Optical Probe Astigmatism Correction via ACBS Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical-imaging devices, such as endoscopes, suffer from astigmatism caused by the shape of their protective sheaths, which leads to differing focal distances and beam sizes in orthogonal directions, resulting in reduced image quality.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an astigmatism-correction and beam-steering component (ACBS) with a reflecting surface and a correction surface, aligned with the optical-focusing component, to compensate for the optical power introduced by the sheath, ensuring equal optical power on both axes and minimizing astigmatism effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protective sheath is used to protect the optical system, then the optical system is protected from damage, but astigmatism is introduced causing different focal distances in orthogonal directions
Solution Approach 1:
An optical correction component is introduced as an intermediary element between the protective sheath and the optical-focusing component. This correction component includes surfaces specifically designed to counteract the astigmatism introduced by the sheath, allowing the sheath to remain for protection while its harmful optical effects are compensated for by the correction component's opposing astigmatism.
2Manufacturing precision
If the optical system is exposed without a sheath, then image quality is maintained, but the optical system becomes fragile and vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful astigmatism effect introduced by the protective sheath is converted into a beneficial correction mechanism. By designing the correction component with specific surface curvatures that introduce equal but opposite astigmatism, the previously harmful sheath effect is transformed into a compensated system where the total astigmatism is minimized, allowing the sheath to remain for protection without degrading image quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If astigmatism correction is added to the optical system, then image quality is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The astigmatism correction function is merged with the protective sheath structure by integrating the correction surfaces directly into the sheath or positioning the correction component within the existing optical path. This combination approach allows the correction function to be achieved without adding completely separate, complex optical elements, thereby improving image quality while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The ACBS effectively corrects astigmatism, allowing the optical-imaging device to maintain consistent beam focus and image quality across orthogonal axes, enhancing the imaging performance by adjusting the optical power and refractive indices to match the environment.
Implementation Method 1
an optical-correction component that includes a reflecting surface and a correction surface
Implementation Method 2
adjusting the optical power and refractive indices to match the environment
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments of a device comprise a light-guiding component; an optical-focusing component, wherein the light-guiding component and the optical-focusing component are aligned on an optical axis; and an optical-correction component that includes a reflecting surface and a correction surface.