Method of precision beam collimation using fiber-optic circulator and wavelength tunable source
A method of calibrating a collimating lens system includes transmitting, using an optical transmitter, a beam out of an optical fiber and through a collimating lens of the collimating lens system. The beam is reflected off a perfect flat mirror positioned at an output of the collimating lens and back towards the collimating lens, and received, via the collimating lens, at a power meter connected to the optical fiber. The method also includes adjusting a position of a tip of the optical fiber proximal to the collimating lens while tracking a power reading using the power meter, selecting a calibration position of the optical fiber corresponding to a highest power reading, and securing the optical fiber relative to the collimating lens using the calibration position.
1. A method of calibrating a collimating lens system, the method comprising:
receiving, via a collimating lens, a beam at a power meter connected to an optical fiber;
varying, using one or more processors, a wavelength of the beam produced by an optical transmitter across a set of wavelengths while tracking a power reading at each wavelength using the power meter;
determining, using the one or more processors, a particular wavelength of the set of wavelengths that corresponds to a highest power reading based on the tracking of the power reading at each wavelength using the power meter;
determining, using the one or more processors, a distance adjustment for the optical fiber based on a difference of a focal length of the particular wavelength and a focal length of a desired wavelength for the collimating lens system; and
actuating, using the one or more processors, a motor configured to move a tip of the optical fiber based on the determined distance adjustment.
2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising transmitting, using the optical transmitter, the beam out of the optical fiber and through the collimating lens of the collimating lens system.
3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising reflecting the beam off a flat mirror positioned at an output of the collimating lens and back towards the collimating lens.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the reflecting of the beam includes adjusting the flat mirror using a tip-tilt mount so the beam is reflected back towards the collimating lens.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the optical transmitter is a wavelength tunable laser.
6. The method of claim 1 , further comprising adjusting, using the motor configured to move the tip of the optical fiber, a position of the tip of the optical fiber proximal to the collimating lens.
7. The method of claim 6 , further comprising securing the optical fiber relative to the collimating lens.
8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the securing of the optical fiber includes fixing the optical fiber relative to the collimating lens.
9. The method of claim 8 , wherein fixing the optical fiber relative to the collimating lens includes use of screws, bolts, or adhesives.
10. The method of claim 1 , wherein actuating, using the one or more processors, the motor configured to move the tip of the optical fiber based on the determined distance adjustment includes actuating a mechanical arm connecting the tip of the optical fiber with the motor.
11. A calibration system for a collimating lens system, the calibration system comprising:
an optical transmitter configured to transmit a beam out of an optical fiber;
a power meter;
a motor configured to move a tip of the optical fiber relative to a collimating lens of the collimating lens system; and
one or more processors configured to:
vary a wavelength of a beam produced by the optical transmitter while tracking a power reading at each wavelength across a set of wavelengths using the power meter;
determine a particular wavelength of the set of wavelengths that corresponds to a highest power reading based on the tracking of the power reading at each wavelength using the power meter;
determine a distance adjustment for the optical fiber based on a difference of a focal length of the particular wavelength and a focal length of a desired wavelength for the collimating lens system; and
actuate, the motor configured to move the tip of the optical fiber based on the determined distance adjustment.
12. The calibration system of claim 11 , further comprising a mirror positioned at an output of the collimating lens configured to reflect a beam transmitted by the collimating lens system back to the collimating lens system.
13. The calibration system of claim 12 , wherein the mirror includes a tip-tilt mount and is configured to be adjusted using the tip-tilt mount so the beam is reflected back towards the collimating lens.
14. The calibration system of claim 11 , wherein the optical transmitter is a wavelength tunable laser.
15. The calibration system of claim 11 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to adjust, using the motor configured to move the tip of the optical fiber, a position of the tip of the optical fiber proximal to the collimating lens.
16. The calibration system of claim 15 , wherein the one or more processors are further configured to secure the optical fiber relative to the collimating lens.
17. The calibration system of claim 16 , wherein securing of the optical fiber includes fixing the optical fiber relative to the collimating lens.
18. The calibration system of claim 17 , further comprising screws, bolts, or adhesives to fix the optical fiber relative to the collimating lens.
19. The calibration system of claim 11 , further comprising a mechanical arm connecting the tip of the optical fiber with the motor.
20. The calibration system of claim 19 , wherein the mechanical arm is a gimbal.