Aperture-Fold Imaging System for Compact Optical Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional folded optical systems, such as telescopes, are physically large due to the obstruction caused by reflecting elements, making them unsuitable for compact applications like artificial satellites or space vehicles.
Innovation Solution
An optical system that folds the optical path at an aperture using a powered optical element and a mirror, with the aperture configured to internally reflect the signal, allowing for compact designs without obstruction, employing materials like metamaterials and sub-wavelength sized microstructures for reflection and aberration correction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional folded optical systems use reflecting elements within the optical path to fold the path, then the optical path can be folded to reduce physical size, but the reflecting elements obstruct a portion of the optical path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the obstructing reflecting elements from within the optical path by using an aperture fold configuration. The optical path is folded at the aperture itself rather than through internal mirrors, extracting the folding function from the path interior and eliminating obstruction while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture serves as an intermediary element that enables optical path folding without requiring additional reflecting elements in the path. The aperture acts as the mediating structure that folds the light path while maintaining transparency and avoiding obstruction.
2Reliability
If traditional telescopes use three or more mirrors to correct and maneuver the ray bundle, then optical correction and path maneuvering are achieved, but the telescopes become relatively physically large
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical functions into the aperture structure itself. The aperture provides both the folding function and optical correction capabilities that traditionally required separate mirrors, merging multiple functions into a single element and reducing overall system size.
Solution Approach 2:
The aperture is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it folds the optical path, corrects optical aberrations, and maintains system compactness. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, reducing physical size.
3Volume of moving object
If the aperture is configured to internally reflect the optical signal to fold the path, then the optical path is folded at the aperture enabling compact design, but the first surface must be precisely configured to prevent light leakage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs metamaterials with specifically engineered refractive index parameters to achieve the desired optical reflection and folding characteristics. By changing the material parameters rather than relying solely on geometric precision, the system achieves compact design while reducing sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of metamaterials and composite structures at the aperture provides both the necessary optical reflection properties and mechanical stability. These composite materials enable precise optical control without requiring equally precise mechanical manufacturing, balancing manufacturing precision requirements.
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 solution enables the creation of compact optical systems that are unobstructed and efficient, capable of correcting optical aberrations while maintaining signal integrity, suitable for applications requiring reduced size and weight.
Implementation Method 1
The optical block is configured to internally reflect the optical signal within the optical block at the aperture, so as to fold the optical path at the aperture
Implementation Method 2
The first surface is configured to prevent substantially any light passing through the first surface from outside the optical block into the optical path
Implementation Method 3
The powered optical element and/or the first mirror may be coated with a metamaterial configured to reflect the optical signal
Implementation Method 4
The first surface may be patterned with sub-wavelength sized microstructures configured to reflect the optical signal
Data Source
AI summary
A folded optical system includes a powered optical element, at least one folding mirror and an aperture and defines an optical path through the optical system. The powered optical element, the at least one folding mirror and the aperture are configured to fold the optical path at the aperture, thereby providing a compact optical system. The optical system may include an optical block that totally internally reflects the optical signal at the aperture. Optionally or alternatively, discrete optical components may be used, such as an aperture made of a conventional material or a metamaterial, an off-axis parabolic mirror or lens and one or more folding mirrors. Some embodiments include a wavelength dispersive element, so as to implement a spectrometer.