Dichroic Mirror Illumination Device for Continuous Spectrum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional illumination devices using dichroic mirrors to combine light beams of different wavelength bands result in a discontinuous spectrum, limiting their application in providing continuous and high-quality illumination for observation systems.
Innovation Solution
An illumination device comprising a first light source emitting violet light, a second light source emitting a broader continuous spectrum, and a dichroic mirror that adjusts the combination ratio of these light sources to produce either narrow band or white light, allowing for specific wavelength band selection and high color rendering properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a dichroic mirror is used to combine light beams of different wavelength bands, then light combination is achieved, but the spectrum becomes discontinuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the broadband light into multiple wavelength bands using dichroic mirrors, with each mirror handling a specific wavelength range. This segmentation allows precise control over which wavelengths are combined, enabling the system to switch between continuous spectrum mode (all bands combined) and discontinuous spectrum mode (specific bands combined), thus resolving the contradiction between light combination capability and spectral continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a movable dichroic mirror that can be positioned at different locations along the optical path. By dynamically adjusting the mirror's position, the system can selectively combine different wavelength bands, transitioning between continuous and discontinuous spectra as needed. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making the spectral composition adaptable rather than fixed.
2Illumination intensity
If multiple light sources are combined to provide broad spectrum coverage, then illumination quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a single broadband light source that can emit across multiple wavelength bands, making it a universal source that replaces what would traditionally require multiple specialized light sources. The dichroic mirrors then selectively extract different wavelength bands from this single source, achieving broad spectrum coverage while minimizing the number of light sources and reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dichroic mirrors act as intermediary elements that separate and redirect different wavelength bands from a single broadband light source. This intermediary approach allows the system to achieve the functionality of multiple specialized light sources while actually using only one light source, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining comprehensive spectrum coverage.
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 the output of continuous and high-quality light with adjustable wavelength bands, enhancing the visibility of tissue structures and allowing for precise imaging in various observation modes, such as NBI, WLI, and MI, by combining violet and broadband light sources effectively.
Implementation Method 1
a light combining section that is composed of a dicroic mirror and that combines the first-wavelength-band light and the second-wavelength-band light
Data Source
AI summary
An illumination device and an observation system capable of outputting light having a continuous spectrum and high color rendering properties are provided. Employed is an illumination device including a first light source that emits first-wavelength-band light having a first wavelength band of violet color; a second light source that emits second-wavelength-band light having a second wavelength band that is broader than the first wavelength band and having a continuous spectrum; a light combining section that is composed of a dicroic mirror and that combines the first-wavelength-band light and the second-wavelength-band light; and a combination-ratio adjusting section that adjusts the combination ratio of the first-wavelength-band light and the second-wavelength-band light to be combined by the light combining section.