Waveguide-Segmented Optical Grating for Beam Shape and Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical gratings emit optical beams with non-optimal cross-sections and intensity distributions, which can hinder the performance of systems like atomic sensors.
Innovation Solution
An optical grating design with N optical waveguides, each having a waveguide input, waveguide end, and grating portions, where grating inputs and ends are positioned differently along axes, and grating amplitudes vary to achieve a predetermined cross-section and intensity pattern in the emitted optical beam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a conventional optical grating is used, then the device structure is simple, but the emitted optical beam has non-optimal cross-section and intensity distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The optical grating is divided into multiple waveguides (N waveguides), each with its own grating portion. This segmentation allows independent control of each waveguide's grating parameters (length, position, amplitude), enabling precise tailoring of the overall beam cross-section and intensity distribution while maintaining a modular structure that is manageable in complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different grating parameters are applied to different waveguides or different portions of waveguides. Specifically, the grating amplitude, length, and position vary across the N waveguides, creating local variations in the grating structure that collectively produce the desired non-uniform intensity distribution and cross-section shape in the emitted beam
2Illumination intensity
If conventional optical grating is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the intensity distribution over the beam cross-section is non-optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention varies multiple grating parameters across different waveguides including grating amplitude, grating length, and grating position along the first axis. These parameter changes enable precise control over the optical intensity distribution and cross-section shape, achieving optimal illumination patterns that would be impossible with uniform gratings
3Manufacturing precision
If the grating structure is modified to achieve predetermined cross-section and intensity pattern, then the beam quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the grating into N independent waveguide elements, each with controllable grating parameters, the invention achieves precise control over beam cross-section and intensity distribution. The segmented structure allows systematic variation of grating properties across waveguides, enabling high manufacturing precision in beam shaping while keeping the overall device architecture organized and manageable
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 design allows for the emission of optical beams with tailored cross-sections and intensity patterns, enhancing the performance of systems that utilize these beams.
Implementation Method 1
An optical grating in a plane defined by first and second orthogonal axes is configured to receive, at an optical grating input of the optical grating, a collimated optical signal propagating parallel to the first axis and emit, from an aperture of the optical grating, an optical beam
Implementation Method 2
a N optical waveguides each of which includes a waveguide input, a waveguide end, and an optical grating portion including a grating input and a grating end
Data Source
AI summary
An optical grating is provided which can be configured to emit an optical beam, from optical grating portions of the optical grating, with a predetermined cross-section and/or a predetermined intensity in a portion of the cross-section including light.