Diffraction Limited Endoscope Optical System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current endoscope optical systems, especially when used with high-definition cameras, face limitations in resolution due to diffraction limits and uncorrected geometrical optical aberrations, which are not adequately addressed by existing designs that primarily focus on correcting aberrations for three basic wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
The optical system for endoscopes is designed with advanced optics and special glass selection to correct geometrical optical aberrations for multiple wavelengths, using the Hartmann Dispersion Formula to set limits for the λo values of optical glasses, and employing symmetric relay systems and achromatic lens groups to minimize spherical and chromatic aberrations, ensuring the system meets the diffraction limit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of lenses is increased to correct optical aberrations, then the optical quality and resolution are improved, but the number of reflections at glass-air surfaces increases, reducing light transmission and increasing system complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into distinct functional groups: objective lens group, relay lens groups, and ocular lens group. Each group is optimized for specific aberration correction, allowing targeted design decisions that reduce overall system complexity while maintaining high resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite optical designs combining different lens types (achromats, apochromats, aspherics) with specialized glass materials having specific refractive indices and dispersion characteristics. This allows correction of multiple aberrations simultaneously with fewer elements than traditional designs.
2Measurement precision
If the numerical aperture of the relay system is increased to reduce the diffraction limit and improve resolution, then the airy disk size is reduced, but the depth of field decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the numerical aperture parameter of the relay system to achieve the desired balance between resolution and depth of field. By carefully selecting the NA value and designing the relay optics accordingly, the system achieves diffraction-limited resolution while maintaining adequate depth of field for endoscopic applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system incorporates adjustable focus mechanisms and variable optical paths that allow dynamic adaptation between different focal planes, enabling the system to maintain depth of field while achieving high resolution at the focal plane of interest.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional optical designs are used that correct aberrations for three basic wavelengths, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but the resolution does not meet the requirements of modern HD cameras
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite optical designs combining different lens types (achromats, apochromats, aspherics) with specialized glass materials having specific refractive indices and dispersion characteristics. This allows correction of multiple aberrations simultaneously with fewer elements than traditional designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to correct aberrations across multiple wavelengths beyond the traditional three basic wavelengths. By extending the spectral correction range and optimizing for HD camera sensors, the system achieves resolution requirements of modern imaging systems while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
4Measurement precision
If the lens diameter is increased to reduce the diffraction limit, then the resolution is improved, but the endoscope outer diameter increases, reducing flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the lens diameter parameter to achieve the desired balance between resolution and flexibility. By carefully selecting the aperture size and optimizing the optical path length, the system achieves diffraction-limited resolution with minimal outer diameter, maintaining endoscopic flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system employs folded optical paths and telecentric designs that extend the optical path length within a compact physical footprint. This allows the effective lens diameter to be optimized for resolution while the outer diameter remains small for flexibility, utilizing three-dimensional spatial arrangement of optical elements.
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 approach results in an optical system with a low diffraction limit, effectively correcting aberrations across multiple wavelengths, enhancing the resolution and image quality of endoscopes to match the capabilities of modern high-definition cameras.
Implementation Method 1
The optical system for endoscopes is designed with advanced optics and special glass selection to correct geometrical optical aberrations for multiple wavelengths
Implementation Method 2
employing symmetric relay systems and achromatic lens groups to minimize spherical and chromatic aberrations
Implementation Method 3
using the Hartmann Dispersion Formula to set limits for the λo values of optical glasses
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system for endoscopes for which the corrections of the geometrical optical aberrations for multiple wavelengths meet the diffraction limit of the optical system. The optical system is categorized by lens groups. The glass selection for each of these lens groups uses the Hartmann Dispersion Formula. For the glasses in each lens group, limited ranges for the λo value of the Hartmann Dispersion Formula are set. These ranges are set based on the contribution of the individual lens groups to the overall chromatic aberrations.