Optical System Beam Stabilization via Auxiliary Feedback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems fail to effectively stabilize an optical beam on the axis of rotation during rotation, especially in rotatable arrangements like Coudé beam paths, leading to angular and positional deviations.
Innovation Solution
An optical system incorporating a signal input, signal output, auxiliary light source, and rotation system with mirrors and sensors to align the signal beam parallel to the axis of rotation by using an auxiliary beam for alignment, allowing for real-time adjustment and stabilization through angle and position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the beam is precisely aligned with the real mechanical axis of rotation in conventional systems, then the beam stability is improved, but the alignment precision cannot be maintained during rotation due to mechanical inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an auxiliary beam that travels through the rotation system and reflects off a reference mirror to provide real-time feedback on angular deviations. An angle sensor detects deviations between the auxiliary beam and its reflected path, continuously monitoring alignment status during rotation and enabling dynamic correction of mechanical inaccuracies.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary beam serves as an intermediary element that indirectly measures the alignment status of the signal beam. By using the auxiliary beam to probe angular deviations through the rotation system and reference mirror, the system can detect and correct misalignments without directly measuring the signal beam, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining precision and dealing with mechanical variations.
2Device complexity
If conventional systems use fixed alignment methods, then the system complexity is reduced, but the ability to compensate for mechanical inaccuracies during rotation is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a feedback loop where the angle sensor continuously monitors the auxiliary beam's angular position and provides information about deviations from the rotation axis. This feedback enables real-time detection and compensation of mechanical inaccuracies, maintaining beam stability without requiring overly complex pre-alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary beam and reference mirror arrangement enables the system to self-diagnose alignment issues during operation. The system automatically detects angular deviations through the auxiliary beam's interaction with the rotating components and reference mirror, providing self-monitoring capability that maintains reliability without adding excessive complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If precise pre-positioning of optical elements is required, then the initial alignment accuracy is improved, but the system becomes more difficult to assemble and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment actions through the auxiliary beam system that automatically compensates for initial positioning errors. Rather than requiring perfect pre-positioning, the auxiliary beam traverses the rotation system and reference mirror to detect and indicate deviations, allowing operators to make corrective adjustments based on real-time feedback rather than relying on precise pre-positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle sensor provides continuous feedback on the auxiliary beam's angular position, enabling operators to adjust optical elements during assembly and maintenance based on actual measured deviations rather than theoretical positions. This feedback mechanism simplifies assembly by providing clear alignment guidance and facilitates maintenance by indicating when and how adjustments are needed.
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
Ensures the signal beam remains aligned and stable on the axis of rotation, even during rotation, without requiring precise pre-positioning of elements or external references, effectively compensating for mechanical inaccuracies.
Implementation Method 1
the auxiliary beam can be at least partially reflected back to a reflection auxiliary beam. Thus, the reflection auxiliary beam passes, in particular, through the signal output mirror and via the axis coupling mirror back to the auxiliary light source
Implementation Method 2
The optical system also includes an angle sensor. The angle sensor detects any angular deviation between the auxiliary beam and the reflection auxiliary beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an optical system (20) comprising a signal input (18) for receiving a signal beam (9), a signal output (19) for emitting the signal beam (9), an auxiliary light source for emitting an auxiliary beam (11), wherein the auxiliary beam (11) is synchronous in angle and position to the signal beam (9), a rotation system (13), wherein the rotation system (13) is rotatable about a rotation axis (6), and an axis coupling mirror (3) for coupling the signal beam (9) and the auxiliary beam (11) into the rotation system (13), wherein the rotation system (13) comprises: a signal output coupling mirror (8) for coupling the signal beam (9) out of the rotation system (13), and a reference mirror (2), wherein the signal beam (9) is steerable from the signal input (18) via the axis coupling mirror (3) to the signal output coupling mirror (8), and the auxiliary beam (11) via the axis coupling mirror (3) can be steered by the axle coupling mirror (8) onto the reference mirror (2),wherein the auxiliary beam (11) can be reflected back at least partially from the reference mirror (2) to a reflection auxiliary beam (12), wherein the optical system (20) further comprises an angle sensor by which an angular deviation between the auxiliary beam (11) and the reflection auxiliary beam (12) can be detected, and wherein the axis coupling mirror (3) and the reference mirror (2) are tiltable in order to align the signal beam (9) parallel to the rotation axis (6) on the basis of the measured angular deviation.