Electromagnetic Wave Detection Device Using Segmented Propagation Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic wave detection apparatuses face challenges in reducing apparatus size while avoiding interference between primary and secondary imaging optical systems and minimizing vignetting, due to the need for large secondary imaging systems and limited switching angles of Digital Micro Mirror Devices (DMDs).
Innovation Solution
The apparatus incorporates a propagation unit that switches electromagnetic waves by reflecting them in different directions using a DMD, allowing for a smaller secondary imaging system without leakage, and separates electromagnetic waves into different propagation paths to reduce vignetting and interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large secondary imaging optical system is used to capture all electromagnetic waves from the propagation unit, then electromagnetic wave leakage is prevented, but the apparatus size increases and interference with the primary imaging optical system occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The detection apparatus is divided into two independent optical systems: a primary imaging optical system for capturing images of objects and a secondary imaging optical system for detecting electromagnetic waves. The propagation unit with DMD is segmented to direct different electromagnetic wave components to different destinations, allowing the secondary imaging system to be compact while capturing necessary waves without requiring a large aperture that would interfere with the primary system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a temporal dimension by alternately switching the DMD between first and second states. This allows the system to separate electromagnetic waves in time rather than requiring spatial separation through a large optical system. The propagation unit directs waves to different paths based on their state, enabling compact design without wave leakage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the DMD switching angle is increased to improve wave direction control, then propagation direction switching capability is improved, but the apparatus complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the DMD switching angle to a specific range (±12 degrees) that provides sufficient propagation direction control while maintaining a compact and simple apparatus configuration. This parameter optimization allows the system to achieve effective wave direction control without requiring excessive switching angles that would increase complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If the secondary imaging optical system is reduced in size to decrease apparatus volume, then compactness is improved, but vignetting increases and image intensity becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The propagation unit dynamically switches between two states to control electromagnetic wave propagation directions. By alternating the DMD state, the system can direct waves from different regions of the propagation unit to the secondary imaging optical system, ensuring uniform light distribution and reducing vignetting effects even with a compact secondary system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs periodic switching of the DMD between first and second states to alternately direct electromagnetic waves through different paths. This periodic action ensures that all regions of the propagation unit contribute to the secondary image formation over time, maintaining uniform intensity distribution while allowing a compact secondary imaging system design.
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 configuration enables a compact electromagnetic wave detection apparatus with reduced vignetting and uniform intensity of secondary images, allowing for efficient detection without increasing overall size.
Implementation Method 1
a propagation unit that switches electromagnetic waves by reflecting them in different directions
Implementation Method 2
separates electromagnetic waves into different propagation paths
Data Source
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AI summary
An electromagnetic wave detection apparatus (10) includes a first propagation unit (16), second propagation unit (17), first detector (19), and second detector (20). The first propagation unit (16) propagates electromagnetic waves incident on a reference surface (ss) in a particular direction at each pixel (px). The second propagation unit (17) includes first through sixth surfaces (s1 to s6). The second surface (s2) separates electromagnetic waves propagated in a second direction (d2) and propagates the electromagnetic waves in a third direction (d3) and fourth direction (d4). The fourth surface (s4) emits electromagnetic waves propagated in the fourth direction (d4) towards the reference surface (ss) and propagates electromagnetic waves incident again from the reference surface (ss) in a fifth direction (d5). The first detector (19) detects electromagnetic waves emitted from the third surface (s3). The second detector (20) detects electromagnetic waves emitted from the sixth surface (s6).