Compensatory Window for Tilted Optical System Reflections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Optical systems, such as spectrometers, face performance degradation due to tilted windows in the optical path, which cause multiple reflections and degrade spot sizes in the output image.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second window with similar thickness and optical properties, positioned in the input beam path, tilted at a compensatory angle to pre-aberrate the input beam and correct for the aberrations introduced by the tilted camera window, thereby improving spot size and uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the detector is tilted to eliminate reflection problems from the window, then reflection contamination is reduced, but spot size degradation occurs in the output image
Solution Approach 1:
A compensating window is introduced in the input beam path to pre-correct optical aberrations before they affect the output image quality. This preliminary corrective action allows the detector window to maintain its tilted position for eliminating reflections while a second window compensates for the resulting spot size degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
A compensating window serves as an intermediary optical element between the input beam and the detector. This intermediary component introduces opposite optical path deviations that cancel out the aberrations caused by the tilted detector window, thereby mediating between the conflicting requirements of reflection elimination and spot size maintenance.
2Reliability
If a tilted window is added to the optical path to protect the detector, then detector protection is achieved, but optical system performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the optical system are assigned different window orientations optimized for their specific functions. The input window is positioned at one angle to optimize beam entry, while the detector window is tilted at a different angle to eliminate reflections. Each window's orientation is locally optimized for its position in the optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system uses windows with different tilt angles and positions to optimize different parameters at different locations. The input window and detector window have different orientation parameters, allowing the system to simultaneously achieve detector protection and maintain output image quality through parameter variation.
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 addition of a compensatory window significantly improves the output image quality by reducing irregular spot sizes and enhancing focus, resulting in more circular and smaller spots, as demonstrated by reduced RMS spot sizes.
Implementation Method 1
reflections from and within the window do not strike detector elements of the camera
Implementation Method 2
a second window adapted to compensate for the first window... positioned in the optical path of the input signal, tilted at an angle designed to compensate for the first window
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system with a tilted window. The novel optical system includes a first optical element for receiving an input signal and generating an output signal; a first window adapted to transmit the output signal, the first window being tilted at an angle relative to an axis normal to an optical axis of the system; and a second window adapted to compensate for the first window. In an illustrative embodiment, the first window is an input window of a camera adapted to detect the output signal and is tilted such that reflections from and within the window do not strike detector elements of the camera. In a preferred embodiment, the second window has similar thickness and optical properties as the first window, and is positioned in the optical path of the input signal, tilted at an angle designed to compensate for the first window.