Fluorescent Mirror Structure for Stable Infrared Camera Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared camera systems experience unstable image quality due to changes in environmental temperature affecting the wavelength of light emitted by infrared light sources, leading to variations in image quality.
Innovation Solution
A mirror for camera systems comprising a substrate, a mirror layer, a fluorescent layer, and an excitation window layer, where the fluorescent layer emits infrared light upon receiving excitation light, and the excitation window layer transmits excitation light while reflecting infrared light, stabilizing the wavelength and reducing temperature-induced shifts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If an infrared light emitting element is used as the light source, then infrared light emission is achieved, but wavelength variations occur due to environmental temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a fluorescent layer as an intermediary between the infrared light emitting element and the camera sensor. The fluorescent layer absorbs infrared light from the emitting element and re-emits it at a stable wavelength, thereby decoupling the light source's wavelength instability from the final imaging process. This mediator converts the unstable infrared emission into stable visible light for reliable imaging.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the wavelength parameter of light through the fluorescent layer conversion process. The infrared light emitting element operates at a variable wavelength affected by temperature, but the fluorescent layer converts this to visible light at a fixed wavelength, effectively changing the operating parameter from temperature-sensitive infrared to temperature-stable visible wavelength.
2Illumination intensity
If a mirror layer is used to reflect visible light, then visible light reflection is achieved, but infrared light transmission must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a composite mirror structure combining multiple layers with different optical properties. The mirror layer is designed as a composite material that simultaneously reflects visible light and transmits infrared light, achieving multi-functional optical performance that a single material cannot provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is segmented into distinct functional layers: the mirror layer handles visible light reflection while the excitation window layer handles infrared light transmission. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the excitation window layer transmits excitation light, then light emission efficiency is improved, but infrared light reflection must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The excitation window layer exhibits local quality with different optical properties at different wavelengths. It is designed to be highly transparent to excitation light (improving energy efficiency) while simultaneously being highly reflective to infrared light (preventing harmful infrared interference). This wavelength-selective local quality resolves the contradiction between transmission efficiency and reflection requirements.
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 suppresses variations in image quality by maintaining consistent infrared light emission, reducing the impact of environmental temperature changes on image brightness and contrast, and preventing stray visible light from entering the camera.
Implementation Method 1
The fluorescent layer is provided in at least a part of the surface of the mirror layer, and emits at least infrared light as a result of receiving predetermined excitation light.
Implementation Method 2
The excitation window layer is provided so as to cover the fluorescent layer and transmits the excitation light, and reflects, at least, the infrared light.
Data Source
AI summary
A mirror for camera system includes a substrate, a mirror layer, a fluorescent layer and an excitation window layer. The substrate is provided at a position opposed to an objective lens of an infrared camera, and transmits visible light and infrared light. The mirror layer is provided on a main surface of the substrate, which is the side opposed to the infrared camera, and reflects visible light and transmits infrared light. The fluorescent layer is provided in at least a part of the surface of the mirror layer, and emits at least infrared light as a result of receiving predetermined excitation light. The excitation window layer is provided so as to cover the fluorescent layer, and transmits the excitation light and reflects, at least, the infrared light.