Electromagnetic Wave Detection Device Back Focus Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing electromagnetic wave detection apparatuses face challenges in reducing the back focus length while maintaining imaging performance, brightness, and angle of view, due to design restrictions, and approximating the angle between the primary imaging optical system's main axis and the separation surface to 90° leads to interference issues during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus includes a surface that propagates electromagnetic waves from the primary imaging optical system to a separation surface and then to a detector, allowing for a reduced back focus length without compromising imaging characteristics, using a configuration with a first propagation unit that includes a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) to switch the reflection direction of pixels and a second propagation unit with specific surfaces for separating and redirecting electromagnetic waves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the back focus length is reduced, then the device size is decreased, but the imaging performance and brightness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a propagation direction change unit that redirects electromagnetic waves in a direction different from the optical axis direction. This dimensional change in wave propagation allows the back focus length to be reduced while maintaining imaging performance, as the waves are guided through an alternative spatial path rather than being constrained by the traditional axial propagation geometry.
2Ease of manufacture
If the angle between the main axis and separation surface is approximated to 90°, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced, but interference occurs between the detector and primary imaging optical system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the propagation direction change function into a separate unit positioned between the primary imaging optical system and the detector. By removing this directional control function from the traditional optical path geometry, the system avoids the 90-degree angle interference problem while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The propagation direction change unit acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the primary imaging optical system and the detector. It changes the propagation direction of electromagnetic waves without requiring the detector to be positioned at a 90-degree angle to the optical axis, thus eliminating interference while preserving ease of manufacture.
3Volume of moving object
If the second imaging unit is downsized, then the device compactness is improved, but vignetting increases
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the propagation direction of electromagnetic waves through the propagation direction change unit, the patent enables the second imaging unit to be positioned and sized differently without suffering from traditional vignetting constraints. This dimensional change in wave guidance allows compact imaging unit design while maintaining uniform illumination across the field of view.
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 reduces the back focus length, avoids interference between the detector and the primary imaging optical system, and maintains excellent image forming characteristics, allowing for improved imaging performance and reduced vignetting, even when the second imaging unit is downsized.
Implementation Method 1
a first propagation unit that includes a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) to switch the reflection direction of pixels
Implementation Method 2
a second propagation unit with specific surfaces for separating and redirecting electromagnetic waves
Data Source
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AI summary
An electromagnetic wave detection apparatus 10 includes a first propagation unit 16, a second propagation unit 17, a first detector 19, and a second detector 20. The first propagation unit 16 propagates electromagnetic waves incident on a reference surface ss in a particular direction using each pixel px. The second propagation unit 17 includes a first surface s1, a second surface s2, a third surface s3, a fourth surface s4, a fifth surface s5, and a sixth surface s6. The first surface s1 propagates electromagnetic waves incident from a first direction in a second direction and propagates electromagnetic propagated in a third direction in a fourth direction. The second surface s2 separates electromagnetic waves propagated in the second direction d2 and propagate electromagnetic waves in a third direction d3 and 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.