Optical Beam Correcting Element for Xenon Lamp Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ophthalmic illumination systems using high-pressure ceramic xenon lamps face challenges in efficiently coupling the annular focal spot into small core optical fibers due to interference from electrodes, resulting in poor optical coupling and irregular intensity distribution, especially as the lamp ages.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a correcting element, such as an axiconic or Fresnel lens, in the optical path to reshape the annular focal spot into a Gaussian intensity distribution, enhancing coupling efficiency and stability over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a ceramic-bodied xenon lamp is used, then the lamp body stability is improved, but the optical beam quality deteriorates due to electrode interference creating an annular focal spot
Solution Approach 1:
A correcting optical element is introduced as an intermediary component in the optical path between the ceramic xenon lamp and the optical fiber. This element mediates the interaction by transforming the annular focal spot pattern into a Gaussian distribution, thereby resolving the conflict between using a stable ceramic body and maintaining beam quality.
2Device complexity
If the annular focal spot is directly coupled to a small core optical fiber, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the coupling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The correcting optical element performs preliminary action by pre-shaping the optical beam into a Gaussian intensity distribution before it reaches the optical fiber coupling interface. This preliminary transformation ensures that the beam is optimally configured for efficient coupling into the small core fiber, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and efficiency.
3Productivity
If a correcting element is added to reshape the beam, then the coupling efficiency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The correcting optical element achieves beam reshaping by changing the spatial distribution parameters of the optical beam. Specifically, it transforms the intensity profile from an annular distribution to a Gaussian distribution, thereby improving coupling efficiency while adding minimal complexity through a single optical component.
4Power
If the lamp operates at high temperature, then the light output is improved, but the lamp body reliability deteriorates due to quartz crystallization and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a ceramic-bodied lamp structure as a composite material solution. The ceramic body provides both the necessary thermal stability to withstand high operating temperatures and the structural integrity to prevent crystallization and cracking, thereby maintaining both high light output and long-term reliability.
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 solution significantly improves the coupling efficiency of xenon lamp output into small gauge optical fibers, reducing central shadowing and maintaining performance as the lamp ages, thereby extending its lifespan and ensuring consistent illumination.
Implementation Method 1
an optical correcting element that transforms an annular focal spot into a focal spot having a more Gaussian intensity distribution
Implementation Method 2
axiconic or Fresnel lens
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention provide a system and method for shaping an annular focal spot pattern to allow for more efficient optical coupling to a small gauge optical fiber. An embodiment of the present invention can include an illumination source operable to transmit an optical beam along an optical path, an optical fiber, and a correcting element positioned in the optical path between the illumination source and the optical fiber, the correcting element configured to reshape the optical beam to increase an amount of light received by the optical fiber.