Beam Expanding Planar Waveguide for Coaxial Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coaxial illumination systems suffer from low efficiency and large beam splitter sizes, leading to wasted light and reduced magnification when used in close proximity to objects, such as in ophthalmic surgery or traffic control applications.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a beam expanding planar waveguide between the optical device and the object, which directs a light beam to expand and transmit a significant portion of the energy along the optical axis, reducing unwanted reflections and allowing for compact, efficient coaxial illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a beam splitter is used for coaxial illumination, then illumination can be achieved, but the beam splitter size becomes large (D³ volume) and light efficiency is low (max 25%)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a beam expander as an intermediary component between the light source and the beam splitter. This beam expander takes a narrow beam from a compact source and expands it to illuminate a larger area, allowing the beam splitter to be much smaller than the traditional D³ size while still achieving adequate illumination coverage. The beam expander acts as a mediator that decouples the size relationship between light source and illumination area.
Solution Approach 2:
The illumination function is segmented into two separate components: a compact beam expander and a smaller beam splitter. Instead of relying on a single large beam splitter to perform both beam direction and area coverage functions, the system divides these functions between two smaller components, reducing the overall size while maintaining illumination effectiveness.
2Area of stationary object
If a large beam splitter is used for coaxial illumination, then illumination coverage is sufficient, but the distance between optical device and object increases, reducing magnification
Solution Approach 1:
The beam expander serves as an intermediary that expands the light beam before it reaches the beam splitter and object. This allows the beam splitter to be positioned much closer to the object (reducing distance and increasing magnification) while still providing sufficient illumination coverage through the expanded beam width.
3Illumination intensity
If a beam splitter is used for coaxial illumination, then illumination can be achieved, but most light is wasted (max 25% efficiency)
Solution Approach 1:
The beam expander acts as an intermediary that optimizes light distribution by expanding a narrow high-intensity beam into a wider beam that better matches the illumination requirements. This reduces the amount of light that needs to be reflected by the beam splitter, minimizing energy loss and improving overall system efficiency.
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
This solution enhances coaxial illumination efficiency, allowing for clear viewing of retroreflectors and targets within narrow cavities, while maintaining a compact device size, thus improving visibility and reducing shade effects in images.
Implementation Method 1
beam expanding planar waveguide transmits a significant portion of the energy of said light beam onto the object along the optical axis
Implementation Method 2
beam expanding planar waveguide between the optical device and the object
Implementation Method 3
benefit from the retro-reflection effect of a license plate, such that the license plate may be seen clearly
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for coaxial illumination and observation are provided herein. The systems and methods may include a beam expanding planar waveguide configured to direct light along an optical axis defined by optical elements of an optical device, and towards a target.