Prism-Based Optical Beam Positioning to Mitigate Hysteresis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for precise fiber optic coupling, such as those using mechanical lead screws and complex mirror setups, suffer from hysteresis and poor thermal performance, making it difficult to achieve accurate and repeatable optical beam positioning.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing at least four movable prisms, such as Risley prisms, with positioners and a controller to adjust the position and angle of an optical beam in an x-y plane, eliminating the need for mirrors and reducing hysteresis by using refractive deflection for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical lead screws are used to adjust laser position, then positioning is achieved, but hysteresis and poor thermal performance occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical lead screw systems with electronic actuators that directly position the laser or fiber, eliminating the mechanical transmission components that cause hysteresis. This substitution of mechanical systems with electronic control systems resolves the contradiction by maintaining positioning capability while removing the source of hysteresis errors.
2Measurement precision
If multiple mirrors are used for beam steering, then beam positioning is achieved, but angular errors are amplified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the mirror steering components from the optical path, replacing them with direct electronic positioning of the laser source or fiber endpoint. By taking out the intermediate mirrors that amplify angular errors, the system achieves beam positioning without the compounding of manufacturing tolerances and alignment errors.
3Measurement precision
If complex mirror and lens setups are used for fiber coupling, then coupling optimization is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal electronic positioning system that can simultaneously control both lateral position and angular orientation of the beam or fiber endpoint. This multi-functional electronic actuator replaces multiple separate mechanical adjustment mechanisms, achieving the same coupling optimization with reduced system complexity and fewer components.
4Ease of operation
If alignment components are physically touched for adjustment, then alignment is achieved, but position stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-aligning features through electronic control, where the system automatically maintains optimal alignment through feedback control of the laser or fiber position. This eliminates the need for manual touching and adjustment of alignment components, thereby preventing the introduction of mechanical disturbances that would reduce position stability.
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 system achieves precise and repeatable optical beam positioning with improved thermal stability and reduced hysteresis, enabling efficient coupling of laser light into fiber optics without the need for complex mechanical systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least four prisms aligned for passing the optical beam therethrough, where each of the at least four prisms is movable relative to the housing... movement of the at least four prisms adjusts a position and an angle of the optical beam passed therethrough
Data Source
AI summary
A device for the positioning of an optical beam includes a housing and at least four prisms aligned for passing the optical beam therethrough, where each of the at least four prisms is movable relative to the housing. The device may also include one or more positioners engaged with the at least four prisms, the one or more positioners controllable to move the at least four prisms, where movement of the at least four prisms adjusts a position and an angle of the optical beam passed therethrough relative to an x-y plane.