Elliptical Arc Mirror Surface for Line-to-Point Radiation Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face limitations in focusing electromagnetic radiation from a point source into a line image or from a line source into a point, often requiring multiple mirrors, mechanical parts, or specific wavelength constraints, which complicates the measurement and conversion of radiation into electrical signals.
Innovation Solution
A reflective mirror surface formed by rotating elliptical arcs, where the first foci lie on a line and the second foci in a fixed point, allowing for the focusing of radiation from both point and line sources into a single point or line image without moving mechanical parts, and enabling conversion into electrical signals across a broad spectral range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If multiple mirrors are used to create line images from point sources, then the line image can be formed, but the workspace becomes large and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single mirror surface is segmented into multiple elliptical arcs, each arc contributing to focusing radiation from different portions of the focal line. This segmentation allows the complex focusing task to be divided into simpler sub-tasks performed by individual arcs, reducing the need for multiple separate mirrors while achieving the same line image formation capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from using multiple separate mirrors arranged in space to using a single mirror surface with varying curvature along one dimension (the arc segments). By introducing curvature variation along the mirror surface rather than using multiple planar or simple curved mirrors, the system achieves line image formation with reduced device complexity and smaller workspace
2Shape
If cylindrical lenses are used to create line images from point sources, then the line image can be formed, but the spectral transmittance is limited and the geometric size becomes large
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the refractive cylindrical lens system with a reflective mirror system. Reflection does not depend on material transmittance properties, allowing the system to work across a broad spectral range including wavelengths where lens materials are opaque or have poor transmittance. The mirror surface geometry (elliptical arcs) performs the beam shaping function that previously required a cylindrical lens
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental optical parameter from refraction (lens) to reflection (mirror). This parameter change enables operation across the entire electromagnetic spectrum rather than being limited to wavelengths where the lens material is transparent. The elliptical arc geometry provides the necessary focusing capability without material transmittance constraints
3Shape
If galvanometric scanners are used to focus laser beams, then curved line focusing can be achieved, but mechanical parts and control systems are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical galvanometric scanner system with a static mirror surface having a specific geometric profile (elliptical arcs). The curved line focusing capability is achieved through the predetermined mirror geometry rather than through mechanical movement and dynamic control. This eliminates motors, control electronics, and moving parts while maintaining the ability to focus radiation along curved line paths
Solution Approach 2:
The mirror surface is pre-formed with the specific elliptical arc geometry that encodes the focusing information. Instead of dynamically adjusting mirror orientation during operation (as in galvanometric scanners), the focusing function is built into the static surface profile during manufacturing. This preliminary action of shaping the mirror surface eliminates the need for real-time mechanical 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 solution allows for efficient focusing and measurement of electromagnetic radiation across a wide spectral range without mechanical complexity, enabling simultaneous detection by multiple detectors and reducing the need for additional optical elements, thus enhancing the precision and simplicity of radiation focusing and conversion.
Implementation Method 1
a reflective mirror surface formed by rotating elliptical arcs
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a mirror for focusing electromagnetic radiation. The essence of the invention is that a reflective mirror surface 6 is established on a supporting structure, created by the rotation of elliptical arcs, where the first foci C1 of all elliptical arcs lie on one line and the second foci C2 of all elliptical arcs lie at one fixed point. Each elliptical arc is a part of an ellipse described in a Cartesian coordinate system (x, y, z) by the following equation: y2=b21−x2b2+cz2 where z is independent of x and y, c(z) is the focal distance of the rotated elliptical arcs dependent on z, b is the minor axis of the ellipse, and each ellipse has the same position of the second focus at the point (x = -c, y = 0, z = 0). Each ellipse is rotated around the rotational line 4 (x = -c, y, z = 0), where c is the focal distance corresponding to the distance from the focus to the center of the ellipse placed in the plane {x, y, 0}. Each point in the series C1(z) of the first foci of the rotated elliptical arcs is positioned on the focal line. The invention also relates to a method for focusing electromagnetic radiation and converting it into an electrical signal. The essence of the method is that the above-defined reflective mirror surface focuses radiation from a line source placed parallel to the series of first foci of the rotated elliptical arcs to at least one point on a line parallel to the second focal line. The intensity of the electromagnetic radiation is detected at this point and converted into an electrical signal by changing the electrical characteristic of a photosensitive element in the detector, from which the course of the electromagnetic radiation in time and space is determined. The invention further relates to a device for focusing electromagnetic radiation and converting it into an electrical signal. The essence of the device is that the mirror body 7, on its supporting structure, has the above-defined reflective mirror surface 6. At least one detector 13 of electromagnetic radiation is associated with this mirror body, placed on a line parallel to the second focal line, and connected to a recording device 20.