Spectrally Selective Detector Using Diffractive Objective Lens
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional imaging systems face challenges in achieving high image resolution and field-of-view in a compact footprint, often requiring trade-offs between angular resolution, field-of-view, and system size, leading to increased complexity and cost, particularly in surveillance applications.
Innovation Solution
The development of a multi-scale optical imaging system using a quasi-monocentric objective lens with diffractive surfaces and microcameras, which splits the imaging task between the objective lens and secondary lenses, allowing for improved angular resolution and field-of-view without significant computational post-processing, while reducing system volume and manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional lens systems use multiple lenses and apertures to achieve high angular resolution and large field-of-view, then imaging performance is improved, but system volume, mass, and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple lenslets arranged in an array, where each lenslet captures a portion of the scene. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high angular resolution through the collective action of multiple small apertures while keeping individual lenslet sizes compact, thereby reducing overall system volume compared to a single large aperture system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-aperture three-dimensional imaging approach to a multi-aperture planar array configuration. By distributing multiple lenslets across a two-dimensional array, the system achieves high angular resolution and large field-of-view without requiring significant depth or volume, effectively solving the contradiction between resolution and system compactness.
2Measurement precision
If conventional lens systems increase aperture size to improve angular resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but system mass and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using one large aperture, the system segments the aperture into multiple smaller lenslets. Each lenslet has a small mass, and their collective arrangement provides high angular resolution through spatial distribution rather than through increasing individual mass, thereby achieving resolution improvement without proportional mass increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of aperture configuration from a single large aperture to multiple small apertures arranged in an array. This parameter change allows the system to achieve high angular resolution through the number and arrangement of lenslets rather than through the size and mass of individual elements, effectively decoupling resolution from mass.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wide-field cameras use large apertures to achieve large field-of-view, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The wide-field camera uses an array of identical or similar lenslets instead of a single complex large aperture system. Each lenslet can be manufactured using standardized processes, and the modular array structure simplifies manufacturing, assembly, and testing compared to a single large complex optical element, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining large field-of-view capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs multiple copies of identical or similar lenslet designs arranged in an array. This copying approach allows for standardized manufacturing processes, reducing complexity and cost compared to designing and manufacturing a single unique large aperture system. The repetitive nature of lenslet production enables economies of scale and simplified quality control.
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 enables high-resolution, large-field imaging systems with reduced size, weight, and cost, avoiding blind spots and simplifying design complexity, and allows for more flexible focal plane array arrangements, enhancing image quality and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
a diffractive surface on the objective lens to disperse wavelengths of light
Implementation Method 2
an objective lens to image light from a scene
Implementation Method 3
Each pixel of the focal-plane array converts the portion of the image it receives into an electrical signal
Data Source
AI summary
Optical systems based on an objective lens comprising one or more plastic lens elements are disclosed. The inclusion of plastic lens element reduces one or more of system cost, size, weight, and/or complexity. The chromatic performance of some imaging systems in accordance with the present invention is improved by incorporation of a diffractive surface into the entry surface of the objective lens.