Optical Delay Generator Using a Rotating Polygonal Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical delay generators using linear moving mirrors or prisms face challenges in achieving high and constant speed changes in optical delay differences due to mechanical limitations.
Innovation Solution
Employing a polarizing beam splitter, rotating polygonal mirror, and micromirror array to generate and vary optical delay differences at high and constant speeds using a rotating polygonal mirror and micromirror array.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a linear moving mirror or prism is used to generate optical delay, then the structure is simple and optical delay range is large, but the driving speed is slow due to difficulty of changing optical delay difference at high and constant speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the static linear moving mirror with a rotating polygonal mirror that dynamically changes the optical path length by rotating at high speed. The rotation angle and speed can be precisely controlled to achieve high-speed, constant-speed variation of optical delay difference, resolving the contradiction between driving speed and the ability to maintain constant speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical linear translation system with an optical system using polarizing beam splitters and rotating mirrors. This optical-mechanical hybrid system uses the rotation of polygonal mirrors combined with polarization beam splitting to achieve optical delay modulation without the mechanical constraints of linear motion, enabling higher speeds and more precise constant-speed control.
2Productivity
If a linear moving mirror is used to change optical delay difference, then the optical delay range is large, but it is difficult to change the optical delay difference at a high and constant speed
Solution Approach 1:
The rotating polygonal mirror performs periodic rotation, creating a cyclic pattern of optical delay variation. By controlling the rotation speed and number of facets, the system achieves periodic modulation of optical delay at high frequency, enabling both high speed of change and constant speed through precise rotational control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from linear position to rotational angle and speed. The optical delay difference is controlled by varying the rotation angle of the polygonal mirror and the rotation speed, allowing independent control of delay magnitude and variation rate. This parameter transformation enables high-speed, constant-speed operation that is difficult to achieve with linear mechanical systems.
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 rapid and linear variation of optical delay differences, enhancing the driving speed and signal-to-noise ratio of spectroscopic apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
a polarizing beam splitter configured to split an incident beam by reflecting or transmitting the incident beam depending on the polarization state
Implementation Method 2
a rotating polygonal mirror configured to reflect the incident beam reflected from the polarizing beam splitter to provide a first reflected beam
Implementation Method 3
a micromirror array configured to reflect the first reflected beam and configured to provide a second reflected beam back to the rotating polygonal mirror
Implementation Method 4
a phase delay member between the polarizing beam splitter and the rotating polygonal mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An optical delay generator includes a polarizing beam splitter configured to split an incident beam by reflecting or transmitting the incident beam depending on the polarization state, a rotating polygonal mirror configured to reflect the incident beam reflected from the polarizing beam splitter to provide a first reflected beam, a micromirror array configured to reflect the first reflected beam and configured to provide a second reflected beam back to the rotating polygonal mirror, and a phase delay member between the polarizing beam splitter and the rotating polygonal mirror, wherein the polarizing beam splitter is configured to provide an output beam by transmitting a third reflected beam provided by reflecting the second reflected beam from the rotating polygonal mirror, and the output beam has an optical delay difference with respect to the incident beam.