Dual-Path Optical Beam Drift Detection for Compact Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light beam drift detection devices require large optical distances to achieve satisfactory sensitivity, resulting in significant space requirements and limitations in compactness and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A compact optical device using a beam splitter and afocal module to direct a laser beam into two optical paths, one focused and one collimated, allowing for high sensitivity in detecting angular and lateral shifts with smaller, less expensive detectors, and enabling both near-field and far-field measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If large optical distances are used between optical elements, then measurement precision of angular and lateral position shifts is improved, but device volume and space requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single optical path to two distinct optical paths (focused and collimated) that operate in different dimensional spaces. The focused path detects lateral position shifts by focusing the beam to a point, while the collimated path detects angular shifts by maintaining parallel rays. This dimensional separation allows both measurements to occur simultaneously without requiring extended optical distances, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the single beam detection function into two separate detection channels: a focused light beam path for lateral position detection and a collimated light beam path for angular position detection. Each channel uses optimized optical elements (focusing lens vs. afocal system) tailored to its specific measurement function. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be compact while maintaining high measurement precision, eliminating the need for large overall optical distances.
2Measurement precision
If detector distance from light beam is increased to improve angular shift detection sensitivity, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity and space requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an afocal module as an intermediary optical system in the second optical path. This module consists of two lenses that work together to collimate the light beam without requiring the detector to be positioned at a large distance from the beam. The afocal system acts as a mediator that transforms the angular information into a form that can be detected by a compact matrix detector positioned close to the optical system, thereby maintaining high sensitivity while reducing device complexity and space requirements.
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 provides high measurement accuracy with compact optical paths, enabling efficient detection of beam shifts and alignment in a small area, reducing the need for large detectors and space, while maintaining sensitivity and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a beam splitter for obtaining from said light beam: a first light beam along a first optical path, and a second light beam, along a second optical path
Implementation Method 2
a focal module positioned at least partially along the first optical path of said first light beam to obtain from said first light beam a focused light beam
Implementation Method 3
an afocal module positioned at least partially along the second optical path of the second light beam to obtain from said second light beam a collimated light beam
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device for detecting the drift of a light beam of a laser machining system includes a beam splitter for obtaining a first light beam along a first optical path and a second light beam along a second optical path. The optical device further includes a focal module positioned at least partially along the first optical path to obtain a focused light beam that is directed towards a first light beam matrix detection means positioned in a focusing plane associated with the focal module. The optical device also includes an afocal module positioned at least partially along the second optical path to obtain a collimated light beam that is directed towards a second light beam matrix detection means.