Curved Mirror Optical System for Compact Plane Spectroscopy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems face challenges in efficiently performing plane spectral dispersion over a wide wavelength band due to non-uniform transmittance of optical fibers and the need for precise alignment of mirrors, which complicates the incorporation of multiple mirrors into equipment and limits resolution and space efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The optical system employs a configuration of multiple reflecting portions, including a first curved-surface mirror and subsequent reflective surfaces that divide and rearray light fluxes without the need for precise alignment, allowing for efficient downsizing and high-resolution plane division by using a combination of curved and flat mirrors to guide light fluxes to specific positions, thereby forming divided images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple mirrors are used to divide light flux for plane spectral dispersion, then resolution is improved, but device complexity and spatial requirements increase due to precise alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the light flux into multiple portions using a first reflecting portion with multiple reflective surfaces, then recombines them using a second reflecting portion. This segmentation approach allows plane spectral dispersion to be achieved with fewer mirrors that do not require precise alignment, as each mirror handles a specific portion of light flux independently
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional three-dimensional mirror arrangements to a two-dimensional configuration where the first and second reflecting portions are arranged in a planar geometry. This dimensional change enables the system to achieve the same light division and recombination functions with reduced spatial requirements and without requiring precise three-dimensional alignment of multiple mirrors
2Measurement precision
If optical fibers are used to one-dimensionally array divided images, then resolution is improved through increased fine optical fibers, but transmittance uniformity deteriorates due to polarization state changes from curvature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical fiber-based system with a pure optical reflection system using mirrors. Instead of using optical fibers that suffer from polarization state changes and transmittance non-uniformity, the invention uses reflective surfaces to divide and recombine light flux, eliminating the fundamental limitations of optical fibers while maintaining high resolution
3Measurement precision
If a large number of mirrors are arranged to divide images into several tens of portions, then plane spectral dispersion resolution is improved, but the structure becomes spatially large and difficult to incorporate into general equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple mirrors into two integrated reflecting portions. The first reflecting portion performs light flux division, and the second reflecting portion performs recombination, consolidating what would traditionally require many separate mirrors into a compact two-component system that achieves the same resolution with minimal spatial occupation
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 configuration achieves high-resolution, efficient plane spectral dispersion with reduced spatial requirements, enabling effective handling of wide wavelength bands without the need for precise mirror alignment, thus enhancing the optical system's compactness and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a first curved-surface mirror having an opening through which the light flux from the object plane passes or a transmitting portion through which the light flux is transmitted
Implementation Method 2
a second reflecting portion including a plurality of reflective surfaces configured to divide the light flux from the opening or the transmitting portion of the first curved-surface mirror to result in second light fluxes
Implementation Method 3
a third reflecting portion having a plurality of reflective surfaces, each of which reflects, as third light fluxes, first light fluxes that have been reflected on the first curved-surface mirror
Implementation Method 4
a fourth reflecting portion having a plurality of reflective surfaces configured to reflect the third light fluxes from the third reflecting portion, wherein the first and third light fluxes are reflected by the respective third and fourth reflecting portions to be image-formed so that divided images of the object plane are formed
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system to divide a light flux from an object plane includes a first curved-surface mirror, and second, third, and fourth reflecting portions. The second reflecting portion divides and reflects light flux from the first curved-surface mirror to respective different positions on the first curved-surface mirror as first light fluxes. The third reflecting portion reflects, as third light fluxes, the first light fluxes. The fourth reflecting portion reflects the third light fluxes from the third reflecting portion. A number of reflective surfaces of each of the third and fourth reflecting portions on which the first and third light fluxes are incident is the same as a division number in the dividing of the light flux into the second light fluxes. The first and third light fluxes are reflected by the respective third and fourth reflecting portions to be image-formed so that divided images of the object plane are formed.