Fiber-Coupled Collimator Chromatic Aberration Compensation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Optical systems face challenges in efficiently scanning closely packed micro-array substrates with micron-sized spots due to chromatic aberration in collimating lenses, leading to suboptimal light collimation and increased cross-talk between fluorescent signals of different wavelengths.
Innovation Solution
A collimating lens system with distinct focal lengths for different wavelengths, where optical fibers are terminated at specific distances from the lens to compensate for chromatic aberration, and a mounting fixture with angled ends to maintain precise fiber alignment, reducing the need for costly aberration-correcting lenses and minimizing cross-talk between fluorescent images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single focal length is used for the collimating lens, then the lens structure is simple, but chromatic aberration occurs causing poor light collimation and increased cross-talk between different wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by varying the focal length of the collimating lens for different wavelengths. The lens is designed with a first focal length for a first wavelength and a second focal length for a second wavelength, allowing each wavelength to be properly collimated without chromatic aberration. This resolves the contradiction by making the lens performance adaptive to wavelength rather than using a fixed simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by making the focal length variable depending on the wavelength of light. The collimating lens dynamically adjusts its focusing properties based on the input wavelength, enabling optimal collimation for multiple wavelengths simultaneously. This dynamic behavior eliminates chromatic aberration while maintaining relatively simple lens structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If chromatic aberration is corrected using specialized lenses, then light collimation precision is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using expensive specialized aberration-correcting lenses, the patent changes the operational parameter (focal length) to adapt to different wavelengths. This approach achieves chromatic aberration correction through parameter variation rather than complex lens design, significantly reducing system cost while maintaining high light collimation precision.
3Productivity
If micron-sized scanning spots are used for closely packed substrates, then detection efficiency is improved, but cross-talk between adjacent spots increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical spot size reduction with an optical solution. Instead of simply making smaller scanning spots mechanically, it uses wavelength-specific collimation to achieve spatial separation of beams. This substitution maintains micron-sized spot dimensions for high detection efficiency while using optical parameter control to prevent cross-talk between adjacent spots.
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
The solution effectively reduces cross-talk between fluorescent signals and maintains precise light collimation without the need for expensive aberration-correcting lenses, enhancing detection efficiency and accuracy in scanning systems.
Implementation Method 1
chromatic aberration in collimating lenses, leading to suboptimal light collimation
Implementation Method 2
The collimating lens has a first focal length for light of the first wavelength and a second focal length for light of the second wavelength
Implementation Method 3
A first optical fiber conveys light having a first wavelength and a second optical fiber conveys light of a second wavelength
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
An apparatus (20) for providing multiple collimated light beams from optical fibers and a method for producing such beams are provided. The apparatus (20) includes first and second optical fibers (45, 46, 95, 96, 102, 103, 104, 112, 113, 114) that carry light of first and second wavelengths, respectively, a fixture (47, 67, 77, 90, 101, 111) that maintains the fibers in a fixed relationship to one another, and a collimating lens (48, 68, 79, 105, 117). Light from each of the first and second optical fibers diverges from a face of the fixture (47, 67, 77, 90, 101, 111). The collimating lens (48, 68, 79, 105, 117) produces first and second collimated light beams that are displaced relative to one another from the light leaving the face. The face of the fixture (47, 67, 77, 90, 101, 111) can be positioned to correct for chromatic aberration in the lens.