Optical systems including an angle-of-incidence filter operable to reduce higher-order stray light rays

EP4713725A1Pending Publication Date: 2026-03-25NIL TECH APS (DK)
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-13
Publication Date
2026-03-25

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Diffractive optical systems face challenges in reducing higher-order stray light rays, which can lead to reduced image contrast and sensitivity in applications like time-of-flight cameras, as these systems struggle to differentiate between desired imaging rays and unwanted higher-order diffractive effects.

Method used

Incorporating an angle-of-incidence filter between diffractive optics and the image sensor, which is configured to block or reduce higher diffractive order rays by utilizing a predetermined cut-off angle, allowing imaging rays to pass through while preventing higher-order rays from reaching the light sensitive surface, potentially in combination with a bandpass filter.

Benefits of technology

This solution enhances image contrast and reduces Veiling Glare Index (VGI) in time-of-flight applications by effectively blocking higher-order stray light rays, improving the performance of diffractive optical systems, especially in telecentric image plane configurations.

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Abstract

The present disclosure describes apparatus and methods for optical systems. An example apparatus includes diffractive optics, an image sensor, and an angle-of- incidence filter disposed optically between the diffractive optics and a light sensitive surface of the image sensor. The image sensor is configured to receive rays of electromagnetic radiation passing through the diffractive optics, wherein an optical output from the diffractive optics includes imaging rays and rays of higher diffractive orders. The angle-of-incidence filter is operable to reduce an amount of light of at least one of the higher diffractive order rays from reaching the light sensitive surface of the image sensor. NIL Technology ApS F&R Ref.: 47717-0060WO1 PCT Application
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