Pre-Aligned Optical Mount Machining for Fast Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The alignment of optical components in optical systems is time-consuming and challenging, especially in tight spaces, requiring precise center and tip/tilt adjustments, and there is a need for pre-aligned optical components to simplify the installation process.
Innovation Solution
A pre-aligned optical mount system that includes a housing with an optical element, secured onto a stage with four degrees of freedom, where the housing is machined to align the optical axis with a predefined optical axis on an optical platform, using a CNC milling machine and detectors to ensure precise alignment and machining of the housing to match the platform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional alignment methods are used with center and tip/tilt adjustments, then alignment precision can be achieved, but the alignment process becomes very time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is pre-machined with precision features (contact surface, holes, slots) that define the optical axis alignment before installation. This preliminary machining action eliminates the need for time-consuming alignment adjustments during system assembly, directly resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and alignment time
2Measurement precision
If precise alignment adjustments are performed, then optical axis alignment is achieved, but the process becomes complex involving multiple adjustment steps
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment features are pre-established during housing manufacturing through precision machining of the contact surface, holes, and slots. This transfers the alignment complexity from the assembly process to the manufacturing process, simplifying the installation to a straightforward mounting operation without complex adjustments
3Volume of moving object
If components are placed in tight spaces, then space utilization is improved, but the alignment process becomes very difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is pre-machined with precise contact surfaces, locating holes, and alignment slots that guarantee correct optical axis alignment. This preliminary preparation allows the component to be installed in tight spaces without requiring difficult alignment maneuvers, as the alignment is inherently built into the mounting features
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 efficient and precise pre-alignment of optical components, reducing the time and complexity of installation by ensuring the optical axis alignment with the platform, facilitating easier integration into optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
machining the housing to match an optical platform onto which the housing is be mounted; wherein the housing is machined such that an optical axis of the optical element is aligned with a predefined optical axis
Implementation Method 2
securing the housing onto a stage having at least four degrees of freedom; aligning the optical element with a specified optical axis by adjustment of the stage
Implementation Method 3
a beam splitter configured to transmit the light beam onto the optical element
Implementation Method 4
a beam splitter configured to transmit the light beam onto the optical element and to reflect light from the optical element onto a first detector
Implementation Method 5
a first detector; a second detector configured to detect light transmitted by the optical element
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a pre-aligned optical mount, including: mounting a desired optical element onto a housing; securing the housing onto a stage having at least four degrees of freedom; aligning the optical element with a specified optical axis by adjustment of the stage; machining the housing to match an optical platform onto which the housing is be mounted; wherein the housing is machined such that an optical axis of the optical element is aligned with a predefined optical axis with respect to the optical platform when the housing is mounted onto the optical platform.