Optical Element Retaining Arrangement for Thermal Beam Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face challenges in maintaining stable beam direction due to mechanical and thermal fluctuations, which current methods fail to adequately address, especially in laser systems where beam coupling and targeting accuracy are critical.
Innovation Solution
A retaining arrangement with a carrier platform connected via elastically compliant and damping connecting structures, featuring a neutral point for optical elements that remains stable during thermal deformation, using flexible heat transfer elements and Peltier elements for temperature control, and elastic solid joints for mechanical decoupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If optical elements are rigidly fixed to the base, then mechanical stability is improved, but thermal deformation causes beam position fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining arrangement segments the mechanical connection into multiple bearing points distributed on the carrier platform. This segmentation allows thermal expansions to be distributed across multiple elastic connections rather than concentrated at a single rigid mounting point, reducing the impact of thermal deformation on beam position while maintaining mechanical stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the connection from rigid to elastically compliant. The elastic connections at the bearing points can deform under thermal expansion while maintaining contact, allowing the carrier platform to thermally expand without transmitting rigid mechanical constraints that would cause beam position fluctuations.
2Manufacturing precision
If elastically compliant connecting structures are used, then thermal expansion is absorbed, but mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple elastic connections at distributed bearing points into a collective support system. While each individual connection is elastic and compliant, the combination of multiple connections provides both thermal expansion absorption and mechanical stability, as the distributed bearing points work together to constrain the carrier platform while allowing thermal deformation.
3Manufacturing precision
If optical elements are positioned away from thermal sources, then thermal drift is reduced, but mechanical support complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for optical elements, absorbs thermal expansion through elastic deformations at bearing points, and maintains beam position stability. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate thermal management mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while achieving thermal drift compensation.
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
Achieves stable beam position and reduced angular fluctuations with minimal mechanical and thermal interference, ensuring accurate beam guidance and coupling in optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
the connecting structure being designed to elastically absorb thermal expansions of the carrier platform
Implementation Method 2
elastically absorb thermal expansions of the carrier platform
Implementation Method 3
elastically compliant and/or damping connecting structure
Implementation Method 4
The carrier platform is connected to a heat sink or source via an intermediate heat pump, for example in the form of a Peltier element
Implementation Method 5
with a flexible, for example ribbon-shaped heat transfer element
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a retaining arrangement with a carrier platform (2), for example in laser systems, to which at least one optical element (3) is fixed. The disclosure specifies a retaining arrangement for optical elements which ensures improved beam position stability with as little effort as possible. For this purpose, the carrier platform (2) is connected to a base (8) at bearing points (5) via a respective elastically compliant and/or damping connecting structure (6). The connecting structure (6) is designed to elastically absorb thermal expansions of the carrier platform (2). The at least one optical element (3) is located at a neutral point (13) and/or on a neutral axis on the carrier platform (2), wherein this neutral point (13) or the neutral axis is positionally stable relative to the base (8) during thermal deformation of the carrier platform (2). The carrier platform (2) is connected to a heat sink or source (16) via an intermediate heat pump, for example in the form of a Peltier element (17), with a flexible, for example ribbon-shaped heat transfer element (15) without mechanical retroaction.