Compact Telescope Configurations for Light Scanning Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current handheld light scanning systems for retinal imaging are limited by the size and design of conventional telescopes, which restrict their portability and usability for patients who cannot maintain upright posture or fixation, and there is a need for more compact and lightweight designs that can accommodate both light scanners and telescopes.
Innovation Solution
The use of a converging beam prior to the light scanner, combined with field correcting optics, to minimize the separation between telescope optics and maintain magnification, resulting in a compact telescope configuration that reduces the size of light scanning systems while compensating for optical aberrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional Keplerian telescope is used to relay image of light scanner to pupil plane, then magnification is maintained, but telescope size becomes large due to spacing equal to sum of effective focal lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the beam parameter from collimated to converging at the light scanner, which allows the telescope optics to be positioned closer together while maintaining the required magnification and image quality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces field correcting optics that add a new dimensional aspect to the optical path, compensating for aberrations introduced by the compact configuration and enabling reduced telescope size without sacrificing imaging performance
2Length of stationary object
If focal lengths of telescope optics are reduced to decrease telescope size, then telescope size is reduced, but minimum working distance from light scanner to telescope imposes fundamental limits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the beam convergence parameter at the light scanner, allowing the use of shorter focal length optics while maintaining adequate working distance through the converging beam configuration
3Length of stationary object
If compact telescope configuration is used to reduce system size, then telescope size is reduced, but optical aberrations are introduced that degrade image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces field correcting optics as intermediary elements that compensate for the optical aberrations introduced by the compact telescope configuration, thereby maintaining high imaging quality despite the reduced size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful optical aberrations introduced by the compact configuration into a manageable parameter by using field correcting optics to compensate for them, effectively turning the design constraint into an opportunity for optimized compact design
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 approach enables the development of small handheld designs for light scanning systems, facilitating better portability and comfort by significantly reducing the size of telescopes and maintaining high imaging quality, as demonstrated by the creation of a compact SLO-OCT handheld probe with near-diffraction limited resolution and reduced field curvature.
Implementation Method 1
a first optical element having a first focal length f1 for imaging or relaying an image of an object at the distance f1 from the first optical element
Implementation Method 2
a second optical element having a second focal length f2 and having an optical axis substantially aligned with an optical axis of the first optical element for receiving an image of the object from the first optical element and for focusing an output of the image at the distance f2 from the second optical element
Data Source
AI summary
Compact telescope configurations for light scanning systems and related methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, a system for imaging or relaying an image of an object includes a first optical element having a first focal length f1 for imaging or relaying an image of an object at the distance f1 from the first optical element. The system also includes a second optical element having a second focal length f2 for receiving an image of the object from the first optical element and for focusing an output of the image at the distance f2 from the second optical element on a side that opposes the first optical element. The first optical element and the second optical element are separated by a distance of approximately [Formula I], wherein r is the finite radius of curvature of the wavefront of light located at the object or image of the object.