Marine underwater optical window photon antifouling device based on micro light-emitting device

By integrating miniature light-emitting devices and deep ultraviolet light sources into the marine underwater optical system, and combining them with microstructure design, the impact of marine biofouling on the optical window is solved, achieving efficient antifouling without affecting transparency, and making it suitable for a variety of underwater optical systems.

CN121107520APending Publication Date: 2025-12-12XIAMEN UNIV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511193948.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-08-25
Publication Date
2025-12-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing marine underwater optical window antifouling technologies struggle to effectively prevent marine biofouling while maintaining high transparency and optical performance, and traditional methods may cause environmental pollution or structural complexity.

Method used

It employs miniature light-emitting devices integrated within the optical system, using a deep ultraviolet light source to emit deep ultraviolet light through an optical window to disinfect the outer surface in contact with seawater. Combined with microstructure design and selection of optical media, it ensures that the optical path is not interfered with.

Benefits of technology

It achieves highly efficient anti-fouling effect, causes no environmental pollution, does not affect the light transmission performance of the optical system, is adaptable to the underwater environment, has high integration, and is suitable for a variety of underwater optical systems.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention discloses an ocean underwater optical window photon antifouling device based on a miniature light-emitting device, and relates to the technical field of ocean underwater optical equipment antifouling. The device comprises an optical window made of quartz glass, a deep ultraviolet light source, a first optical medium and an optical device, the deep ultraviolet light source can emit deep ultraviolet light with the wavelength smaller than 280 nm, and the deep ultraviolet light penetrates through the optical window to kill biological fouling on the outer surface of the deep ultraviolet light source; the first optical medium is arranged between the optical window and the optical device, the surface of the first optical medium is provided with a microstructure with a hollowed-out area, and the hollowed-out area corresponds to a projection area of the optical device, so that an optical path is prevented from being interfered. Through the design of the integrated deep ultraviolet light source, high efficiency, non-toxicity and pollution prevention are realized, the light transmission performance of an optical system is not influenced, the integration level is high, the environmental adaptability is high, and the device is suitable for underwater optical equipment for sea-based optical signal receiving and transmitting, strong laser emission and the like.
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Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The application belongs to the technical field of anti-fouling of marine underwater optical equipment, and particularly relates to a marine underwater optical window photonic anti-fouling device based on a micro light-emitting device. BACKGROUND

[0002] With the development of marine development technology, underwater optical systems are increasingly widely used, but optical windows are easily affected by marine biological fouling, resulting in a decrease in light transmittance. Current anti-fouling and cleaning methods suitable for optical windows mainly include the use of toxic materials, manual and automatic cleaning brushes. Due to the problems of material selectivity, secondary pollution and increased labor costs, the use thereof is limited.

[0003] The existing Chinese invention patent with the publication number CN111072098A discloses a marine key equipment optical window surface anti-fouling method, which adopts a photocatalytic material attached to the surface and irradiates the photocatalytic material film through a light source, thereby realizing anti-fouling protection of the equipment. However, the additional coating will affect the optical performance and reliability of the system. The Chinese invention patent with the publication number CN113666462A discloses a double-electrode type marine detection equipment anti-fouling window assembly, which realizes seawater electrolysis sterilization by electrifying two electrode rings; the Chinese invention patent with the publication number CN113666463A discloses a marine detection equipment anti-fouling window assembly, which realizes seawater electrolysis sterilization by electrifying conductive glass; both of them face the risk of physical and chemical properties of optical windows.

[0004] However, most of the existing anti-fouling technologies are aimed at the surface of the ship body, but the anti-fouling measures for optical windows need to ensure high transparency, light radiation resistance, coating compatibility, and that the window material is not damaged, and other technical requirements. The traditional anti-fouling method of marine equipment cannot meet the actual needs of optical window anti-fouling.

[0005] Therefore, in view of the defects of existing anti-fouling technologies such as environmental pollution, complex structure or influence on optical performance, there is an urgent need for an efficient anti-fouling scheme suitable for optical windows. In view of this, it is necessary to develop a new technology for anti-fouling of underwater optical windows of marine equipment. SUMMARY

[0006] The application aims to provide a photonic anti-fouling device integrated in the interior of a marine underwater optical system, which realizes efficient anti-fouling without affecting the normal light transmittance of the optical system.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention proposes a photonic antifouling device for an underwater optical window based on a micro-light-emitting device, comprising an optical window, a supporting shell, and an optical device. The optical window is made of quartz glass and has an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall in contact with seawater. The optical device is located on one side of the inner sidewall of the optical window and disposed inside the supporting shell. The device further comprises:

[0008] A deep ultraviolet (DEU) light source emits DEU light that passes through the optical window; a first optical medium is disposed between the optical window and the optical device, with a gap between them; at least one surface of the first optical medium is provided with a microstructure corresponding to the projection area of ​​the optical device on the first optical medium. This achieves efficient anti-fouling, protects the optical device, avoids interference with the optical path, ensures compatibility with optical system performance, adapts to underwater environments, and has high integration.

[0009] Preferably, the microstructure includes at least one of a metal mesh, a distributed Bragg reflector layer, a metallic aluminum mirror, or a diffusion microstructure, and the microstructure has a hollowed-out area. The hollowed-out area corresponds to the projection area of ​​the optical device on the first optical medium, which can precisely avoid the light path, and at the same time enhance the utilization rate of deep ultraviolet light and improve the anti-fouling efficiency through the characteristics of the microstructure.

[0010] Further preferably, when the microstructure is configured as the metal mesh, the hollowed-out area corresponds to the projection area of ​​the optical device on the first optical medium, the deep ultraviolet light source is disposed on the surface of the metal mesh, and the emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source is towards the optical window. The deep ultraviolet light source is welded to the surface of the metal mesh and faces the optical window, thus achieving both optical path avoidance and efficient anti-fouling.

[0011] More preferably, when the microstructure is configured as the distributed Bragg reflector layer or the aluminum metal reflector, the deep ultraviolet light source is disposed on the sidewall of the supporting housing corresponding to the gap, and the light emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source is tilted towards the optical window. The deep ultraviolet light source being disposed on the sidewall of the supporting housing corresponding to the gap, with its light emission direction tilted towards the optical window, can reflect and enhance the utilization rate of deep ultraviolet light.

[0012] Preferably, the first optical medium is one of silicate glass, soda-lime silicate glass, or quartz glass; when the first optical medium is silicate glass or soda-lime silicate glass, the first optical medium does not transmit the deep ultraviolet light to protect the optical device. Silicate glass or soda-lime silicate glass does not transmit deep ultraviolet light, thus protecting the optical device from ultraviolet damage.

[0013] Further preferably, when the first optical medium is quartz glass, the surface of the first optical medium facing the optical window is provided with the diffusion microstructure. The diffusion microstructure is a micrometer-level groove and is disposed in the peripheral area of ​​the surface of the first optical medium, while the hollowed-out area is not provided with the diffusion microstructure. The surface of the first optical medium facing the optical device is provided with a selective reflector. The selective reflector reflects light with a wavelength less than 300 nm, and the operating wavelength of the optical device is greater than 300 nm. The peripheral diffusion microstructure enhances deep ultraviolet light emission, the hollowed-out area blocks the light path, the selective reflector blocks ultraviolet light to protect the device, it is compatible with long-wavelength optical devices, and it takes into account both anti-fouling and light transmission.

[0014] Preferably, the sidewall of the first optical medium is provided with a first receiving groove, and the deep ultraviolet light source is disposed in the first receiving groove. The light emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source points towards the interior of the first optical medium and is parallel to the surface of the first optical medium. The deep ultraviolet light propagates within the first optical medium through the optical waveguide effect, and after breaking total internal reflection at the diffusion microstructure, it is emitted into the gap and then passes through the optical window to achieve sterilization. The deep ultraviolet light propagates within the first optical medium via the optical waveguide, is emitted at the diffusion microstructure, and sterilizes through the optical window, improving light utilization and anti-fouling effect.

[0015] Preferably, the optical window has a diffusion microstructure on its surface facing the optical device. The diffusion microstructure is a micrometer-level groove located in the peripheral region of the optical window surface. The projection area of ​​the optical device on the optical window does not have the diffusion microstructure. A second receiving groove is provided on the sidewall of the optical window, and the deep ultraviolet light source is disposed within this groove. The emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source points inwards from the optical window and is parallel to its surface. The deep ultraviolet light propagates within the optical window via an optical waveguide effect, breaks total internal reflection at the diffusion microstructure, and is directly emitted for sterilization. The deep ultraviolet light propagates within the optical window via an optical waveguide, is emitted through the peripheral diffusion microstructure for sterilization, avoids a light path, improves utilization, simplifies the structure, and enhances the anti-fouling effect.

[0016] Preferably, the sidewall of the optical window has a wedge-shaped structure, and the emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source is tilted towards the wedge-shaped structure. Having a wedge-shaped structure on the sidewall of the optical window, with the emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source tilted towards this structure, optimizes the propagation path of the deep ultraviolet light within the window, improving emission efficiency and anti-fouling effect.

[0017] Preferably, the deep ultraviolet light source is at least one of deep ultraviolet LED, deep ultraviolet laser, and micro LED. The micro LED includes Micro-LEDs with a size of less than 100 micrometers or Mini-LEDs with a size of 100-200 micrometers, and the wavelength of the deep ultraviolet light is less than 280 nm. By using light sources such as deep ultraviolet LEDs, deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength <280 nm is emitted. The compact design of the micro LEDs allows for efficient elimination of fouling organisms and is suitable for underwater environments.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial results of the present invention are as follows:

[0019] (1) Deep ultraviolet photons pass through the optical window to remove contaminants and disinfect the outer surface of the optical window in contact with seawater. The high energy of deep ultraviolet photons is used to achieve biological disinfection, which is non-toxic and has good universality.

[0020] (2) The deep ultraviolet light source is integrated inside the device, which has high integration and good reliability.

[0021] (3) The wide temperature range of the deep ultraviolet light source enables the system to work normally under extreme temperature conditions. Attached Figure Description

[0022] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further understanding of the embodiments and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Other embodiments and many anticipated advantages of the embodiments will be readily recognized as they become better understood through reference to the following detailed description. Elements in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. The same reference numerals refer to corresponding similar parts.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the underwater optical window photon antifouling device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 2 This is a top view schematic diagram of the first optical medium in Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the underwater optical window photon antifouling device of Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the underwater optical window photon antifouling device of Embodiment 4 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the underwater optical window photon antifouling device of Embodiment 5 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of the underwater optical window photon antifouling device of Embodiment 6 of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the underwater optical window photon antifouling device of Embodiment 7 of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the underwater optical window photon antifouling device of Embodiment 8 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] 1. Optical window; 11. Outer wall; 12. Inner wall; 13. First receiving groove; 14. Wedge structure; 2. Support shell; 3. Optical device; 4. Deep ultraviolet light source; 5. First optical medium; 51. Microstructure; 52. Hollowed-out area; 53. Selective reflector; 54. Diffusion microstructure; 55. Second receiving groove; 6. Gap. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the invention and not intended to limit it. Furthermore, it should be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0034] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0035] With the continuous development of underwater equipment technology for the ocean, the application of underwater optical systems is increasing. These optical systems include sea-based underwater optical signal transmitters, sea-based underwater optical signal receivers, sea-based underwater high-power laser transmitters, and sea-based underwater optical searchlights, among others. A common feature of these optical systems is that they all require optical windows. These optical windows must be transparent in their operating wavelength range to ensure the normal operation of the optical system.

[0036] However, the outer surface of the optical window comes into contact with seawater. With prolonged immersion in seawater, the outer surface of the optical window faces the adhesion of marine fouling organisms, primarily including fouling microorganisms (bacteria, algae, etc.) and large fouling organisms (barnacles and shellfish, etc.). The adhesion of marine fouling organisms affects its normal operation and lifespan. The adsorption of these pollutants and organisms can cause the optical window to be blocked, reducing the effective light-transmitting area, light transmittance, or even completely blocking light. Consequently, this damages the performance of the optical system.

[0037] To address the need for antifouling of underwater optical windows in marine equipment, this invention proposes a photonic antifouling device integrated within the optical system, which does not affect the light transmission requirements of the optical system.

[0038] This invention discloses a photonic antifouling device for underwater optical windows based on micro-light-emitting devices. The following specific embodiments are described in conjunction with reference to... Figures 1-8 The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below:

[0039] I. Overall Structure of the Device

[0040] This device includes an optical window 1, a supporting housing 2, an optical component 3, a deep ultraviolet light source 4, and a first optical medium 5. The optical window 1 is made of quartz glass and has an outer sidewall 11 that contacts seawater and an inner sidewall 12 that faces the interior of the system, allowing the transmission of deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength less than 280 nm. The optical component 3 is located on one side of the inner sidewall 12 of the optical window 1 and is fixed inside the supporting housing 2. The first optical medium 5 is disposed between the optical window 1 and the optical component 3, with a certain gap 6 between them. The surface of the first optical medium 5 is provided with microstructures 51, the positions of which correspond to the projection area of ​​the optical component 3 on the first optical medium 5.

[0041] Optical device 3 is one or a combination of two or three of the following: an optical signal transmitting device, an optical signal receiving and transmitting device, a high-power laser emitting device, or an optical detection device.

[0042] Example 1:

[0043] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, a microstructure 51 is disposed on the surface of the first optical medium 5 facing the optical window 1, and the microstructure 51 is a metal mesh. The metal mesh has a hollowed-out area 52, which corresponds to the projection area of ​​the optical device 3 on the first optical medium 5, thereby avoiding the influence of the distributed Bragg reflector layer on the optical path of the optical device 3. A deep ultraviolet light source 4 is welded to the surface of the metal mesh, and the emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source 4 is towards the optical window 1.

[0044] The deep ultraviolet light source 4 is a micro-LED (Micro-LED or Mini-LED) that emits deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength of less than 280nm. The optical window 1 can transmit the deep ultraviolet light, which then disinfects the biofouling on the outer surface of the optical window 1.

[0045] Micro-LEDs are less than 100 micrometers in size, while Mini-LEDs are between 100 and 200 micrometers in size.

[0046] The optical window 1 is made of quartz glass. The first optical medium 5 is made of silicate glass or soda-lime-silicon glass, which prevents deep ultraviolet light from passing through the first optical medium 5, thus preventing deep ultraviolet light from irradiating the optical device 3 and protecting the optical device 3.

[0047] One specific working method of this embodiment is as follows:

[0048] Micro-LED emits deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 254nm, which directly shines through the quartz glass optical window 1 onto its outer surface, achieving anti-fouling by destroying the DNA of microorganisms; the hollow design of the metal mesh ensures that the light path of the optical device 3 is not blocked, and the silicate glass blocks the deep ultraviolet light from entering the area of ​​the optical device 3, thus playing a protective role.

[0049] Example 2:

[0050] like Figure 3 As shown, the deep ultraviolet light source 4 is disposed on the side wall of the supporting shell 2 corresponding to the gap 6, and the light emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source 4 is tilted towards the direction of the optical window 1.

[0051] The deep ultraviolet light source 4 emits deep ultraviolet light with a wavelength of less than 280nm. The optical window 1 allows the deep ultraviolet light to pass through, and the deep ultraviolet light passing through the optical window 1 kills biological contaminants on the outer surface of the optical window 1.

[0052] Microstructure 51 is disposed on the surface of the first optical medium 5 facing the optical window 1. Microstructure 51 is a distributed Bragg reflector layer. The distributed Bragg reflector layer has a hollowed-out area 52, which corresponds to the projection area of ​​the optical device 3 on the first optical medium 5, thereby avoiding the influence of the distributed Bragg reflector layer on the optical path of the optical device 3. Microstructure 51 can reflect deep ultraviolet light, so that the deep ultraviolet light emitted by the deep ultraviolet light source 4 and projected onto the corresponding area of ​​the microstructure 51 is reflected back to the direction of the optical window 1.

[0053] The first optical medium 5 is silicate glass or soda-lime-silicon glass, which prevents deep ultraviolet light from passing through it, thus preventing the deep ultraviolet light from irradiating the optical device 3 and protecting the optical device 3.

[0054] In this embodiment, the deep ultraviolet light source 4 is a deep ultraviolet LED or a deep ultraviolet laser.

[0055] One specific working method of this embodiment is as follows:

[0056] A portion of the 275nm beam emitted by the deep ultraviolet laser directly irradiates the outer surface of the optical window 1, while the other portion is reflected by the distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) layer and then acts on the edge area of ​​the optical window 1, forming an all-round anti-fouling coverage; the ultraviolet cutoff characteristics of the soda-lime-silica glass protect the optical device 3 from ultraviolet damage.

[0057] Example 3:

[0058] The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 2 is that the microstructure 51 is an aluminum metal reflector. Everything else is the same as in Embodiment 2.

[0059] Example 4:

[0060] like Figure 4 As shown, the first optical medium 5 is quartz glass. A diffusion microstructure 54, which is a groove with a size on the micrometer scale, is disposed on the surface of the first optical medium 5 facing the optical window 1. A selective reflector 53 is disposed on the surface of the first optical medium 5 facing the optical device 3. The selective reflector 53 reflects light with a wavelength less than 300 nm. The operating wavelength of the optical device 3 is greater than 300 nm.

[0061] The diffusion microstructure 54 is disposed in the peripheral region of the surface of the first optical medium 5. The corresponding region of the projection area of ​​the optical device 3 on the first optical medium 5 is not provided with the diffusion microstructure 54, thereby avoiding the influence of the diffusion microstructure 54 on the optical path of the optical device 3.

[0062] A second receiving groove 55 is provided on the side wall of the first optical medium 5, and the deep ultraviolet light source 4 is disposed in the second receiving groove 55. The light emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source 4 is directed towards the interior of the first optical medium 5 and is parallel to the surface of the first optical medium 5.

[0063] The selective reflector 53 has a distributed Bragg structure and reflects only light with wavelengths less than 300nm.

[0064] The deep ultraviolet light source 4 emits light that propagates forward within the first optical medium 5 via the optical waveguide effect. After breaking total internal reflection at the diffusion microstructure 54, the light is emitted into the gap 6 between the first optical medium 5 and the optical window 1. After exiting the optical window 1, the light is used to eliminate biofouling on the outer surface of the optical window 1.

[0065] The rest is the same as in Example 2.

[0066] One specific working method of this embodiment is as follows:

[0067] The 265nm deep ultraviolet light emitted by the Mini-LED propagates within the quartz glass through the optical waveguide effect. When it reaches the outer groove area, it breaks total internal reflection and exits through the gap 6, where it is eliminated through the optical window 1. The selective reflector 53 prevents the deep ultraviolet light from entering the camera's optical path, ensuring image quality.

[0068] Example 5:

[0069] like Figure 5As shown, there are two or more optical devices 3. The diffusion microstructure 54 is disposed in the gap 6 between the corresponding regions of the projection area of ​​the optical device 3 on the first optical medium 5.

[0070] The rest is the same as in Example 4.

[0071] Example 6:

[0072] like Figure 6 As shown, the first optical medium 5 is silicate glass or soda-lime-silicon glass, which prevents the deep ultraviolet light from passing through the first optical medium 5, so that the deep ultraviolet light will not irradiate the optical device 3, thereby protecting the optical device 3.

[0073] The optical window 1 has a diffusion microstructure 54 on its surface facing the optical device 3. The diffusion microstructure 54 is a groove with a size in the micrometer range.

[0074] The diffusion microstructure 54 is disposed in the outer region of the surface of the optical window 1. The corresponding region of the projection area of ​​the optical device 3 on the optical window 1 does not have the diffusion microstructure 54, thereby avoiding the influence of the diffusion microstructure 54 on the optical path of the optical device 3.

[0075] The optical window 1 has a first receiving groove 13 on its side wall, and the deep ultraviolet light source 4 is disposed in the first receiving groove 13. The light emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source 4 points into the interior of the optical window 1 and is parallel to the surface of the optical window 1.

[0076] The deep ultraviolet light source 4 emits light that propagates forward within the optical window 1 using the optical waveguide effect, and after breaking total internal reflection at the diffusion microstructure 54, it exits from the optical window 1 to eliminate biofouling on the outer surface of the optical window 1.

[0077] The rest is the same as in Example 4.

[0078] Example 7:

[0079] like Figure 7 As shown, the light emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source 4 is tilted towards the outer wall 11 of the optical window 1.

[0080] The rest is the same as in Example 6.

[0081] Example 8:

[0082] like Figure 8 As shown, a wedge-shaped structure 14 is provided on the side wall of the optical window 1, and the light emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source 4 is tilted towards the wedge-shaped structure 14 of the optical window 1.

[0083] The rest is the same as in Example 7.

[0084] One specific working method of this embodiment is as follows:

[0085] The 280nm beam emitted by the deep ultraviolet LED is refracted by the wedge structure 14 and enters the interior of the optical window 1. It is transmitted to the outer groove area through the optical waveguide effect, and after breaking the total internal reflection, it is emitted directly from the outer wall 11 of the optical window 1 to disinfect surface dirt and organisms; the smooth central area ensures that the imaging optical path is not affected.

[0086] The present invention achieves efficient antifouling of underwater optical windows through the above embodiments, avoids chemical pollution by using deep ultraviolet light disinfection technology, and ensures the normal operation of the optical system through microstructure design and optical medium selection. It is suitable for various application scenarios such as underwater optical communication and marine exploration.

[0087] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and an explanation of the technical principles employed. Those skilled in the art should understand that the scope of the invention is not limited to the specific combination of the above-described technical features, but also includes other technical solutions formed by arbitrary combinations of the above-described technical features or their equivalents without departing from the inventive concept. For example, technical solutions formed by substituting the above-described features with (but not limited to) technical features with similar functions disclosed in this invention.

Claims

1. A photonic antifouling device for an underwater optical window based on a micro-light-emitting device, comprising an optical window, a supporting shell, and an optical device, wherein the optical window is made of quartz glass and has an inner sidewall and an outer sidewall in contact with seawater, and the optical device is located on one side of the inner sidewall of the optical window and disposed inside the supporting shell, characterized in that, The device further includes: A deep ultraviolet light source, wherein the deep ultraviolet light emits deep ultraviolet light, and the deep ultraviolet light passes through the optical window; A first optical medium is disposed between the optical window and the optical device, and a gap exists between the first optical medium and the optical window; At least one surface of the first optical medium is provided with a microstructure, the microstructure corresponding to the projection area of ​​the optical device on the first optical medium.

2. The marine underwater optical window photon antifouling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The microstructure is configured to include at least one of a metal mesh, a distributed Bragg reflector layer, a metal aluminum reflector, or a diffusion microstructure, and the microstructure also has a hollowed-out area.

3. The marine underwater optical window photon antifouling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the microstructure is set as the metal mesh, the hollow area corresponds to the projection area of ​​the optical device on the first optical medium, the deep ultraviolet light source is set on the surface of the metal mesh, and the light emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source is towards the optical window.

4. The marine underwater optical window photon antifouling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the microstructure is set as the distributed Bragg reflector layer or the aluminum metal reflector, the deep ultraviolet light source is set on the side wall of the supporting housing corresponding to the gap, and the light emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source is tilted towards the optical window.

5. The marine underwater optical window photon antifouling device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first optical medium is one of silicate glass, soda-lime silicate glass, or quartz glass; when the first optical medium is silicate glass or soda-lime silicate glass, the first optical medium does not transmit the deep ultraviolet light to protect the optical device.

6. The marine underwater optical window photon antifouling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, When the first optical medium is quartz glass, the surface of the first optical medium facing the optical window is provided with the diffusion microstructure, the diffusion microstructure is a micron-level groove and is provided in the peripheral area of ​​the surface of the first optical medium, and the hollow area is not provided with the diffusion microstructure; the surface of the first optical medium facing the optical device is provided with a selective reflector, the selective reflector reflects light with a wavelength less than 300nm, and the operating wavelength of the optical device is greater than 300nm.

7. The marine underwater optical window photon antifouling device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The first optical medium has a first receiving groove on its side wall, and the deep ultraviolet light source is disposed in the first receiving groove. The light emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source points to the interior of the first optical medium and is parallel to the surface of the first optical medium. The deep ultraviolet light propagates in the first optical medium through the optical waveguide effect, and after breaking total internal reflection at the diffusion microstructure, it is emitted to the gap and then passes through the optical window to achieve sterilization.

8. The marine underwater optical window photon antifouling device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The optical window has the diffusion microstructure on its surface facing the optical device. The diffusion microstructure is a micrometer-scale groove and is disposed in the peripheral area of ​​the optical window surface. The projection area of ​​the optical device on the optical window does not have the diffusion microstructure. The optical window has a second receiving groove on its side wall, and the deep ultraviolet light source is disposed in the second receiving groove. The light emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source points to the inside of the optical window and is parallel to the surface of the optical window. The deep ultraviolet light propagates in the optical window through the optical waveguide effect, and after breaking total internal reflection at the diffusion microstructure, it is emitted directly to achieve sterilization.

9. The marine underwater optical window photonic antifouling device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The sidewall of the optical window is provided with a wedge-shaped structure, and the light emission direction of the deep ultraviolet light source is tilted towards the wedge-shaped structure.

10. The marine underwater optical window photonic antifouling device according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that, The deep ultraviolet light source is at least one of deep ultraviolet LED, deep ultraviolet laser, and micro LED. The micro LED includes Micro-LED with a size of less than 100 micrometers or Mini-LED with a size of 100 to 200 micrometers. The wavelength of the deep ultraviolet light is less than 280 nm.

Citation Information

Patent Citations

  • Marine key equipment optical window surface antifouling method

    CN111072098A

  • Double-electrode type ocean detection equipment antifouling window assembly

    CN113666462A

  • Ocean detection equipment antifouling window assembly

    CN113666463A