Single-Mode Beam Processing with Multi-Plane Phase and Amplitude Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies struggle to effectively combine single-mode and coherent light beams with variable phases and amplitudes, leading to energy loss and spatially diffuse halos due to imperfect phase and amplitude control, which deteriorates the quality and power of the combined beam.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a first phase actuator circuit, a multi-plane conversion device, and a second phase actuator circuit, which adjusts the relative phases and amplitudes of incident beams to produce converted beams with controlled setpoint values, followed by a spatial multiplexing device to recombine them into a single-mode beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If known coherent combining devices are used to combine light beams with uncontrolled phase and amplitude, then beam combination is achieved, but the optical quality deteriorates with energy loss, scattering, and spatial diffusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a feedback control system that measures the actual phase and amplitude of each incident beam and pre-adjusts them before combination. The device calculates compensation values based on measured deviations from target values, then applies corrective phase shifts and amplitude adjustments to ensure optimal combination conditions are met before the beams are combined, preventing energy loss and maintaining optical quality.
2Reliability
If multiple phase actuators and multi-plane conversion devices are added to control phase and amplitude, then beam quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a multi-plane conversion device that performs multiple functions simultaneously: it converts spatial modes, adjusts phase distributions, and controls amplitude profiles all within a single integrated optical component. This multi-functional approach achieves precise beam control and high optical quality without requiring separate dedicated devices for each function, thereby managing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a feedback control system that acts as a mediator between the incident beams and the combination device. This intermediary measures beam parameters, calculates required adjustments, and controls phase actuators to apply corrections, enabling automatic adaptation to varying input conditions without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical adjustments.
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 stabilizes the relative phases and amplitudes of light beams, enhancing the quality and efficiency of beam recombination, allowing for improved energy concentration and reduced distortion, particularly in optical communication and laser processing applications.
Implementation Method 1
these beams may result from the modal decomposition of incident light radiation after propagation of this radiation in a medium
Implementation Method 2
a first phase actuator circuit for adjusting the relative phases of the incident beams; a second phase actuator circuit arranged downstream of the multi-plane conversion device in order to adjust the relative phases of the converted beams
Data Source
AI summary
A device for processing at least two incident beams having variable phases and/or amplitudes comprises at least the following elements connected to each other in succession by free spaces or by waveguides: a first phase actuator circuit for adjusting the phases of the incident beams; a multi-plane conversion device; and a second phase actuator circuit arranged downstream of the multi-plane conversion device. An optical system may employ such a processing device to recombine the incident beams into a recombined light beam.