Optical Beam Alignment Apparatus Using Split Sub-Beams
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current laser delivery systems face challenges in achieving accurate optical alignment due to misalignments between the mechanical and optical axes, particularly with longer and smaller diameter delivery elements, which limits the precision of alignment tools like universal adaptors.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a beam splitter to create independent sub-beams for amplifying lateral and angular shifts, using different optical devices and lenses to enhance alignment accuracy, with separate telescopes for each type of shift and beam position detectors to measure alignment on screens, ensuring precise alignment of optical beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal adaptor is used to connect articulated arm or flexible wave guide to laser console, then the system becomes more versatile and adaptable, but alignment accuracy deteriorates due to misalignment between mechanical and optical axes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a visible aiming beam as an intermediary element between the CO2 laser beam and the operator. This aiming beam serves as a mediator that provides visual feedback for alignment adjustment, enabling precise alignment of the universal adaptor without requiring direct visualization of the invisible CO2 laser beam. The aiming beam apparatus acts as a bridge that translates the alignment status into visible information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical alignment methods with optical feedback methods. Instead of relying solely on mechanical adjustments and physical trial-and-error, the system uses an optical aiming beam to provide visual feedback about alignment status. This substitution allows for more precise and efficient alignment by replacing mechanical intuition with optical measurement and visual feedback.
2Ease of operation
If longer delivery elements with smaller diameter are used, then the system becomes more flexible and manageable, but alignment accuracy requirements increase dramatically
Solution Approach 1:
The visible aiming beam serves as an intermediary that provides visual feedback for alignment adjustment along the entire length of the delivery element. This mediator allows operators to see and adjust alignment issues at any point along the flexible delivery path, making it easier to achieve precise alignment even with long, small-diameter elements that would otherwise be difficult to align accurately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the visible aiming beam provides real-time visual information about alignment status. Operators can observe the aiming beam's position and adjust the universal adaptor or delivery element accordingly. This feedback loop enables iterative refinement of alignment, making it feasible to achieve high precision with flexible, long delivery elements that would be otherwise difficult to align.
3Device complexity
If traditional alignment methods are used without beam splitting, then the device structure remains simple, but the ability to independently adjust lateral and angular alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the alignment function into two independent pathways: one for lateral alignment adjustment and another for angular alignment adjustment. By using a beam splitter to create separate sub-beams, each pathway can be optimized and adjusted independently. This segmentation allows operators to control lateral and angular alignment separately, greatly improving ease of operation and alignment precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a dimensional separation to the alignment process by using spatial separation of the two alignment functions. Instead of trying to adjust both lateral and angular alignment in a single overlapping beam path, the system uses a beam splitter to create two spatially separated sub-beams. Each sub-beam can be adjusted independently in its own dimensional space, making the alignment process much more controllable and easier to operate.
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 solution allows for higher accuracy in aligning both lateral and angular shifts, improving the overall optical performance by enabling independent control of alignment factors and maintaining appropriate spot sizes for effective aiming beam visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter in the path of the optical beam; the beam splitter splits the optical beam into at least two sub-beams paths
Implementation Method 2
one or more optical devices for amplification of lateral shift alignment; The first lateral shift alignment sub-beam is directed first through a concave lens and second through a convex lens
Implementation Method 3
one or more optical devices for amplification of angular shift alignment (and/or mis-alignment); The second angular alignment sub-beam is directed first through a convex lens and second through a concave lens
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for the alignment of optical beams includes an optical beam; a beam splitter in the path of the optical beam; the beam splitter splits the optical beam into at least two sub-beams paths; a first one of the at least two sub-beam paths is directed through one or more optical devices for amplification of lateral shift alignment; a second one of the at least two sub-beams is directed through one or more optical devices for amplification of angular alignment; the first and the second sub-beams impinge on first and second screens.