Wedged Dichroic Stack for Laser Beam Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser-based systems face challenges in effectively combining light of different wavelengths into a single collimated beam, particularly in achieving precise angular and positional alignment of multiple laser beams.
Innovation Solution
The use of a wedged dichroic stack with nonparallel dichroic surfaces, which converts offset laser beams into a substantially collimated 'white' beam by adjusting the angle of each beam so they emerge at a common angle, allowing for the combination of multiple laser sources at various wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple laser light sources at different wavelengths are combined into a single beam, then the productivity and functionality of the system is improved, but angular and positional misalignment occurs between the different wavelength beams
Solution Approach 1:
A dichroic mirror is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the laser light sources and the final combined beam path. The dichroic mirror is positioned at a 45-degree angle to the incident beams and is coated to reflect specific wavelength ranges while transmitting others, serving as a mediator that redirects beams of different wavelengths into a common path without requiring direct alignment between the laser sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a one-dimensional linear alignment approach to a two-dimensional spatial arrangement by introducing vertical stacking of optical components. Laser beams are directed at different angles (0 degrees for some sources, 45 degrees for others) and combined through the dichroic mirror, utilizing angular dimensionality to achieve beam combination without requiring precise positional overlap of the laser sources
2Adaptability or versatility
If laser light sources are positioned at different locations to achieve beam combination, then the adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dichroic mirror serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a beam combiner for different wavelengths, a wavelength selector, and a spatial redirector. This multi-functional component consolidates what would otherwise require multiple separate optical elements, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the ability to combine multiple wavelengths
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional zones: laser sources are positioned at different locations (some at 0 degrees, others at 45 degrees), each with its own optical path that converges at the dichroic mirror. This segmentation allows independent positioning and optimization of each wavelength source while maintaining a unified combined output
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 approach enables the alignment of multiple laser beams in both angle and position, resulting in a collimated output that combines different wavelength light sources efficiently, overcoming previous limitations in beam alignment and separation.
Implementation Method 1
a wedged dichroic stack with multiple dichroic surfaces at angles relative to each other, which receives and converts the angle of each laser light beam
Implementation Method 2
multiple dichroic surfaces at angles relative to each other, which receives and converts the angle of each laser light beam
Implementation Method 3
wedged dichroic stack with multiple dichroic surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A wavelength combining apparatus includes first and second optical devices. The first optical device collects and collimates or focuses light from multiple laser light sources. The second optical device includes multiple nonparallel dichroic surfaces to combine light received from the first optical device.