Segmented Correction Optics for CBC Fiber-Lens Misalignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-channeled optical systems, particularly those using coherent beam combining (CBC) with fiber arrays and collimation arrays, face challenges in correcting optical aberrations caused by misalignments between optical fibers and collimating lenses, leading to suboptimal far-field performance.

Innovation Solution

A correction optical element (COE) with customized, segmented correction segments is designed to address optical aberrations in each channel of the CBC system. Each correction segment is tailored to correct specific aberrations by measuring the wavefront of each output optical beam and generating a 3D model for precise correction, with the segments configured as diffractive elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional collimation arrays are used without correction elements, then the system structure is simpler, but optical aberrations from misalignment cause degraded far-field performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefar-field performanceVSAvoidsystem structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The correction optical element is divided into multiple correction segments, with each segment corresponding to a specific optical fiber channel. Each segment is customized to correct the specific aberrations of its corresponding channel, allowing targeted correction without affecting other channels. This segmentation enables precise correction of misalignment-induced aberrations while maintaining system modularity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each correction segment in the COE has locally optimized optical properties tailored to the specific aberrations of its corresponding fiber channel. The correction segments have different optical path lengths and refractive index distributions designed to compensate for the unique misalignment characteristics of each channel, achieving localized quality improvement without requiring complete system redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Manufacturing precision

If customized correction segments are implemented for each channel, then optical aberration correction is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaberration correction precisionVSAvoidCOE fabrication

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention measures and characterizes the aberrations of each optical fiber channel in advance during the manufacturing process. By performing preliminary wavefront measurement and aberration analysis before fabricating the correction segments, the system can pre-determine the exact optical parameters needed for each segment. This preliminary characterization enables precise customization without requiring complex post-manufacturing adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If wavefront measurement and 3D modeling are performed for each channel, then correction accuracy is improved, but measurement and processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewavefront measurement accuracyVSAvoidcorrection setup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated wavefront measurement and 3D modeling capabilities that perform the characterization process without requiring extensive manual intervention. The correction optical element is designed to work with the specific measurement data from each channel, creating a self-characterizing system that automatically generates the correction parameters. This self-service approach reduces both measurement time and the need for manual processing while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 COE effectively corrects a range of optical aberrations, including pointing errors, focusing errors, and high-order three-dimensional aberrations, thereby improving the far-field performance of the CBC system by ensuring precise alignment and correction of optical beams.

Implementation Method 1

wherein each correction segment (CSij) is configured as a diffractive element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffraction: Diffraction

Data Source

PatentUS12339440B2Correction optical elements for coherent beam combining systems and systems and methods for coherent beam combining using same

Publication Date: 2025.06.24 ELBIT SYST ELECTRO OPTICS ELOP

AI summary

A correction optical element (COE) for a multi-channeled coherent beam combining (CBC) system that uses a fiber array comprising multiple optical fibers and a single collimation array comprising multiple collimating lenses, for coherent combining of a corresponding array of optical beams directed through the fiber array. The COE is configured for customized and segmented correction of collimation-based optical aberrations, caused at least due to misalignments between each corresponding optical fiber's Lij output end and a center of a corresponding collimating lens Lij.