Variable Optical Diffuser Positioning for Adjustable Laser Beam Divergence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Illuminator devices face challenges in increasing irradiance while maintaining optimal illumination quality and compact size, often resulting in increased device size, reduced illumination quality, or reduced ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A variable divergence optical diffuser system that includes a mounting unit and a diffuser unit with fixed diffuser elements, allowing adjustment of the diffuser unit's position within the optical path of co-aligned laser sources to alter angular beam widths, using diffuser elements such as diffractive optical elements to vary beam divergence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If output power is increased to enhance illumination performance, then irradiance at target is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable beam divergence mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of the illumination beam spread. By varying the beam divergence angle, the system can concentrate light energy to achieve high irradiance at the target when needed, while maintaining a compact device form factor. The adjustable diffuser or beam shaping optics enable the same device to adapt between narrow high-intensity beams and wider coverage patterns without requiring multiple fixed-power sources.
2Measurement precision
If beam divergence is decreased to improve pointing precision, then far field beam divergence is reduced, but illumination quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs adjustable beam divergence control that allows real-time optimization between pointing precision and illumination quality. When precise targeting is required, the beam divergence is minimized for sharp, concentrated illumination. When area coverage is needed, the divergence is increased to spread the beam while maintaining adequate intensity through optimized optical path design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes variable optical parameters including adjustable beam divergence angles and modifiable optical path configurations. By changing these parameters dynamically, the system can transition between modes of operation - from precision pointing with narrow beams to area illumination with wider beams - thereby resolving the contradiction between pointing precision and illumination quality based on operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed diffuser options are provided to vary beam divergence, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring multiple fixed diffuser elements, the patent implements a single adjustable diffuser or beam shaping optical element that can dynamically change its configuration. This dynamic element can be rotated, translated, or have its optical properties modified to achieve different beam divergence angles, thereby providing the same adaptability as multiple fixed elements but with reduced mechanical complexity and fewer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a universal optical element or mechanism that performs multiple functions - serving as both a beam collimator, a diffuser, and a beam shaper depending on its configuration. This multi-functional element replaces what would otherwise require separate specialized components for each beam divergence setting, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining full adaptability across the required range of beam patterns.
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
Facilitates high-power illumination with higher precision pointing and smoother illumination properties in a compact package by adjusting beam divergence through the diffuser elements, enhancing beam uniformity and intensity profile.
Implementation Method 1
The diffuser elements can alter angular beam widths of emitted light from respective ones of the group of co-aligned laser sources according to a function of the position of the diffuser unit within the optical path of the group of co-aligned laser sources
Data Source
AI summary
A variable optical diffuser system includes a mounting unit and a diffuser unit coupled to the mounting unit and positionable by the mounting unit into an optical path of a group of co-aligned laser sources. The diffuser unit includes diffuser elements having fixed positions with respect to the diffuser unit, where the mounting unit facilitates adjusting a position of the diffuser unit within the optical path of the group of co-aligned laser sources, and where the diffuser elements alter angular beam widths of emitted light from respective ones of the group of co-aligned laser sources according to a function of the position of the diffuser unit within the optical path of the group of co-aligned laser sources.