Optical Kit With Rotatable Reflector for Beam Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external cavity quantum cascade laser systems face difficulties in adjusting the position and direction of the output laser beam, especially when replacing the laser light source or diffraction grating, which is more challenging for invisible light like mid-infrared wavelengths, due to the need for precise alignment and adjustment of the optical axis during wavelength tuning.
Innovation Solution
An optical kit with a holding unit that includes a lens, corner reflector, and aperture members, allowing for the adjustment of the optical axis by monitoring light intensity and aligning components to ensure maximum intensity, enabling easy adjustment and fixing of the output light's position and direction through rotatable and adjustable mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the laser light source or diffraction grating is replaced to change the wavelength band, then the wavelength adaptability is improved, but the alignment precision of the optical axis deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into modular components (laser light source, diffraction grating, optical components) that can be independently replaced. The holding unit provides standardized mounting interfaces for each component, enabling wavelength band changes without requiring complete realignment of the entire optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical components are pre-aligned and fixed on the holding unit before the laser light source or diffraction grating is replaced. This preliminary setup ensures that when components are changed, the optical axis alignment is automatically restored without requiring complex adjustment procedures.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the optical system is adjusted to fix the position and direction of the output light, then the output beam stability is improved, but the adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit is designed with self-aligning features that automatically maintain the optical axis position and direction when components are replaced. The standardized mounting structure and pre-aligned optical components work together to restore the output beam stability without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with a standardized holding unit that provides fixed, pre-determined optical paths. This substitution reduces the need for manual mechanical adjustment while maintaining output beam stability.
3Measurement precision
If the diffraction grating is replaced to match the new laser light source, then the wavelength matching precision is improved, but the alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding unit provides universal mounting interfaces that accommodate different types of laser light sources and diffraction gratings. This standardized interface allows wavelength-matched components to be easily replaced without requiring custom alignment procedures for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding unit acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates the replacement of wavelength-matched components. It provides a stable, pre-aligned platform that simplifies the coupling between the laser light source and diffraction grating, reducing the alignment difficulty during component replacement.
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 easy adjustment and fixing of the output light's position and direction, improving alignment accuracy and reducing the complexity of adjusting the optical axis, especially when replacing components, thereby enhancing the usability and precision of the laser system.
Implementation Method 1
a lens into which the laser light is input in a first direction
Implementation Method 2
a diffraction grating that reflects a 0th order diffracted light of the laser beam
Implementation Method 3
a mirror that further reflects the 0th order diffracted light from the diffraction grating
Data Source
AI summary
An optical kit includes a base including a main surface; and a holding unit provided on the main surface to hold an optical system. The holding unit includes a lens holding unit that holds a lens, a reflector holding unit that holds a corner reflector, a first aperture member holding unit that holds a first aperture member, a second aperture member holding unit that holds a second aperture member, and a third aperture member holding unit that holds a third aperture member. The reflector holding unit includes a first mechanism that holds an entirety of the corner reflector so as to be rotatable along the main surface, and a second mechanism configured to adjust an optical axis of a diffracted light in each of a reflective diffraction grating and a mirror.