Prism Optical System with Concave Surfaces for Chromatic Aberration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems using prisms face challenges in reducing chromatic aberration while attempting to minimize size, as the air gap between mirrors is difficult to eliminate, leading to increased system size.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a prism with a concave incident and exit surface design, along with scanning elements that scan light in orthogonal directions, to minimize chromatic aberration and reduce optical path length, thereby downsizing the system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a prism is used to fill the space between mirrors to downsize the optical system, then the system size is reduced, but chromatic aberration occurs in the prism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the incident surface of the prism by designing it with a concave shape (specifically, a spherical or aspherical surface). This curved surface design enables the prism to focus light while compensating for chromatic aberration, allowing the system to maintain compact size without suffering from the chromatic aberration that would occur in a simple flat-prism configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If mirrors are used to scan light in two directions, then scanning function is achieved, but the air layer between mirrors increases system size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple optical elements into a single integrated prism structure. Instead of using separate mirrors for scanning in different directions with air gaps between them, the invention combines the scanning functions into a unified prism with specifically designed surfaces that can redirect light in multiple directions while maintaining a compact form factor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-mirror system requiring spatial separation in three dimensions to a single-prism system that achieves the same scanning functionality through surface geometry in fewer dimensions. The concave incident surface and internal reflecting surfaces enable dual-directional scanning within a more compact volumetric footprint.
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 optical system effectively reduces chromatic aberration and downsizes the optical system by ensuring vertical incidence and emission of light, optimizing the refractive index utilization within the prism.
Implementation Method 1
a prism having an incident surface 15a, an exit surface 15d, and one or more reflecting surfaces 15b and 15c
Implementation Method 2
chromatic aberration may occur in the prism
Implementation Method 3
a first scanning element 13 that scans an incident light having a plurality of wavelengths in a first direction and reflects the light in a direction of the incident surface of the prism
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an optical system that includes a prism having an incident surface, an exit surface, and one or more reflecting surfaces. The optical system includes a first scanning element configured to scan a light that enters and has a plurality of wavelengths in a first direction, and reflect the light in a direction of the incident surface of the prism. The optical system includes a second scanning element configured to scan in a second direction the light that exits from the exit surface of the prism, the second direction being orthogonal to the first direction. The incident surface of the prism has a concave shape with respect to the first scanning element.