Optical Beam Coupling via Fourier Transform Lens and Fixed Deflector
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing systems for coupling optical beams with elliptical cross sections into single-mode optical fibers, which have circular cross sections, face inefficiencies due to the need for precise and costly opto-mechanics for alignment, and the complexity of beam-shaping methods to achieve stable laser power delivery.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes optical beam entry and exit ports, beam deflectors directly fixed to a base element without adjustment devices, and a lens performing a Fourier Transform to align the elliptical beam cross section parallel to the rotation axis, ensuring the beam overlaps the circular fiber cross section, reducing the need for expensive opto-mechanics and simplifying alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If precise opto-mechanics with adjustment devices are used for beam alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes adjustment devices from the optical system entirely. Mirrors are directly fixed to the optical bench without any adjustment mechanisms, extracting the complexity of opto-mechanics while maintaining alignment through the geometric configuration of the elliptical beam and circular fiber core
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the asymmetric geometry of the elliptical beam cross-section relative to the circular fiber core. By orienting the semi-major axis of the elliptical beam parallel to the rotation axis of the fixed mirror, the system creates a stable coupling configuration that is insensitive to mirror mounting imperfections
2Manufacturing precision
If beam-shaping methods are used to transform elliptical beam to circular beam, then coupling efficiency is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes beam-shaping elements such as anamorphic prism pairs or cylindrical lenses from the optical system. Instead of transforming the beam shape, the system directly couples the elliptical beam into the circular fiber core by optimizing the geometric configuration and orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the orientation parameter of the elliptical beam relative to the fiber core, and the mounting configuration of the mirrors. By orienting the semi-major axis of the elliptical beam parallel to the rotation axis and positioning the beam appropriately, the system achieves efficient coupling without modifying the beam shape itself
3Reliability
If multiple optical beams are coupled into a single fiber, then power delivery stability is improved, but alignment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical beams with different polarizations or wavelengths into a single optical path using fixed mirrors and dichroic mirrors. The beams are directed to overlap spatially and couple into the same fiber core, combining their power delivery while maintaining stability through the fixed mirror configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The fixed mirror configuration serves multiple functions simultaneously: it deflects the elliptical beam onto the optical path, maintains the correct orientation of the beam relative to the fiber core, and provides a stable mounting for multiple beams. This multi-functional design reduces the need for separate alignment mechanisms for each beam
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 enhances coupling efficiency by stabilizing the laser power delivery and reducing alignment complexity, while eliminating the need for costly adjustment devices, thus improving the overall system's cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Implementation Method 1
The optical beam exit port comprises a lens configure to perform a Fourier Transform
Data Source
AI summary
A system for coupling at least one optical beam includes at least one optical beam entry port, an optical beam exit port, the optical beam exit port including a lens performing a Fourier Transform, at least one optical beam deflector, and an optical base element, wherein the at least one directly fixed optical beam deflector is allowed to rotate around a rotation axis, wherein the corresponding at least one optical beam and/or its assigned optical beam entry port is configured such that the semi-major axis of the elliptical cross section of the optical beam on a deflection surface of a respective optical beam deflector is oriented parallel to the rotation axis, and wherein, after having passed the optical beam exit port, the elliptical cross section of the at least one optical beam overlaps the circular cross section of the light receiver.