Polarizing Beam Splitter Layout for Compact Multi-Beam Eye Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing beam splitting devices for ophthalmological applications are complex, require significant space, and result in power losses, making it necessary to use high-power laser input beams.
Innovation Solution
A beam splitting device comprising a first and second polarizing beam splitter and deflection elements that split a laser input beam into multiple intermediate beams, which are then offset and deflected to create multiple laser output beams with minimal power loss, allowing for efficient scanning of a patient's eye with reduced spatial requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional beam splitting devices are used to create multiple laser beams, then multiple beams can be generated, but the devices are complicated and require much space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple beam splitting functions into a single integrated optical component that uses polarization-dependent reflection and transmission. Instead of using separate beam splitters for each beam, the invention merges the functionality into one device that simultaneously generates multiple beams through sequential polarization transformations using wave plates and a single polarizing beam splitter.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical component performs multiple functions within a single device: it acts as a beam splitter, a polarization controller, and a beam director simultaneously. The wave plates and polarizing beam splitter work together to generate multiple beams with different polarizations while also controlling their spatial distribution and intensity ratios.
2Quantity of substance
If conventional beam splitting devices are used, then multiple laser beams can be created, but power losses occur requiring very high laser input beam power
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the polarization parameter of the laser beam using wave plates (quarter-wave and half-wave plates) to control the beam splitting ratio. By adjusting the polarization state before the polarizing beam splitter, the system can dynamically control how much power goes to each output beam, minimizing losses and optimizing power distribution without requiring high input power.
3Quantity of substance
If conventional beam splitting devices are used, then multiple laser beams can be generated, but the devices require very high power laser input beams
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses polarization parameter changes through wave plates to efficiently distribute power among multiple beams. This allows standard power laser sources to be used, as the polarization-controlled splitting mechanism minimizes power loss and enables effective power distribution without requiring high-power input beams.
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 solution enables the creation of multiple laser beams from a single input beam with minimal power loss and compact design, allowing for precise and efficient ophthalmological treatments with reduced spatial requirements.
Implementation Method 1
the first polarizing beam splitter in the first beam multiplier element, wherein the second polarizing beam splitter in the first beam multiplier element is arranged at an angle of 90° with respect to the first polarizing beam splitter in the first beam multiplier element
Implementation Method 2
a first deflection element for deflecting an intermediate beam through a given angle
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a beam splitting device (10) for generating a plurality of laser output beams (90-93) from one laser input beam (60), wherein: the beam splitting device (10) has a first beam multiplier element (20) for generating two intermediate beams (75, 76) from the laser input beam (60); the first beam multiplier element (20) has a first polarising beam splitter (22, 42), a second polarising beam splitter (24, 44) and at least one first deflection element (26, 46) for deflecting an intermediate beam (76) by a specified angle: the beam splitting device (10) is designed in such a way that, when the laser input beam (60) is irradiated onto the first polarising beam splitter (22, 42) of the first beam multiplier element (20), the laser input beam (60) is split into the first intermediate beam (75) and the second intermediate beam (76) by means of the first polarising beam splitter (22, 42) of the first beam multiplier element (20); the two intermediate beams (75, 76) span the x-y plane, the second intermediate beam (76) is deflected by the first deflection element (26) by a specified angle, in particular approximately 90° or approximately 180°, the first intermediate beam (75) and the second intermediate beam (76) are irradiated onto the second polarising beam splitter (24) of the first beam multiplier element (20) in such a way that the first intermediate beam (75) and the second intermediate beam (76) radiate away from the second polarising beam splitter (24) of the first beam multiplier element (20) at a substantially parallel mutual offset or with a specified angular difference, in particular of less than 3 mrad, preferably less than 1.4 mrad, particularly preferably less than 0.6 mrad.