Wedge Prism Vibration Isolation in Optical Communication Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical communication systems face challenges in effectively isolating vibrations, particularly in systems using wedge prisms, which can lead to communication failures due to optical axis deviations.
Innovation Solution
The optical communication optical system incorporates a configuration with a first, second, third, and fourth group of optical elements, including wedge prism pairs that rotate in opposite directions, to effectively isolate vibrations while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wedge prism is used for vibration isolation in optical communication, then optical axis deviation can be corrected, but the weight of the wedge prism increases when a lens is attached to it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vibration isolation function into two separate components: the wedge prism for optical path deflection and the lens for beam focusing. By segmenting these functions, the wedge prism maintains its lightweight structure while the lens handles the focusing requirement, resolving the contradiction between vibration isolation performance and weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system between the wedge prism and the beam path that couples the optical paths without requiring physical attachment. This intermediary mechanism allows the wedge prism to perform vibration isolation while avoiding the weight increase that would result from directly attaching a lens to it.
2Volume of moving object
If a lens is attached to the wedge prism, then the optical system becomes more compact, but the arrangement place of the wedge prism in the optical system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the wedge prism and lens into independent components with distinct functions, the patent enables the wedge prism to be positioned at optimal locations for vibration isolation without being constrained by lens attachment requirements. This segmentation restores arrangement flexibility while maintaining system compactness through optimized optical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the optical system so that the wedge prism serves multiple purposes: vibration isolation, optical path deflection, and beam steering. This multi-functionality allows the wedge prism to be arranged flexibly in various positions within the optical system without requiring a specifically attached lens, thereby enhancing adaptability.
3Device complexity
If a lens is attached to the wedge prism, then the optical system is more integrated, but the eccentricity of the lens itself is added in the rotation control of the wedge prism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical components to eliminate the eccentricity problem. By keeping the lens and wedge prism as separate elements rather than attached components, the rotation control of the wedge prism is not affected by lens eccentricity, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while achieving integration through optical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediary optical coupling mechanism that connects the wedge prism and lens without direct physical attachment. This intermediary approach allows the wedge prism to rotate for vibration isolation control without the eccentricity issues that would arise from a lens attached to it, thus preserving rotation control precision.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a gimbal mechanism is used for vibration isolation, then the optical system can be mounted stably, but even minute vibration may not be sufficiently prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical gimbal mechanism with an optical-based vibration isolation system using a wedge prism. This substitution eliminates the limitations of mechanical gimbals in preventing minute vibrations, as the wedge prism can achieve finer optical path correction through precise angular adjustment without the inertia and friction constraints of mechanical mounting systems.
5Reliability
If a fine pointing mirror by MEMS driving is used, then vibration isolation can be achieved, but the price is expensive and the size is small making it difficult to arrange according to beam diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts a cost-effective wedge prism design that can be manufactured using conventional optical fabrication techniques, replacing the expensive MEMS fine pointing mirror. This approach achieves comparable vibration isolation performance while significantly reducing cost and allowing flexible scaling to match various beam diameters without the size constraints of MEMS devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the adjustable apex angle and refractive index parameters of the wedge prism to optimize vibration isolation performance for different beam diameters. By changing these parameters, the system can be adapted to various application requirements without requiring different sized components, thereby overcoming the size constraints associated with MEMS-based solutions.
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 configuration enables efficient vibration isolation of signal light in optical communication systems, preventing communication failures and maintaining system performance without increasing the optical path length or cost.
Implementation Method 1
an image shake correction device capable of performing image shake correction by an optical path deflection action by a wedge prism
Implementation Method 2
a first group changes a beam diameter of the signal light so as to be smaller at an end on the second group side in an optical axis direction
Implementation Method 3
a second group changes a beam diameter of the signal light so as to be smaller at an end on the third group side in the optical axis direction
Implementation Method 4
a fourth group changes a beam diameter of the signal so as to be smaller at an end on the light emitting element side or the light receiving element side in the optical axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
An optical communication optical system includes four groups of a first group to a fourth group. The optical communication optical system satisfies a first relationship based on focal lengths of the first group and the second group, and a second relationship based on a rotation angle and an apex angle of two wedge prisms in which the third group rotates in opposite directions at the same angle in each of two wedge prism pairs.