Optical Resonator Thermal Management via Segmented Tubular Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing gas measurement apparatus using an optical resonator faces challenges in achieving rapid temperature adjustments due to materials with low thermal conductivity, leading to uneven temperature distributions and detection errors.
Innovation Solution
The measurement apparatus incorporates an optical resonator with a holder made of a material low in thermal expansion coefficient, a first tubular portion with high thermal conductivity and elasticity, and a second tubular portion with equal or higher thermal conductivity than the first portion, along with a temperature adjustment portion to facilitate efficient temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the optical resonator is composed of a material low in thermal expansion coefficient, then thermal deformation is reduced, but thermal conductivity is low causing slow temperature adjustment and uneven temperature distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The optical resonator is divided into multiple sections with different materials: the holder and mirror support structures use low thermal expansion materials (Invar, ultra-low expansion glass) for stability, while the tubular portion uses high thermal conductivity material (aluminum, copper) for rapid and uniform temperature adjustment. This segmentation allows each part to optimize for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the optical resonator are made from materials with different properties tailored to their specific requirements. The holder and support structures use low thermal expansion materials where dimensional stability is critical, while the main tubular body uses high thermal conductivity material where heat transfer efficiency is paramount. This local quality approach resolves the contradiction by applying the right material property in the right location.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the optical resonator is composed of a material low in thermal conductivity, then thermal expansion is reduced, but temperature distribution becomes uneven causing detection errors
Solution Approach 1:
The optical resonator structure is segmented into different functional zones with appropriate materials. The tubular portion that requires uniform temperature distribution for accurate gas detection is made from high thermal conductivity material, while the holder and support elements are made from low thermal expansion materials. This segmentation ensures both dimensional stability and temperature uniformity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the main body of the optical resonator (tubular portion) from high thermal conductivity material to ensure uniform temperature distribution across the measurement region, while only the critical support and holding structures use low thermal expansion materials. This localized application of material properties achieves both goals without compromise.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the optical resonator is composed of a material low in thermal expansion coefficient, then dimensional stability is improved, but the material is difficult-to-machine and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The optical resonator is segmented into two main components with different materials: the holder and support structures (requiring low thermal expansion) and the tubular portion (requiring ease of manufacture and temperature control). This segmentation allows the majority of the structure to be made from inexpensive, easy-to-machine materials while only the critical support elements use expensive specialized materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by restricting the use of expensive low thermal expansion materials only to the holder and support structures where dimensional stability is critical, while the main tubular body is made from inexpensive, easy-to-machine high thermal conductivity materials. This localized approach significantly reduces manufacturing cost and complexity while maintaining performance.
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 rapid and uniform temperature adjustments within the optical resonator, enhancing detection sensitivity and reducing errors in gas measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a first tubular portion including opposing ends in contact with the holder, the first tubular portion defining a space where the plurality of mirrors are accommodated... the first tubular portion includes a first portion composed of a material higher in thermal conductivity than the holder
Implementation Method 2
a second tubular portion provided in the inside of the first tubular portion along the first tubular portion, and a temperature adjustment portion that adjusts a temperature in the inside of the first tubular portion. The second tubular portion is composed of a material equal to or higher than the first portion in thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 3
the optical resonator may be composed of a material low in thermal expansion coefficient (for example, an Invar® alloy or ultra-low-expansion glass)... the holder is composed of a material lower in thermal expansion coefficient than the first tubular portion
Implementation Method 4
The optical resonator can increase an effective optical path length that can be used for measurement of gas to the order of kilometers by reflecting light between at least two high-reflection mirrors
Implementation Method 5
A gas measurement apparatus based on measurement principles such as gas absorption spectroscopy has widely been used in measurement of an environmental pollutant in air. The gas measurement apparatus irradiates measurement target gas with light and quantifies a substance contained in that gas based on intensity of light absorbed at a frequency as high as a resonant frequency of the substance
Data Source
AI summary
A gas measurement apparatus includes an optical resonator that resonates light, a light source that generates light for irradiation of the optical resonator, and a photodetector that detects light taken out of the optical resonator. The optical resonator includes a plurality of mirrors, a holding member, a hollow tubular member, a hollow tubular member, and a temperature adjustment instrument. The holding member is lower in thermal expansion coefficient than the hollow tubular member. The hollow tubular member includes a portion higher in thermal conductivity than the holding member and a bellows higher in elasticity than a first portion. The hollow tubular member is equal to or higher than the hollow tubular member in thermal conductivity, and is provided as far as positions of the plurality of mirrors on an inner side of the bellows.