Optical Pulse Train Shape Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shape measurement methods face challenges in achieving nanometer-order measurement resolution and meter-order measurement range simultaneously, as well as femtosecond-order time resolution, due to limitations in current technologies.
Innovation Solution
The method involves irradiating a measurement object with an optical pulse train having predetermined frequency distributions, where the optical pulses are controlled using an optical comb to establish a correspondent relation between pulse numbers and frequency distributions, enabling precise measurement of optical shapes through interference signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional shape measurement methods are used, then measurement can be performed, but nanometer-order measurement resolution and meter-order measurement range cannot be achieved simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system segments the optical pulse train into multiple discrete pulses, each with specific frequency distributions. By analyzing the correspondent relations between pulse numbers and frequency distributions across multiple pulses, the system achieves both high resolution (through frequency analysis) and large range (through pulse sequence numbering)
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a temporal dimension by using optical pulse trains where pulses are disposed chronologically in numerical order. The measurement extracts information from the correspondent relations between pulse numbers (temporal sequence) and frequency distributions, adding a time-based dimension to the measurement that enables simultaneous achievement of high resolution and large range
2Measurement precision
If conventional shape measurement methods are used, then measurement can be performed, but femtosecond-order time resolution cannot be realized
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical timing systems with optical frequency-based timing. By using the correspondent relation between pulse numbers and frequency distributions, the system achieves femtosecond-order time resolution through optical frequency measurements rather than mechanical timing mechanisms, thereby reducing device complexity while improving time resolution
3Length of stationary object
If measurement range is increased to meter-order, then larger objects can be measured, but measurement resolution deteriorates from nanometer-order
Solution Approach 1:
The optical pulse train is segmented into multiple discrete pulses with identifiable pulse numbers. Each pulse carries frequency distribution information that encodes position data. By segmenting the measurement into discrete pulse events, the system maintains nanometer-order resolution through frequency analysis while achieving meter-order range through pulse sequence identification
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter being measured from continuous spatial position to discrete pulse number combined with frequency distribution. This parameter transformation allows the system to measure large distances (meter-order) by counting pulses while maintaining high precision (nanometer-order) through frequency distribution analysis
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 approach allows for a wide measurement range with nanometer-order resolution and femtosecond-order time resolution, eliminating the trade-off between resolution and range, and enabling non-contact, non-destructive measurement of complex shapes.
Implementation Method 1
an interference signal generated when the detection target optical pulse train interferes in a propagation space with a predetermined optical path length
Data Source
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AI summary
A shape measurement method of the present invention includes: a step of irradiating a measurement object with an optical pulse train in which a plurality of optical pulses that have predetermined frequency distributions on a time axis are disposed chronologically in numerical order; and a step of measuring an optical shape of the measurement object in accordance with a correspondent relation between numbers of the optical pulses of a plurality of detection target optical pulse trains after the emitted optical pulses act on the measurement object and a correspondent relation between the frequency distributions in the optical pulses.