Polarization Rotation Means for Waveguide Birefringence Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for determining polarization information of target samples are limited by the need for direct access to the sample, making it difficult to analyze samples in inaccessible areas, such as within hollow bodies or turbid environments.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing a waveguide to guide a polarized light beam to and from the target sample, with polarization rotation means to compensate for waveguide birefringence, allowing for the analysis of polarization information without direct line-of-sight access, using a Faraday rotator to rotate polarimetric components and photodetectors to calculate polarization information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a light beam in direct line of sight is used to determine polarization information, then measurement precision is improved, but accessibility to target samples is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
An optical fiber is introduced as an intermediary element to transmit the light beam between the measurement system and the target sample. This allows the light beam to reach samples in inaccessible locations (within hollow bodies, turbid environments) while maintaining the polarization measurement capability, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and accessibility
2Adaptability or versatility
If polarization-maintaining optical fiber is used to guide the light beam, then accessibility to target samples is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber serves as a mediator that simplifies the overall system by providing a ready-made solution for light transmission in difficult-to-reach areas, avoiding the need for complex free-space optical paths with multiple mirrors and lenses
Solution Approach 2:
The system compensates for waveguide birefringence effects by rotating the polarization state of the light beam using polarization rotation means, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite the altered polarization parameters introduced by the optical fiber
3Measurement precision
If waveguide birefringence compensation is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Polarization rotation means are introduced as intermediary components that actively compensate for the birefringence effects of the optical fiber, restoring the polarization state to enable accurate measurements without requiring complex real-time correction systems
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the optical fiber's own transmitted light, after appropriate polarization rotation, to perform the measurement, making the system self-contained and eliminating the need for additional complex external correction equipment
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
Enables the analysis of biological tissues in vivo and in situ without biopsy, providing detailed polarization information for medical and microelectronic applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one waveguide (6) suitable for being traversed by an incident beam and by a beam reflected by the target sample (8)
Implementation Method 2
polarization rotation means suitable for rotating two orthogonal polarimetric components E∥I
Implementation Method 3
steps c) and e) compensate for the effect of the birefringence of the waveguide
Implementation Method 4
photodetectors to calculate polarization information
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 2~6
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method and to a device (2) for determining at least one piece of polarisation information on a measurement point of a target sample (8), the device (2) comprising: - a light source (4) capable of emitting a rectilinearly polarised light beam, the light beam being intended to be reflected by the measurement point; - a means (9) for computing polarisation information on the measurement point using the beam reflected by the target sample (8); - at least one waveguide (6) for guiding the incident beam towards the target sample (8) and the reflected beam towards the computing means (9); and - a means (22) for rotating the polarisation, capable of rotating two orthogonal polarimetric components of the incident beam after passing through the waveguide and two orthogonal polarimetric components of the reflected beam before passing through the waveguide.