Deformable Lenslet Refocusing With Reduced Multiple Foci
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refocusable lens systems suffer from undesired optical wavefront errors during transitions between near-focus and far-focus states due to the formation of multiple foci, which deteriorate image quality and limit diffraction-limited performance to the extremes of the transition.
Innovation Solution
The lens system is redesigned with multiple sequential applanating lenslets, each with reduced lens power and deformation error, and incorporates aspheric terms and external forces to minimize transition deformation and wavefront errors by altering the degree of applanation and applying compression, torques, and transverse forces to the lens edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-lenslet lens system is used to enable continuous focal length change through applanation, then refocusability is improved, but wavefront error increases due to multiple foci formation
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is divided into multiple discrete lenslets arranged in an array, where each lenslet can be independently applanated to a different degree. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a single effective focus by controlling which lenslets are applanated and to what extent, thereby reducing wavefront error while preserving refocusability through sequential applanation of different lenslet groups.
2Length of moving object
If the degree of applanation is increased to achieve longer focal length, then focal length range is improved, but image quality deteriorates due to increased wavefront error
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the lens system (different lenslets) are assigned different applanation states according to a specific pattern. By locally controlling the applanation degree of individual lenslets or groups of lenslets, the system can extend the effective focal length while maintaining wavefront quality, as the applanation is distributed rather than uniform across the entire lens system.
3Speed
If multiple lenslets are applanated simultaneously to change optical power, then refocusing speed is improved, but multiple foci are formed causing image quality loss
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is pre-configured with multiple lenslets that can be sequentially applanated in a predetermined pattern. By preparing the lenslet array with specific applanation capabilities and controlling the applanation sequence, the system can transition between focal lengths rapidly while maintaining a single effective focus, avoiding the formation of multiple foci that would occur with simultaneous applanation of all lenslets.
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 redesigned lens system significantly reduces wavefront errors and improves image quality across the focus transition, achieving diffraction-limited performance throughout the operational range.
Implementation Method 1
elastically-deformable/mechanically-pliable lens or lenslet
Implementation Method 2
compression of at least one of the constituent lenslets against another
Implementation Method 3
optical portions of the lens system that operationally include the applanated portions of the surfaces of the constituent lenslets generally define one focal length
Data Source
AI summary
Accommodating (re-focusable) lens system that includes multiple elastically-deformable lenslets sequentially disposed along an optical axis and that has an optical power that is varied by changing the degree of applanation of an area of contact between the constituent lenslets in response to variation of force applied to the lenses axially by an external element connected with or forming a part of the lens system housing and/or lenslet support element. Method for operating the same in a manner that reduces optical wavefront errors introduced by the process of refocusing thereby improving imaging characteristics of the lens system.