Optical Filter With Common Spacer for Multi-Wavelength Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical filters that use multiple interferometers to measure closely spaced wavelengths are costly and complex to manufacture, as they require multiple deposition runs to achieve precise spacer thickness variations, which can be challenging and lead to yield loss.
Innovation Solution
The optical filter design incorporates a common spacer shared across multiple mirror pairs, allowing for variation in mirror properties to achieve different wavelength regions with fewer coating runs, thereby reducing construction cost and complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple interferometers with precise spacer thickness variations are used to measure closely spaced wavelengths, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple interferometer functions into a single integrated device by using a common spacer shared across multiple mirror pairs. Each mirror pair reflects different portions of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing multiple wavelength measurements to be performed simultaneously within one device structure, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining measurement precision for closely spaced wavelengths.
Solution Approach 2:
The common spacer serves multiple functions simultaneously by being shared across multiple interferometer channels. This single spacer component enables the device to measure multiple wavelength regions and closely spaced wavelengths through different mirror pairs, eliminating the need for separate spacers for each measurement channel and significantly reducing manufacturing steps.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple deposition runs are performed to achieve precise spacer thickness variations, then manufacturing precision is improved, but productivity decreases and yield loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple deposition operations into a single deposition run by using one common spacer for all interferometer channels. This approach maintains the required manufacturing precision for spacer thickness while dramatically improving productivity by eliminating repeated deposition cycles and reducing yield loss associated with multiple manufacturing steps.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple interferometers are used to address multiple wavelength regions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal common spacer structure that serves all interferometer channels simultaneously. Different mirror pairs configured with this single spacer enable the device to address multiple wavelength regions and closely spaced wavelengths, achieving high adaptability without increasing structural complexity since the spacer itself is shared across all functions.
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 approach enables the generation of optical filters that address multiple wavelength regions with fewer coating runs, achieving more closely spaced wavelengths and reducing manufacturing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a second pair of mirrors, wherein the second pair of mirrors and the first pair of mirrors reflect different portions of an electromagnetic spectrum
Data Source
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AI summary
An optical filter may comprise a first pair of mirrors, a second pair of mirrors, and a common spacer. The second pair of mirrors and the first pair of mirrors may reflect different portions of an electromagnetic spectrum. The common spacer may be positioned between the first pair of mirrors and between the second pair of mirrors.