Multilayer optic device and system and method for making same

Abstract

An optic device, system and method for making are described. The optic device includes a first solid phase layer having a first index of refraction with a first photon transmission property and a second solid phase layer having a second index of refraction with a second photon transmission property. The first and second layers are conformal to each other. The optic device may be fabricated by vapor depositing a first layer and then vapor depositing a second layer thereupon. The first layer may be deposited onto a blank or substrate. The blank or substrate may be rotated during deposition. Further, a computer-controlled shutter may be used to alter the deposition rate of material along an axis of the optic device. Alternatively, the optic device may be moved at varying speeds through a vapor stream to alter the deposition rate of material.

Description

BACKGROUND[0001]The invention relates generally to optics, and more particularly to multilayer optic devices and methods for making the same.[0002]Numerous applications exist that require a focused beam of electromagnetic radiation. For example, energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (EDXRD) may be used to inspect checked airline baggage for the detection of explosive threats or other contraband. Such EDXRD may suffer from high false positives due to weak diffracted X-ray signals. The weakness of the X-ray signals may stem from a variety of origins. First, the polychromatic X-ray spectrum used in EDXRD is produced by the Bremsstrahlung part of the source spectrum, which is inherently low in intensity. Second, X-ray source may collimation eliminate more than 99.99 percent of the source X-rays incident on the baggage volume under analysis. Third, some of the materials being searched for, e.g., explosives, may not diffract strongly as they are amorphous. Fourth, the diffracting volume may...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is about an optic device that can transmit photons through total internal reflection. It includes at least three layers that are all solid and have no gaps between them. These layers also have regions that can redirect the photons. The invention also includes a system for focusing photons using the optic device and a method for making the optic. The technical effects of the invention are improved photon transmission and better focusing of photons."

Problems solved by technology

Such EDXRD may suffer from high false positives due to weak diffracted X-ray signals.

Third, some of the materials being searched for, e.g., explosives, may not diffract strongly as they are amorphous.

Fourth, the diffracting volume may be small.

The last two limitations arise from the type of threat materials being searched for in baggage, making all but the second limitation unavoidable.

These types of optics typically do not provide much gain at energy levels above 80 keV, since the difference in the indices of refraction between air and glass becomes increasingly small as energy levels approach and surpass 80 keV.

Thus, known optics are limited in their potential uses.

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