Optical Gate Defect Detection for High-Power Beam Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively detect defects in optical elements that pose hazards, such as high-power laser beams, which can cause harm to living beings or damage to objects, and do not ensure the beam is safe outside the Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD).
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an optical beam transforming surface and an optical gate with an optical detector, source, and waveguide that redirects the optical beam path when defects are detected, ensuring the beam is safely diverted away from hazards by using an optical waveguide with a different refractive index, integrated or separate from the optical element, to prevent harm.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If an optical element transforms a high-power laser beam, then the beam quality is improved for end applications, but the system becomes unsafe outside the Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements defect detection before the high-power laser beam is transformed and emitted. The optical gate detects defects in the optical element using a separate low-power beam path, enabling preventive action by shutting down the high-power beam before it can cause harm, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining beam quality and ensuring safety
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection system (optical gate with separate beam path) that monitors the optical element's condition without interfering with the main high-power beam transformation function. This intermediary system enables safety monitoring while the primary system maintains beam quality
2Measurement precision
If ultrasonic signals are used to detect changes in optical element condition, then temperature and deposit detection is improved, but the system cannot prevent high-power beam hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function into a separate optical gate system with its own beam path, distinct from the main high-power laser beam. This segmentation allows the detection system to monitor optical element conditions (temperature, deposits) independently while enabling safety shutdown of the hazardous high-power beam
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary optical gate system that detects optical element conditions through a separate beam path. This intermediary detection system provides condition monitoring capability while independently enabling safety control of the high-power beam hazard
3Reliability
If a separate beam path is used for defect detection, then safety monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical gate system to perform multiple functions: defect detection, condition monitoring, and safety control. By making the detection system multi-functional, the patent reduces overall system complexity despite using a separate beam path, as one system accomplishes what would otherwise require multiple separate 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
The apparatus effectively detects defects in optical elements and safely diverts the optical beam, preventing hazards by ensuring the beam is not hazardous outside the predetermined NOHD, thereby protecting objects and living beings from harm.
Implementation Method 1
an optical waveguide that is coupled to the optical element. The optical waveguide provides an optical beam path for the second optical beam from the optical source to the optical detector
Implementation Method 2
an optical beam transforming surface... that transforms a first optical beam to provide a transformed first optical beam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
An apparatus 5 for detecting defects in an optical element 6 comprises an optical beam transforming surface 12 that is located on the optical element 6 and transforms a first optical beam 13 to provide a transformed first optical beam 13a. The apparatus 5 further comprises an optical gate 7 that comprises an optical detector 9, an optical source 10 that provides a second optical beam 11, and an optical waveguide 8 that is coupled to the optical element 6 and provides an optical beam path 11a for the second optical beam 11 from the optical source 10 to the optical detector 9 when the optical element 6 is free of defects and from the optical source 10 to a destination that is partly or fully different than the optical detector 9 when the optical element 6 includes at least one defect.