Dual-Axis Filter Wheel for Versatile Illumination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In compact research settings, existing optical filtering systems face challenges in efficiently switching between filtered and white light for illuminating small objects due to space constraints and the need for multiple light sources, which complicates experimentation.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a filter wheel rotatable about two axes, featuring tunable optical filters that adjust bandpass frequencies with the angle of incidence, allowing for simultaneous or alternating illumination with filtered and reflected light from a single or dual broadband sources, enabling efficient selection between filtered and white light without requiring multiple light sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to provide both filtered and white light, then illumination versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter wheel assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transmit filtered light when a filter is positioned in the light path, and it can reflect white light when a filter is rotated to a reflective position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate light sources for filtered and white light illumination, reducing device complexity while maintaining illumination versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter wheel assembly acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the light source and the specimen. By rotating the filter wheel, the system can switch between transmitting filtered light and reflecting white light, providing versatile illumination options without requiring multiple dedicated light sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources are used to provide both filtered and white light, then illumination versatility is improved, but the physical size of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter wheel assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it can transmit filtered light when a filter is positioned in the light path, and it can reflect white light when a filter is rotated to a reflective position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate light sources for filtered and white light illumination, reducing device complexity while maintaining illumination versatility.
3Measurement precision
If a filter wheel with tunable filters is used, then spectral control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter wheel assembly incorporates rotational capability that allows dynamic adjustment of the filter angle relative to the light path. This dynamic positioning enables precise control over the bandpass frequencies by rotating the filter to different angular positions, providing spectral control precision while managing device complexity through a single rotational mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes the property that the bandpass frequencies of optical interference filters shift as a function of the angle of incidence. By changing the angular parameter of the filter relative to the light path, the system can tune the spectral characteristics without requiring multiple filters or complex mechanical adjustments, achieving precise spectral control through a single parameter change.
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 solution allows for precise control over light illumination, enabling efficient experimentation by allowing users to select between filtered and white light without the need for multiple light sources, optimizing space usage and experimental flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
it is often desired to illuminate an object of interest, such as a biological specimen, with filtered light
Implementation Method 2
The use of interference gratings that allow only transmission of a very narrow band of light wavelengths is a well known method of providing filtered light
Implementation Method 3
the bandpass frequencies of an optical interference filter shifts as a function of the angle of incidence of the light directed onto the filter
Implementation Method 4
light from a second broadband light source reflects off of a surface of said selected one of said plurality of filters and the reflected light is directed to said object
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system and method for illuminating an object under investigation with filtered light is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system comprises a filter wheel having a plurality of variable bandpass filters. The filter wheel is rotatable about two axis, whereby rotation about the first axis brings a selected filter in line with a collimated beam of white light and rotation about the second axis adjusts the angle of the filter relative to the light beam in order to adjust the bandpass frequencies. A second beam of white light, which may be from a second light source, can also be reflected off of the face of the filter in a manner that illuminates the object with substantially white light. In one embodiment, the object may be alternately or simultaneously illuminated with filtered light or with reflected white light. The filter can be used as a bandstop or band rejection filter to illuminate the object with white light that is missing a narrow frequency band.