Optical Measuring System Diffusion Disk for Alignment-Free Beam Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The technical complexity of superimposing a measuring beam and a reference beam before a receiver in an optical measuring system, particularly in ensuring optimal illumination of the numerical aperture, makes the coupling of these beams challenging and requires precise adjustment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a diffusion disk between the container with the medium and the receiver, which is configured to uniformly scatter both the reception and reference light, allowing for adjustment-free coupling of the reference beam into the receiver, thereby simplifying the reference path and preventing errors due to light source aging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a beam splitter is used to couple the measuring beam and reference beam into the receiver, then the numerical aperture of the receiver can be fully illuminated, but the system requires exact adjustment and becomes technically complex
Solution Approach 1:
A diffusion disk is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the beam splitter and the receiver. This diffusion disk mediates the coupling of measuring and reference beams by scattering the light to uniformly illuminate the numerical aperture of the receiver, eliminating the need for precise alignment adjustments while maintaining optimal illumination conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical alignment system (requiring exact adjustment of beam positions) with an optical diffusion mechanism. Instead of mechanically adjusting the beams to match the receiver's numerical aperture, the diffusion disk optically scatters the light to achieve uniform illumination without mechanical precision requirements.
2Measurement precision
If a reference beam is added to monitor light source aging, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the optical path becomes more complex and difficult to align
Solution Approach 1:
The diffusion disk serves multiple functions simultaneously: it couples the reference beam into the receiver, illuminates the numerical aperture uniformly, and enables the reference path without requiring separate alignment mechanisms. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system while maintaining the ability to monitor light source aging through the reference beam.
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 diffusion disk ensures homogeneous illumination and optimal coupling of both measuring and reference light into the receiver, eliminating the need for precise adjustment and preventing measurement errors caused by light source aging.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusion disk arranged between the container with medium and a receiver, wherein the diffusion disk is configured and arranged such that the reception light, after exiting the container with medium, impinges on the receiver through the diffusion disk
Data Source
AI summary
An optical measuring system for determining a measured variable in a medium includes a light source and a container with medium. The light source radiates measuring light into the container on a first light path, wherein the measuring light is converted into reception light as a function of the measured variable and radiates reference light past the container on a second light path. A diffusion disk is arranged between the container and a receiver, wherein the diffusion disk is configured and arranged such that the reception light impinges on the receiver through the diffusion disk. The diffusion disk is configured such that the reference light impinges on the receiver through the diffusion disk. The receiver receives the reception light and the reference light, and a data processing unit connected to the light source and to the receiver determines the measured variable from the measuring light and the reception light.