Terahertz Near-Field Laser Path Adjustment via Shadow Projection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The current method for adjusting the laser path in terahertz near-field systems is complex, slow, and inaccurate due to the difficulty in observing the laser spot on the probe cantilever through an optical microscope.

Innovation Solution

The shadow magnification projection method is used to directly observe and determine the position of the laser spot on the probe cantilever, allowing for quick and accurate adjustment of the laser path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the laser spot is observed through an optical microscope to adjust the laser path, then the imaging function can be achieved, but the observation is unclear and the adjustment is complex and slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser spot position observation clarityVSAvoidlaser path adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a virtual copy of the laser spot position information by projecting it onto a display screen. Instead of directly observing the difficult-to-see laser spot on the probe cantilever through a microscope, the system generates a visual representation (copy) of the spot's position and characteristics on a screen, making it easy to observe and adjust. This copying approach resolves the contradiction by providing clear observation without increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a display screen as an intermediary between the laser spot and the observer. The display screen acts as a mediator that converts the invisible or difficult-to-see laser spot information into visible visual information. This intermediary allows for clear observation and precise adjustment of the laser path without requiring direct microscopic observation, thereby simplifying the adjustment process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the laser spot is adjusted by observing the red dot in the control software, then the adjustment can be made, but the accuracy is insufficient and direct observation is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser spot position accuracyVSAvoidlaser path adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates a visual copy of the laser spot's position and characteristics on a display screen, allowing operators to directly observe and adjust the spot position with high accuracy. This copy provides both the positional information and visual feedback needed for precise adjustment, eliminating the need to rely solely on indirect software indicators and improving both accuracy and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes color information in the display screen to indicate the laser spot position and characteristics. By displaying the laser spot as a colored element on the screen, the system provides clear visual feedback that enhances both the accuracy of position determination and the ease of adjustment. The color representation makes the spot immediately visible and identifiable, improving operational ease while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Productivity

If the laser path is adjusted without direct observation, then the adjustment can be performed, but the time required is long and the process is slow

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelaser path adjustment speedVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The display screen provides an immediate visual copy of the laser spot position, allowing operators to quickly observe and adjust the laser path without time-consuming trial and error. The visual feedback on the screen enables rapid determination of spot position and characteristics, significantly reducing adjustment time and improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time visual feedback on the display screen showing the laser spot's position and characteristics as they change during adjustment. This immediate feedback allows operators to quickly identify and correct positioning errors, eliminating the need for prolonged adjustment periods and significantly reducing the time required to achieve proper laser alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

This method enables rapid and precise adjustment of the laser path, reducing the adjustment time to within ten minutes, with some adjustments taking as little as 2-3 minutes, and improving the accuracy of the laser alignment.

Implementation Method 1

The laser emitted by the laser device is reflected by the probe cantilever to the light spot position detector

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

observing the red laser spot on the back of the probe cantilever under an optical microscope

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical magnification: Lens

Implementation Method 3

the spot position detector, which is a quadrant detector, can detect the deflection of the probe cantilever

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12332172B1Method for adjusting laser path of terahertz near-field system
Publication Date: 2025.06.17 INST OF ENERGY HEFEI COMPREHENSIVE NAT SCI CENT (ANHUI ENERGY LAB)
  • US12332172B1 patent drawing
  • US12332172B1 patent drawing
  • US12332172B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A method for adjusting laser path of terahertz near-field system, belonging to the field of terahertz near-field imaging. It mainly addresses the issues where an optical microscope cannot clearly observe the laser spot on the probe cantilever, and the laser path adjustment is complex, slow, and inaccurate. The method employs a three-step process: adjusting the position of laser device to roughly adjust the emitted laser, adjusting the position of laser device to fine-tune the emitted laser, and a using a spot position detector to adjust the received laser. By using the shadow magnification projection method, the position of the laser spot on the probe cantilever can be directly and effectively observed and the laser light path can be quickly adjusted. This adjustment method is fast and easy to operate.