Optical Attenuator Geometry Using a Cylindrical Reflection Recess
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical attenuators, such as waveguides, require custom manufacturing and are expensive, making them costly for attenuating optical radiation.
Innovation Solution
A damping device with a circular cylindrical recess and two bore-like openings, allowing for easy and cost-effective manufacturing, utilizing multiple reflections within a closed geometry to attenuate optical radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a waveguide of predetermined length is used as an optical attenuator, then the attenuation of optical radiation is achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to custom manufacturing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, custom-manufactured waveguides with a simple absorber body made of inexpensive materials. The absorber can be a simple block with drilled holes, eliminating the need for precision waveguide fabrication while achieving the same attenuation function through multiple reflections and absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified geometric model of an attenuator using basic shapes (block with cylindrical holes) that copies the essential function of complex waveguides. The multiple reflection paths within the simple geometry replicate the attenuation effect without requiring complex manufacturing.
2Loss of energy
If a beam trap with reflector and absorber is used, then optical radiation attenuation is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the reflector and absorber functions into a single integrated body. The absorber material itself provides both the reflective surfaces (through its internal structure) and the absorption function, eliminating the need for separate reflector and absorber components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates different functional zones within the absorber body by drilling holes at specific locations and angles. The holes create localized reflection paths while the bulk material provides absorption, achieving complex functionality through simple local geometric modifications.
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 device achieves compact, efficient attenuation of optical radiation by distributing incident light power around the recess through multiple reflections, offering a cost-effective and space-saving solution.
Implementation Method 1
The incident light power is distributed around the circumference of the recess by means of the multiple reflections
Implementation Method 2
Only that portion of incoming optical radiation which is reflected onto the second opening is emitted as outgoing optical radiation from the body and thus from the optical attenuator. The rest of the incoming optical radiation is converted into heat within the body
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
A damping device (1) for attenuating optical radiation has a body (4) made of a material that is essentially opaque to radiation, wherein the body (4) has a recess (15) in the shape of a circular cylinder, a first opening (11) and a second opening (12). The first opening (11) and the second opening (12) each form an access to the recess (15).