Optical Modulator Beam Shaping for High-Power 3D Modeling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing three-dimensional modeling apparatuses face challenges in increasing the amount of light input to an optical modulator while simplifying the structure of the projection optical system, which can lead to damage due to high peak intensities and require complex optical elements.
Innovation Solution
The optical apparatus employs an illumination optical system that converts the intensity distribution of the laser beam into a top hat distribution, using a beam shaper and a single convex lens to guide light to an optical modulator, and a projection optical system with light shielding parts to block non-zero-order diffracted beams, simplifying the structure and increasing light input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If light having high power density is emitted to ensure the power density of the laser beam, then the power density is improved, but the optical modulator may be damaged due to excessive peak intensity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the intensity distribution parameter of the laser beam from Gaussian to top-hat distribution using a beam shaper. This transformation redistributes the light intensity uniformly across the beam profile, reducing the peak intensity at the center while maintaining the total power density, thereby protecting the optical modulator from damage.
2Reliability
If a relatively large number of optical elements are provided in the projection optical system to block non-zero-order diffracted beams, then the beam control is improved, but the structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the non-zero-order diffracted beams from the optical path using a light shielding part positioned at the condensing position. By blocking only the harmful diffracted beams while allowing the zero-order beam to pass, the system achieves effective beam control with minimal optical elements, reducing overall structure complexity.
3Manufacturing precision
If the performance and placement accuracy of optical elements are increased to more accurately condense the modulated laser beam, then the beam condensation accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light shielding part as an intermediary element that simplifies the requirements for other optical components. By blocking non-zero-order diffracted beams at the condensing position, the light shielding part prevents these beams from reaching subsequent optical elements, thereby reducing the performance and placement accuracy requirements for lenses and other optical components.
4Ease of manufacture
If the structure of the projection optical system is simplified by reducing the number of optical elements, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to block non-zero-order diffracted beams may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent addresses the diffracted beam blocking function in a different dimensional approach by positioning the light shielding part at the condensing position in the optical path, rather than using multiple optical elements arranged in sequence. This spatial arrangement allows effective beam control with a simplified structure.
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 configuration allows for increased light input to the optical modulator while reducing the complexity of the projection optical system, preventing damage and enhancing the power density of the modulated beam for improved three-dimensional modeling.
Implementation Method 1
an illumination optical system for shaping a laser beam into a shaped beam which is long in a long axis direction, The illumination optical system includes a beam shaper and an illumination optical element. The illumination optical system is configured to convert an intensity distribution of incident light in the long axis direction from a Gaussian distribution, to thereby bring an intensity distribution of the shaped beam on a modulation surface of the optical modulator in the long axis direction into a top hat distribution
Implementation Method 2
a short axis side light shielding part disposed at a condensing position on a short axis side of the modulated beam which is emitted from the optical modulator and is convergent light on a short axis side, for blocking a non-zero-order diffracted beam on the short axis side of the modulated beam
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination optical system is configured to convert an intensity distribution of incident light in a long axis direction from a Gaussian distribution, to thereby bring an intensity distribution of a shaped beam on a modulation surface of an optical modulator in the long axis direction into a top hat distribution, and to guide the incident light to the optical modulator as parallel light in the long axis direction and as convergent light in the short axis direction. A short axis side light shielding part is disposed at a condensing position on a short axis side of a modulated beam which is emitted from the optical modulator and is convergent light on a short axis side and blocks a non-zero-order diffracted beam on the short axis side of the modulated beam.