Spatially Multiplexed Diffractive Lens Phase Correction
Solution Overview
Problem
Miniaturized optical imaging and navigation systems face challenges in achieving accurate diagnosis and treatment of internal organs due to reduced functionality from cascading components, leading to interference between different functions in spatially multiplexed optics, which affects depth of field and signal-to-noise ratio.
Innovation Solution
A phase correction concept is introduced to spatially multiplexed optics, specifically diffractive lenses, by adding a constant phase offset to subapertures to improve interference effects and enhance focusing intensity and depth of field, increasing the signal-to-noise ratio.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If spatial multiplexing is used to include multiple functions in a single optical element, then device complexity is reduced, but interference between different functions occurs, worsening optical performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different phase profiles to different subapertures of the optical element. Each subaperture is optimized for its specific function (imaging, illumination, navigation) while the overall structure remains integrated. This allows each region to have tailored optical properties without interfering with other regions, resolving the contradiction between integration and performance.
2Volume of moving object
If miniaturization is achieved by reducing system size, then accessibility to internal organs is improved, but functionality is reduced due to inability to cascade components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple optical functions (imaging, illumination, navigation) into a single integrated optical element with multiple subapertures. This eliminates the need to cascade separate components, maintaining full functionality while achieving miniaturization. The spatial multiplexing allows each function to coexist within the compact structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical element is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating multiple subapertures that perform different functions simultaneously. This universal design allows the single component to replace multiple separate systems, achieving both miniaturization and preserved functionality for accessing internal organs.
3Measurement precision
If phase offset is added to extend depth of field, then depth of field is extended and focusing intensity is increased, but signal-to-noise ratio improvement is achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phase parameter by adding a constant phase offset to the phase profiles of subapertures. This parameter modification extends the depth of field and enhances focusing intensity, which indirectly improves signal-to-noise ratio by concentrating light more effectively over an extended focal range.
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 phase correction method significantly extends the depth of field and increases focusing intensity, improving the overall performance of miniaturized medical imaging systems, such as those used in optical coherence tomography and fluorescence microscopy, while maintaining functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the optic is a diffractive lens. A phase offset is added to extend the depth of field of the diffractive lens and increase its focusing intensity
Implementation Method 2
A phase correction concept is introduced to improve the performance of a spatially multiplexed optic... adding a constant phase offset to subapertures to improve interference effects
Data Source
AI summary
A phase correction concept is introduced to improve the performance of a spatially multiplexed optic. In a specific example, the optic is a diffractive lens. A phase offset is added to extend the depth of field of the diffractive lens and increase its focusing intensity. This can result in increased signal-to-noise ratio. These diffractive lenses may be used for imaging, focusing, and/or delivering light to an area of interest. They may be used to realize miniaturized medical imaging based on different imaging modalities such as optical coherence tomography, Raman spectroscopy, and fluorescence microscopy. They may also be used for different purposes and applications, for example laser ablation.