Wedge Prism Beam Steering for Compact Optical Alignment Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication devices face challenges in controlling the traveling direction of signal light with high accuracy while requiring significant space for mirrors and mechanisms, hindering size reduction.
Innovation Solution
An adjustment device incorporating a wedge prism rotatably disposed on the optical path, an actuator to rotate the prism, a detection unit to measure positional differences, and a control unit to adjust the actuator for precise alignment, enabling high-speed and accurate control of signal light direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a mirror and driving mechanism are used to adjust the traveling direction of signal light, then high-speed and high-accuracy control is achieved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical mirror system with a wedge prism that utilizes optical refraction. The wedge prism rotates on its optical axis to change the traveling direction of signal light, eliminating the need for complex mirror mounting structures and driving mechanisms, thereby achieving compact device size while maintaining high-speed and high-accuracy control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter by using a wedge prism with a specific refractive index and wedge angle. By rotating the wedge prism around its optical axis, the refraction angle changes dynamically, allowing precise control of signal light direction without mechanical mirror adjustments, thus resolving the contradiction between control accuracy and device size
2Speed
If optical design for adjusting traveling direction is implemented, then high-speed control is achieved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of the wedge prism and the driving mechanism into a compact integrated structure. The wedge prism is directly mounted on a rotation mechanism that shares space with the detection unit, eliminating the need for separate mirror mounting spaces and reducing the overall device footprint while maintaining high-speed control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes rotational movement around the optical axis (adding a rotational dimension) instead of linear translation or angular adjustment in traditional planes. This dimensional change allows the wedge prism to control signal light direction in multiple directions through rotation, reducing the space required compared to conventional mirror systems that need separate adjustment mechanisms for different axes
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 allows for high-speed and accurate control of signal light direction with reduced size, enhancing optical communication efficiency by minimizing blur and correcting deviations due to vibrations or atmospheric fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge prism rotatably disposed on an optical path of signal light
Data Source
AI summary
An optical communication device includes an adjustment device and a light receiving unit. The adjustment device includes a wedge prism, an actuator, a detection unit, and a control unit, and the control unit controls the actuator to reduce a difference between a result of detection by the detection unit and a reference.