces or leads out a medium from a first opening and distributes the medium to absorb heat generated by the light in the light receiving part
Implementation Method 2
a first distribution part disposed adjacent to the light receiving part and that introduces or leads out a medium from a first opening and distributes the medium to absorb heat generated by the light in the light receiving part
Data Source
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AI summary
[Problem] To provide an optical attenuator that is capable, by means of a simple configuration, of sufficiently attenuating a portion of light to be measured. [Solution] The optical attenuator 100 has a sampling prism 101, a biconcave lens 102, and an absorption member 103. A branch member splits a laser beam L. An expansion member expands the shape of the split laser beam L1. The absorption member absorbs the energy of the expanded laser beam L2. A light receiving part 103a of the absorption member receives the expanded laser beam. A first distribution part 103b of the absorption member adjacent to the light receiving part, introduces or leads out a medium (cooling water W) from a first opening 103d and distributes the medium, which absorbs heat generated in the light receiving part by the laser beam. A second distribution part 103c of the absorption member leads out or introduces cooling water from a second opening 103f, and distributes the cooling water, which moves through a communicating part 103e that communicates with the first distribution part.