Optical Deflector Substrate for Laser Beam Angular Spread Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems that increase the angular spread of light beams, such as those used in optical 3D mapping and illumination, face challenges in continuously testing the effectiveness of diffractive optical elements (DOEs) or diffusers, which can degrade over time due to factors like age and humidity, potentially leading to ineffective depth mapping or illumination and damage to optical components.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method utilizing a transparent substrate with a first face shaped to define a plurality of optical deflectors, positioned to deflect a portion of the light beam toward an optical detector, allowing for continuous testing of the light beam's angular spread, with a processor generating an output indicative of the spread and potentially inhibiting the light source if the spread exceeds a threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If diffractive optical elements or diffusers are used to increase angular spread of light beam, then illumination effectiveness is improved, but reliability deteriorates over time due to degradation from age and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a testing device that proactively monitors the angular spread of light beams before complete failure occurs. The deflectors continuously redirect light to detectors, enabling early detection of degradation from age and humidity, allowing preventive maintenance before the DOE or diffuser becomes completely ineffective.
2Reliability
If continuous monitoring of light beam angular spread is implemented, then system reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces transparent substrates with optical deflectors as intermediary elements between the light source and detectors. These deflectors act as mediators that redirect light paths, enabling continuous monitoring of angular spread without requiring direct access to the light beam source or complex measurement apparatus.
3Measurement precision
If optical deflectors are used to redirect light beam portions to detectors, then measurement capability is improved, but light loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple optical deflectors that each redirect only a portion of the light beam to individual detectors. This partial action approach enables angular spread measurement while preserving the majority of the light beam for its primary function, minimizing energy loss while achieving sufficient measurement precision.
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
Enables continuous monitoring and maintenance of the light beam's angular spread, ensuring effective operation of optical systems and preventing damage by detecting any deviations from the expected spread, thereby maintaining the performance of DOEs or diffusers.
Implementation Method 1
Each one of the deflectors is configured to deflect a portion of the light beam toward the detector, when the light beam is passed through the first face of the substrate
Implementation Method 2
In some applications, the angular spread of a light beam is increased (i.e., the light beam is expanded), e.g., by being diffused or diffracted
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus and methods are described, including an apparatus for testing a light beam emitted by a light source. The apparatus includes a transparent substrate, a first face of the substrate being shaped to define a plurality of optical deflectors. At least one optical detector is positioned to face a second face of the substrate that is not opposite the first face. Each one of the deflectors is configured to deflect a portion of the light beam toward the detector, when the light beam is passed through the first face of the substrate. Other applications are also described.