Optical Testing with DOE Beam Shaping for Multi-Angle Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical testing methods for transparent workpieces are inefficient and costly, particularly in assessing parameters like MTF, PSF, and chromatic aberrations, due to the use of mechanical adjustments and limited angle coverage in illumination systems.
Innovation Solution
Employing a diffractive optical element (DOE) in a beam shaping unit to dynamically adjust light beam deflection and illumination patterns, combined with a flexible light source and detector setup, allowing for rapid and precise measurement of optical properties across various angles and wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mechanical adjustments and limited angle coverage illumination systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and inspection efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment systems with a diffractive optical element (DOE) that uses diffraction physics to dynamically control light beam angles and patterns. The DOE modulates the light beam to illuminate the workpiece at multiple predetermined angles simultaneously without requiring mechanical movement or adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining measurement precision while reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the illumination parameters by using a DOE to dynamically adjust the light beam's angle of incidence and spatial distribution. By modifying the diffraction pattern of the DOE, the system can illuminate the workpiece at various angles and positions without mechanical adjustment, improving measurement precision across different optical parameters while keeping the system compact.
2Productivity
If traditional illumination systems are used, then device complexity is low, but productivity and inspection speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces slow mechanical adjustment systems with a DOE-based optical system that can dynamically and rapidly change illumination angles and patterns through diffraction. This allows the system to inspect multiple parameters and angles in quick succession, significantly improving inspection speed and productivity without requiring complex mechanical movement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-calculates and pre-configures the DOE to generate specific diffraction patterns corresponding to various illumination angles and positions. By preparing these optical paths in advance, the system can rapidly switch between different inspection configurations without time-consuming mechanical adjustments, thereby enhancing productivity while managing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple illumination angles are implemented using mechanical methods, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces multiple mechanical illumination units or moving mirrors with a single DOE that can generate multiple diffraction orders. Each diffraction order corresponds to a different illumination angle, allowing the system to achieve wide angle coverage and high adaptability using a compact, non-mechanical optical configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the light beam into multiple diffraction orders by the DOE, where each order provides illumination at a different angle. This segmentation of the single light source into multiple functional beams achieves versatile angle coverage without requiring multiple physical illumination units, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.
4Productivity
If conventional testing methods are used, then manufacturing cost is low, but productivity and measurement capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive and slow mechanical adjustment systems with a DOE-based optical system. While the DOE itself requires precision manufacturing, it eliminates the need for multiple motors, sensors, and control systems required for mechanical angle adjustment, ultimately reducing overall system cost while dramatically improving testing efficiency and measurement capability.
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 efficient, cost-effective, and rapid assessment of optical parameters by dynamically adjusting light patterns and angles, facilitating high-quality inspection of optical workpieces such as waveguides in AR/VR systems.
Implementation Method 1
In particular, diffraction effects are used to deflect the light, which strikes this optical element at a predetermined wavelength, at a certain angle
Data Source
AI summary
An optical testing device having a light source to emit a light beam and a beam shaper with a diffractive optical element to shape the light beam and direct it onto a coupling-in area of an optical workpiece to coupling the shaped light into the optical workpiece to be inspected. The optical testing device also has a workpiece holder to hold the optical workpiece and has a detector to evaluate light emerging from the coupling-out area of the optical workpiece in order to inspect an optical property of the workpiece.