Optical Coupler with Conic Reflectors and Negative Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current light coupling technologies face significant losses when converting high numerical aperture (N.A.) sources into lower N.A. point sources, often resulting in inefficient light usage and increased complexity, with standard refractive and reflective optics losing more than 50% and 70% of light respectively.
Innovation Solution
An optical coupler system comprising a first conic reflector, a second conic reflector, and a negative optical element at the vertex of the first conic reflector, where the light source is placed near the vertex of the second conic reflector to minimize light blockage and optimize light coupling efficiency, allowing for the conversion of high N.A. light into a low N.A. point source with reduced aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If standard refractive optics are used to transmit or focus light from a high N.A. source, then the light can be transmitted, but more than 70% of the light is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple functional zones: a first conic reflector for initial light collection, a second conic reflector for light redirection, and a negative optical element for N.A. conversion. Each segment performs a specific function to collectively achieve high efficiency light coupling while managing complexity through functional decomposition
Solution Approach 2:
The negative optical element acts as an intermediary component between the high N.A. light source and the optical fiber, enabling N.A. conversion without requiring complex multi-element lens systems. This intermediary element simplifies the overall system while maintaining high light coupling efficiency
2Loss of energy
If standard reflective optics are used to focus light, then better efficiency is achieved, but 50% of the total light is still lost
Solution Approach 1:
Conic reflectors with specific curvature profiles are used to optimize light collection and redirection. The curved surfaces are designed to capture light from the high N.A. source and redirect it through the negative optical element, achieving better than 50% efficiency while maintaining proper light geometry for fiber coupling
3Ease of operation
If a simple lens is used to convert high N.A. light to low N.A. light, then the conversion is straightforward, but only 12.5% of the total light is captured
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges reflective and refractive optical elements into a unified design. The conic reflectors handle light collection and initial redirection, while the negative optical element performs the N.A. conversion, combining the advantages of both reflective (high efficiency) and refractive (N.A. conversion capability) optics
4Ease of operation
If the light source is placed away from the vertex of the second conic reflector, then easier access is provided, but the light coupling efficiency is diminished
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is designed with local optimization at the light source position. The second conic reflector is specifically shaped to redirect light efficiently when the source is at the vertex, while other portions of the system provide access and structural support. This local quality optimization maintains high coupling efficiency at the critical light source location
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 system achieves efficient light conversion with minimal loss, allowing for the use of conventional optics in the post-focal plane optical path, effectively increasing the usability of light for applications like fiber optic coupling and collimated light generation, while reducing aberrations and light loss to less than 30%.
Implementation Method 1
The light from the source is reflected off the first conic reflector, is collimated
Implementation Method 2
The first reflector 24 is a conic and has an additional function of collimating the light from the light source 22
Implementation Method 3
Light is then reflected off the second reflector 26 toward the negative element 28
Implementation Method 4
The negative element 28 then directs the emitted light into a low N.A. beam through the aperture 34
Data Source
AI summary
An optical coupling device enabling spherical or hemispherical light sources to be more fully utilized by gathering more of the emitted radiation and reducing the angle of emission. The optical coupling device includes a first conic reflector having an aperture at the first conic reflector vertex; a second conic reflector coaxial with the first conic reflector and opening toward the first conic reflector; a light source positioned at the second conic reflector vertex; and a negative element located at the aperture for reducing the numerical aperture of the light emitted from the optical coupling device. The optical coupling device may include a refractive medium between the first and second conic reflectors. The present invention provides for improved efficiencies when transferring or coupling optical energy into additional optical systems, and may be used with solid state light as well as conventional sources.