Compact Spectrometer Optics for Adjustable Magnification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spectrometers, such as the Dyson spectrometer, are mechanically complex to build and integrate, limited by a magnification of 1, and do not offer sufficient image quality for certain applications, particularly in compact designs.
Innovation Solution
A spectrometer design featuring a slit, detector, diffraction grating, collimating lens, deflecting mirror, and focusing lens, with optimized optics to improve image quality and facilitate mechanical integration, allowing for adjustable magnification and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a Dyson spectrometer configuration is used with a single lens in double-pass mode and a grating deposited on a power mirror, then compactness is achieved, but mechanical complexity increases and image quality is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The single double-pass lens is segmented into two separate lenses: a first lens for the beam from the slit and a second lens for the beam from the grating. This segmentation allows each lens to be optimized independently for its specific function, reducing overall mechanical complexity while maintaining compactness.
Solution Approach 2:
The grating is extracted from the power mirror substrate and positioned as a separate optical element. This extraction simplifies the mechanical structure by removing the need for complex grating deposition processes on curved surfaces, while the separated grating can be more easily integrated into the optical path.
2Volume of moving object
If a Dyson spectrometer configuration is used, then compactness is achieved, but magnification is limited to 1
Solution Approach 1:
The system allows for variable magnification by changing the focal lengths of the two lenses. The first lens has focal length f1 and the second lens has focal length f2, enabling magnification ratios of f1/f2 to be adjusted within a wide range (0.2 to 5), thus adapting to different application requirements while maintaining compact geometry.
3Volume of moving object
If freeform technology is used for the single lens and grating, then compactness is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using freeform surfaces throughout, the patent employs spherical lenses with carefully selected focal lengths. The first lens and second lens are both spherical, which are much easier to manufacture than freeform surfaces. The optical performance is achieved through the strategic placement and focal length selection rather than complex surface geometries.
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 design achieves improved image quality, reduced mechanical complexity, and compactness, enabling applications like hyperspectral imaging on small satellites with enhanced aberration correction and adjustable magnification.
Implementation Method 1
a collimating lens capable of sending the light beam from the slit onto the diffraction grating so as to obtain a plurality of diffracted beams
Implementation Method 2
A disperser (prism or grating) spectrally separates the beam from the collimator
Implementation Method 3
A disperser (prism or grating) spectrally separates the beam from the collimator
Implementation Method 4
a deflecting mirror capable of reflecting the plurality of diffracted beams
Implementation Method 5
a focusing lens suitable for receiving the plurality of diffracted beams reflected by the deflecting mirror and for focusing the plurality of diffracted beams on the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A spectrometer including a slit suitable for receiving a light beam, a detector, a diffraction grating with at least one curvature, a collimating lens capable of sending the light beam from the slit onto the diffraction grating so as to obtain a plurality of diffracted beams, a deflecting mirror capable of reflecting the plurality of diffracted beams, and a focusing lens capable of receiving the plurality of reflected diffracted beams and focusing them on the detector, at least one optic, referred to as an optimized optic, from among the collimating lens, deflecting mirror, and focusing lens, so as to improve the image quality of the image generated by the detector from the plurality of diffracted beams.