Optical: systems and elements – Mirror – With support
Reexamination Certificate
2000-09-12
2001-10-02
Sikder, Mohammad (Department: 2872)
Optical: systems and elements
Mirror
With support
C359S872000, C359S874000, C359S875000, C359S876000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06296362
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to optical components and, more particularly, to adjustable mounting structures for optical components, such as precision mirrors. A laser system typically includes a laser source and an optical beam train, i.e., a series of precision optical components that affect the cross section and direction of the laser beam, as required for a particular application. Highly reflective elements, referred to as mirrors, redirect the beam as needed. The mirrors are mounted on stands that have an angular adjustment capability, usually about two perpendicular axes. The required sensitivity of beam steering must be incorporated into the mirror mount adjustment resolution for each axis. Once a mirror is adjusted to a desired orientation, the mount is locked in position, to restrain the mirror from moving to another position. In some laser systems the mirror mount resolution requirement is less than 20 microradians. This high level of resolution is difficult to achieve and maintain in adverse environments that include vibration, shock loads, acoustic loads fluid flow jitter or thermal loads. In mirror mounts available prior to this invention, the locking mechanisms themselves may induce residual loads in the mirror mount structure, and these induced loads may move the mirror more than 20 microradians. Ideally, therefore, a mirror mount must not only have a high resolution capability, to match the adjustment resolution required for the mirror, but actuation of the locking mechanism must not result in unwanted mirror movement in excess of the resolution requirement. Further, the mount should be resistant to angular movements induced by vibration, shock loads, acoustic loads fluid flow jitter or thermal loads. The present invention is directed to these ends.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention resides in a precision mirror mount that can be angularly adjusted to a high degree of resolution, and then locked in position without significantly affecting the angular adjustments. Briefly, and in general terms, the adjustable mirror mount of the invention comprises a mirror holder, for bonding to a mirror; a rod having a rotation axis and rigidly connected to the mirror holder; a mount stage, having a mounting block with a hole for engaging the rod for rotation therein; and means for rotating the rod and thereby adjusting the mirror in angular orientation with respect to the rotation axis of the rod. The mounting block includes a locking mechanism for securing the rod in the mounting block, and the locking mechanism applies only radial forces to the rod. The mounting block also includes means for isolating locking forces within the locking mechanism.
More specifically, the locking mechanism includes a first slot in the mounting block, extending from an external face of the mounting block to the hole engaging the rod, in a plane generally coincident with the rotation axis; and a locking screw extending across the slot to apply a clamping force to the rod when tightened. The means for isolating locking forces includes a second slot in the mounting block, extending substantially through the mounting block and dividing the mounting block into first and second portions. The first slot extends only through the first portion of the mounting block, and the second slot serves to isolate the locking forces to the first portion of the mounting block.
Optionally, the means for rotating the rod and thereby adjusting the mirror includes adjustment tooling having a support frame, an adjustment arm extending through a diametric hole in the rod, and at least one adjustment screw extending through a portion of the support frame and engaging the adjustment arm at a selected distance from the rotation axis of the rod.
If the mirror mount is to be adjustable about two axes of rotation, the mount further comprises a second rod having a second rotation axis perpendicular to the first rotation axis, the second rod being rigidly connected to the mount stage; a mount stand, having a second mounting block with a hole for engaging the second rod for rotation therein; and means for rotating the second rod and thereby adjusting the mount stage and the mirror in angular orientation with respect to the second rotation axis. The second mounting block also includes a second locking mechanism for securing the second rod in the second mounting block, and the second locking mechanism applies only radial forces to the second rod. The second mounting block also includes means for isolating locking forces within the second locking mechanism.
The means for rotating the first and second rods and thereby adjusting the mirror optionally includes adjustment tooling having a support frame, first and second adjustment arms extending through diametric holes in the first and second rods, and first and second adjustment screws extending through portions of the support frame and engaging the first and second adjustment arms at selected distances from the respective rotation axes.
It will be appreciated from the foregoing summary that the present invention represents a significant advance in precision mirror mounts. In particular, the invention provides a reliable technique for adjusting the mirror angular orientation about two perpendicular axes to a high degree of resolution, and then locking the angular positions without significantly affecting the adjustments that have been made. Other aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings, of which the following is a brief description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3970369 (1976-07-01), Wachsman
patent: 4637695 (1987-01-01), Perkins
patent: 5486917 (1996-01-01), Carangelo et al.
patent: 5805325 (1998-09-01), Clune
patent: 5841594 (1998-11-01), Rothe
Bell Douglas M.
Florentino Caesar C.
Tinti Robert
Heal Noel F.
Sikder Mohammad
TRW Inc.
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