Temporal Focus Optical Scanning for Axial Resolution Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical machining and microscope devices using pulsed light struggle with limited resolution in the optical axis direction due to fixed focus radii, which hinders microfabrication capabilities, especially in transparent materials like resin or glass.
Innovation Solution
An optical device comprising an amplifier, a dispersive element, and an objective lens that allows for changing the amplification factor to achieve temporal focus, improving resolution by varying the position of focus along the optical axis through high-speed modulation of chirp in pulsed light.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the amplification factor of the amplifier is fixed, then the device structure is simple, but the resolution in the optical axis direction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the amplification factor of the amplifier variable rather than fixed. The control unit dynamically adjusts the amplification factor to change the chirp amount of the pulsed light, which in turn changes the temporal focus position along the optical axis. This dynamic adjustment enables resolution control in the optical axis direction without adding complex mechanical moving parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the amplification factor parameter of the amplifier to control the temporal focus position. By varying this electrical parameter, the system achieves control over the resolution in the optical axis direction. This parameter-based control approach is simpler than mechanical adjustment methods while achieving the same functional outcome.
2Productivity
If the focus position is fixed, then the optical system is stable, but the processing efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical focus adjustment mechanisms with electrical control of the amplifier's amplification factor. Instead of physically moving components to change focus position, the system uses electrical signals to modulate the amplifier gain, which changes the chirp and thereby the temporal focus position. This substitution improves processing efficiency while avoiding complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves dynamic focus position control through real-time adjustment of the amplifier's amplification factor. This allows the temporal focus to be rapidly repositioned along the optical axis without mechanical movement, significantly improving processing efficiency for applications requiring frequent focus changes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the amplification factor is variable, then the temporal focus position can be adjusted, but the control system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The amplifier serves multiple functions: it not only amplifies the pulsed light signal but also acts as a chirp control mechanism through its variable amplification factor. By controlling the amplification factor, the system simultaneously manages signal strength and temporal focus position, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms and overall system complexity.
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
Enhances resolution in the optical axis direction, enabling high-speed microfabrication, such as removal processing, even in transparent materials by dynamically adjusting the focus position, thereby improving processing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an amplifier that amplifies pulsed light
Implementation Method 2
a dispersive element that disperses the pulsed light output from the amplifier
Implementation Method 3
an objective lens that focuses the pulsed light dispersed by the dispersive element
Implementation Method 4
Optical machining devices and microscope devices include those comprising optical devices that output pulsed light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical device of an optical machining device includes: an optical fiber amplifier that amplifies pulsed light; a diffraction grating that disperses the pulsed light (PL) output from the optical fiber amplifier, through the diffraction phenomenon; a collimating lens that collimates the pulsed light (PL) dispersed by the diffraction grating; and an objective lens that focuses the pulsed light (PL) having passed through the collimating lens, and changes a position at which temporal focus occurs, in the optical axis direction of the objective lens, by changing the amplification factor of the optical fiber amplifier.