Conformal Imaging Vibrometer With Scene-Based Wavefront Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibrometry systems require a reference beam for path distortion compensation, which is impractical or undesirable in certain scenarios, and they are limited by the need for fixed laser arrays and mounts that cannot adapt to objects of varying sizes and geometries, especially in turbulent environments.
Innovation Solution
A conformal imaging vibrometer using scene-based wave-front sensing (SB-WFS) to measure wave front errors without a reference beam, enabling diffraction-limited imaging and illumination by encoding scene-based information for path distortion compensation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a reference beam is used for path distortion compensation, then wave front correction can be achieved, but the system becomes impractical or undesirable in certain scenarios and requires additional optical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the reference beam component from the adaptive optics system. Instead of using a separate reference beam to sample path distortions, the system uses the scene itself (the object being imaged) as the reference, thereby eliminating the need for additional reference beam optical components and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining path distortion compensation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the imaging beam serve multiple functions: it simultaneously provides the reference wave front information and carries the image information. By using the same beam for both reference sampling and image capture, the system eliminates the need for separate reference and imaging beam paths, reducing device complexity while maintaining compensation reliability
2Measurement precision
If fixed laser arrays and mounts are used for vibrometry, then vibration measurement can be performed, but the system cannot adapt to objects of varying sizes and geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from fixed, static laser arrays to a dynamic, adaptive optical system using deformable mirrors and real-time wave front sensing. The system continuously adjusts the optical path to adapt to different object geometries and sizes while maintaining vibration measurement precision, enabling the same system to serve multiple object types without physical reconfiguration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system using scene-based wave front sensing to continuously monitor and correct optical path distortions. The measured wave front errors are fed back to the deformable mirror for real-time correction, enabling the system to adapt to varying object geometries while maintaining precise vibration measurement capability
3Manufacturing precision
If adaptive optics with reference beam is used in turbulent environments, then diffraction-limited imaging can be achieved, but the system requires complex reference beam path management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the reference beam path and imaging beam path into a single unified path. By using the scene itself as the reference source, the system combines the functions of reference sampling and image capture in one optical path, eliminating the need for complex beam splitting, combining, and path management components while achieving diffraction-limited imaging in turbulent environments
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
Enables diffraction-limited imaging and illumination of objects with varying geometries in turbulent environments without the need for a reference beam, allowing for flexible and adaptive vibrometry systems.
Implementation Method 1
scene-based wave front sensing (SB-WFS) to measure wave front errors without a reference beam
Implementation Method 2
adaptive optics with scene-based wave-front sensing of an object to generate the required adaptive optical wave front correction information to realize diffraction-limited imaging
Implementation Method 3
encoding scene-based information for path distortion compensation
Data Source
AI summary
Conformal imaging vibrometer using adaptive optics with scene-based wave front sensing. An extended object is located at the first end of a link, and a reference-free, adaptive optical, conformal imaging vibrometer using scene-based wave front sensing is located at the second end of the link. An aberrated, free space or guided-wave path exists between the ends of the link. The adaptive optical system compensates for path distortions. Using a single interrogation beam, whole-body vibrations of opaque and reflective objects can be probed, as well as transparent and translucent objects, the latter pair employing a Zernike heterodyne interferometer.