FASID Focal-Plane Mapping for Manufacturable GRIN Lens Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fabrication processes for graded-index (GRIN) optics are limited by refractive index difference and spatial resolution, particularly in the short wavelength range, hindering their use in applications like wide-angle imaging and LIDAR systems.
Innovation Solution
A detector system and method that utilizes geometric optics transformation and spatial-angular information at the focal plane of a GRIN lens to optimize the refractive index distribution, minimizing overlap of input angles and enhancing separation resolution through diagonalization of a linear system matrix.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If transformation optics is used to project a sky hemi-sphere onto a plane using a GRIN lens, then the imaging capability is improved, but the fabrication precision deteriorates due to large variations in refractive index across the structure volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the optical problem from physical space to angular space, changing the design parameters from refractive index distribution to angular mapping functions. This allows achieving the same imaging effect without requiring extreme refractive index variations that are difficult to fabricate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension of angular space to describe and control light propagation. By mapping rays based on their angular coordinates rather than relying solely on physical position and refractive index, the system achieves complex imaging functions with manufacturable GRIN profiles.
2Ease of manufacture
If present day fabrication processes are used for GRIN optics, then the manufacturing ease is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to limitations in refractive index difference and spatial resolution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/fabrication-based approach to achieving optical performance with a computational/algorithmic approach. By using angular space transformations and optimization algorithms, the system achieves high separation resolution without requiring ultra-precise fabrication of refractive index profiles.
3Reliability
If a GRIN lens with large variations in refractive index is designed to project sky hemi-sphere onto a plane, then the imaging performance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to fabrication limitations in short wavelength range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the design parameters from physical refractive index distribution to angular mapping relationships. This transformation simplifies the design process and reduces device complexity while maintaining imaging performance, as angular mappings can be achieved with standard GRIN fabrication capabilities.
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
Improves the performance of GRIN lenses by reducing fabrication limitations, enabling better separation and imaging capabilities, particularly for astronomical and LIDAR applications.
Implementation Method 1
graded index (GRIN) optical element... refractive index distribution... optical rays emanated by two different point sources... are mapped uniquely onto the same location on the focal plane
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for imaging an optical signal received by a graded index (GRIN) optical element to account for known variations in a graded index distribution of the GRIN optical element. The method may involve using a plurality of optical detector elements to receive optical rays received by the GRIN optical element at a plane, where the plane forms a part of the GRIN optical element or is downstream of the GRIN optical element relative to a direction of propagation of the optical rays. The optical rays are then traced to a plurality of additional specific locations on the plane based on the known variations in the graded index distribution of the GRIN optical element. A processor may be used to determine information on both an intensity and an angle of the received optical rays at each one of the plurality of specific locations on the plane of the GRIN optical element.