Optical Grating Segmentation for Tailored Beam Shape and Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical gratings emit optical beams with non-optimal cross-sections and intensity patterns, which can affect the performance of systems like atomic sensors.
Innovation Solution
An optical grating design with N optical waveguides, each having a waveguide input, waveguide end, and optical grating portion, where grating inputs and ends can be positioned differently along axes, and grating amplitudes can vary to achieve a predetermined cross-section and intensity pattern.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional optical gratings are used, then the structure is simple, but the cross-section and intensity pattern of the emitted optical beam are non-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The optical grating is divided into multiple waveguides (N waveguides), each with its own optical grating portion. This segmentation allows independent control of each waveguide's grating parameters (length, position, amplitude), enabling precise tailoring of the overall beam cross-section and intensity pattern while maintaining a modular structure that is manageable in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the optical grating are assigned different local properties. Specifically, each waveguide can have different grating lengths, positions, and amplitudes, allowing the beam intensity and cross-section to be optimized at different spatial locations. This local customization enables the achievement of non-uniform intensity distributions and specific cross-sectional shapes.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional optical gratings are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the intensity distribution over the beam cross-section cannot be tailored
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes multiple parameters of the optical grating structure, including grating length, grating position, and grating amplitude for different waveguides. By varying these parameters across the N waveguides, the intensity distribution and cross-section of the emitted beam can be precisely controlled. These parameter variations can be implemented through standard fabrication techniques, balancing manufacturing feasibility with performance optimization.
3Reliability
If the grating structure is made more complex to achieve optimal beam cross-section, then the beam quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The optical grating structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beam splitter, a phase modulator, and an intensity distributor. By integrating these functions into a single multi-waveguide structure with configurable grating parameters, the system achieves high performance without requiring multiple separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
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 design allows for the emission of optical beams with tailored cross-sections and intensities, enhancing the performance of systems that utilize these beams.
Implementation Method 1
an optical grating in a plane defined by a first axis and a second axis orthogonal to the first axis, configured to receive at an optical grating input of the optical grating a collimated optical signal propagating parallel to the first axis, further configured to emit an optical beam from an aperture of the optical grating
Implementation Method 2
a N optical waveguides each of which includes a waveguide input, a waveguide end, and an optical grating portion including a grating input and a grating end
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An optical grating is provided which can be configured to emit an optical beam, from optical grating portions of the optical grating, with a predetermined cross-section and/or a predetermined intensity in a portion of the cross-section including light.