Optical Plate Beam Steering for Fiber Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for positioning a focused beam of radiation with respect to a small target, such as the core of an optical fiber, require expensive and unstable movement mechanisms that lack precision and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A beam positioning system using a glass optical plate with pivot joints and actuators that allow for precise and stable pivotal movement of the plate to align the focused radiation with the optical fiber core, utilizing a control circuit to control the actuators for efficient and accurate positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional movement mechanisms are used to position the focused beam, then the beam can be positioned with respect to the target, but the mechanisms are expensive and exhibit instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical movement mechanisms with a simple optical plate that can be easily positioned and oriented. Instead of using expensive precision mechanical stages to move the entire optical system, the invention uses a simple optical plate that can be tilted or positioned at different angles to achieve beam steering, thereby substituting a complex mechanical system with a simpler optical arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical plate acts as an intermediary element between the beam source and the target. By introducing this intermediate optical component, the system achieves precise beam positioning without requiring the entire optical system to be moved mechanically. The optical plate mediates the beam direction through its positioning and orientation, simplifying the overall mechanical requirements.
2Measurement precision
If traditional movement mechanisms are used to position the focused beam, then the beam can be positioned with respect to the target, but the mechanisms are relatively expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple optical plate that can be manufactured at low cost compared to precision mechanical positioning stages. The optical plate is a relatively inexpensive optical component that can be easily fabricated and replaced if needed, providing cost-effective beam positioning without requiring expensive mechanical precision equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing expensive precision mechanical positioning mechanisms with a simpler optical plate-based system, the invention achieves comparable or sufficient positioning precision at a fraction of the cost. The optical plate can be positioned and oriented using simple mechanical means rather than expensive piezoelectric or motorized stages.
3Measurement precision
If traditional movement mechanisms are used to position the focused beam, then the beam can be positioned with respect to the target, but the adjustment time and space are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the beam positioning function from the main optical system by using a dedicated optical plate. This segmentation allows the optical plate to be independently positioned and oriented to achieve precise beam alignment without requiring movement of the entire optical system, thereby reducing adjustment time and improving efficiency.
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 system achieves precise and stable positioning of the focused beam on the optical fiber core using relatively inexpensive actuators, reducing the time, space, and cost required for adjustments while minimizing aberrations through lens compensation.
Implementation Method 1
An optical plate is supported between the lens and the optical fiber, and the focused beam passes through the plate. By pivoting the plate, the direction of the focused beam can be altered to position it with respect to the optical fiber.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus involve: using beam influencing structure to cause a converging beam of radiation to propagate along a first portion of a path of travel; supporting an optical part so that the path of travel extends through the optical part, the converging beam arriving at the optical part along the first portion of the path of travel, and the path of travel having a second portion along which the converging beam travels away from the optical part; and selectively tilting the optical part about a pivot axis lying in an imaginary plane extending transversely to the first portion of the path of travel, pivotal movement of the optical part about the pivot axis causing a change in the orientation of the second portion of the path of travel with respect to the first portion thereof.