Optical Beam Twister Layout for Compact Wavelength Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam coupling devices face challenges in optical design complexity and size due to the need for precise alignment and collimation of multiple light beams, which affects beam quality and device compactness.
Innovation Solution
The optical unit incorporates a beam twister unit and slow axis collimator to control light beam directions, allowing for improved design freedom and reduced device size by condensing light beams at a shorter distance than the focal length, using a diffraction element with specific pitch arrangements to achieve wavelength beam combining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional beam coupling devices use precise alignment and collimation of multiple light beams, then beam quality is improved, but device size and optical design complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The optical unit is divided into multiple functional modules: beam twister unit with oblique lens portions for each light beam, slow axis collimators for individual beam control, and a diffraction element for wavelength combining. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each module while reducing overall design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a diffraction element that operates in the wavelength domain to combine multiple light beams, adding a spectral dimension to the beam combining process. This allows spatial and spectral multiplexing, reducing the need for complex spatial alignment while maintaining beam quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional beam coupling devices use precise alignment and collimation of multiple light beams, then beam quality is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical functions are nested within compact arrangements: beam twisters and slow axis collimators are positioned in close proximity to the light source array, and the diffraction element integrates wavelength combining with spatial beam steering. This nesting reduces the overall optical path length and device footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a diffraction element with specific pitch arrangements that change the wavelength and direction parameters of light beams simultaneously. By operating at different wavelengths and using diffraction angles, multiple beams are combined in a compact configuration without requiring long collimation paths.
3Adaptability or versatility
If beam twister unit and slow axis collimator are used to control light beam directions, then design freedom is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam twister unit with oblique lens portions and slow axis collimators serves multiple functions: beam direction control, wavelength separation, and spatial filtering. This multi-functionality provides design freedom while avoiding the need for additional separate components that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The slow axis collimators act as intermediary elements between the beam twister unit and the diffraction element, providing controlled beam expansion and direction adjustment. This intermediary function enables flexible optical design while maintaining a structured, modular architecture that manages complexity.
4Length of stationary object
If light beams are condensed at a shorter distance than the focal length, then device size is reduced, but optical design difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The beam twister unit performs preliminary beam direction control and wavelength separation before the light reaches the condensing point. This preliminary action allows the subsequent condensing optics to work at shorter distances while maintaining proper beam alignment and quality, as the beams are pre-conditioned for efficient coupling.
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 configuration enhances beam quality and reduces the device size by allowing for more flexible optical design, effectively coupling multiple light beams with improved precision and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
using a diffraction element with specific pitch arrangements to achieve wavelength beam combining
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical unit (4) for guiding a plurality of light beams, includes a plurality of lens portions (51) through which the plurality of light beams are transmitted. The plurality of lens portions are arranged in an arrangement direction (X) that intersects an optical axis direction (Z) along which the light beams are transmitted. Each of the lens portions is inclined with respect to a thickness direction (Y) intersecting the optical axis direction and the arrangement direction. The optical unit has both end faces in the optical axis direction with a pitch at which the lens portions are arranged in one end face being smaller than a pitch at which the lens portions are arranged in another end face.