Optical System With Coupling Apertures For Compact Delay Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical delay lines and phase shifters are often complex, bulky, and unable to achieve both long delay times and high dynamic speeds simultaneously, and they typically operate continuously, preventing static delay settings.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with wavelength-dependent and angle-of-incidence coupling apertures between reflective surfaces allows multiple reflections, enabling compact design and efficient deflection of electromagnetic radiation without the need for complex optical arrangements or focusing, and allows for movable reflective surfaces to vary the delay path length.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the actual path length of optical light is varied to achieve long delay times, then delay time is improved, but device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multiple reflections by nesting the optical path within a compact cavity structure formed by two reflective surfaces. The radiation field bounces back and forth between the surfaces, effectively multiplying the path length within a small physical volume, thus achieving long delay without complex external optical arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-pass linear path to a multi-pass three-dimensional trajectory by introducing the second reflective surface at an angle. This angular arrangement creates a folded optical path that extends the delay time in the temporal dimension while maintaining compact spatial dimensions.
2Speed
If high dynamic speeds are achieved, then response time is improved, but delay time is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs movable reflective surfaces that can be dynamically adjusted to change the optical path length. This allows the system to switch between long delay modes (with reflective surfaces positioned to maximize path length) and fast response modes (with surfaces repositioned to minimize delay), achieving both high dynamic speed and long delay time capability.
3Productivity
If continuous operation is used, then productivity is improved, but adaptability for static delay settings is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable reflective surfaces enable the system to be dynamically reconfigured for static delay settings while maintaining continuous operation capability. The surfaces can be positioned to establish a fixed delay time for precision applications, then quickly repositioned for continuous dynamic operation, providing both adaptability and productivity.
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 design simplifies the optical system, reduces weight, and enables precise measurement of radiation pressure and absorption, while allowing for efficient deflection and scanning of electromagnetic radiation with high scan rates and precise delay control.
Implementation Method 1
a first reflective surface (14) and a second reflective surface (16), which first reflective surface (14) defines a first reflective surface plane (18) and which second reflective surface (16) defines a second reflective surface plane (20), which first reflective surface (14) comprises a first electromagnetic radiation-reflecting coating (22) and which second reflective surface (16) comprises a second electromagnetic radiation-reflecting coating (24)
Implementation Method 2
the at least one optical coupling aperture (46) is designed in the form of a wavelength-dependent and angle-of-incidence coupling aperture (46) for an optical radiation field (12)
Implementation Method 3
the first reflective coating (22) and/or the second reflective coating (24) define or comprise the at least one wavelength-dependent and angle-of-incidence coupling aperture (46)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical system for deflecting an electromagnetic radiation field multiple times, said system comprising a first reflection surface and a second reflection surface, wherein the first reflection surface defines a first reflection surface plane, and the second reflection surface defines a second reflection surface plane. The first reflection surface comprises a first coating which reflects electromagnetic radiation, and the second reflection surface comprises a second coating which reflects electromagnetic radiation, said first reflection surface and second reflection surface being mutually spaced. The aim of the invention is to improve such an optical system such that the optical system can be designed as simply and compactly as possible. This is achieved in that the first reflection surface and/or the second reflection surface has at least one optical coupling-in opening for coupling in an optical radiation field between the first and the second reflective coating.