Gradient Index Rod Lens Array for Field Curvature Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical field flatteners and converters are limited in size, optical speed, and ability to correct large field curvatures, often introducing unwanted aberrations and being complex or costly to fabricate, which hinders their effectiveness in compact and miniaturized optical systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of gradient index rod lenses arranged in an array, where each lens is in proximity to others, allowing for the re-imaging of electromagnetic radiation onto a focal locus with non-planar surfaces to correct field curvature, combined with additional refracting elements to reduce residual aberrations and enhance performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a negative field lens is placed adjacent to the image plane to flatten field curvature, then field flattening capability is improved, but the device becomes more complex and larger in size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the field flattening function from a traditional lens element and implements it through a specialized curved detector array that directly compensates for field curvature. This eliminates the need for additional field lens elements, reducing device complexity while maintaining field flattening capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a negative field lens to optically correct field curvature, the patent inverts the approach by designing the detector array surface itself to have the complementary curvature that matches the optical system's field curvature. This geometric inversion simplifies the overall system by removing the need for corrective lens elements.
2Manufacturing precision
If traditional refractive field flatteners are used to correct field curvature, then field flattening is achieved, but the physical size of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the physical field lens component from the optical path and integrates the field flattening function directly into the detector array substrate. This extraction of the corrective element eliminates the additional space required for field flatteners, reducing the overall physical size of the optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the field flattening function with the detector array structure itself. By combining the detection function and the field correction function into a single integrated component, the system eliminates the need for separate field lens elements, thereby reducing the physical volume of the optical system.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional field flatteners are used in compact optical systems, then field curvature is corrected, but the system becomes less compact and more costly to fabricate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the field flattening function with the detector array manufacturing process. By integrating the curved surface geometry directly into the detector substrate fabrication, the system eliminates the need for separate field lens components and their associated alignment and assembly requirements, thereby reducing fabrication cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the field flattening function from traditional optical lens elements and implements it through the detector array substrate itself. This extraction eliminates the need for additional optical components that would increase fabrication cost, making the system more cost-effective while maintaining field curvature correction capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If traditional field flatteners are used to correct large field curvatures, then field flattening is achieved, but unwanted optical aberrations are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using optical elements to correct field curvature, the patent inverts the approach by designing the detector surface to have the complementary curvature that naturally matches the optical system's field curvature. This geometric inversion corrects field curvature without introducing the optical aberrations that would be generated by additional refractive lens elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the inherent field curvature produced by the optical system into a beneficial feature by designing the detector array with a matching curved surface. This approach transforms what would normally be an aberration requiring correction into a design characteristic that enables direct coupling between the optical system and the detector, eliminating the need for corrective elements that would introduce additional aberrations.
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 approach enables a more compact, faster, and more effective field flattening and conversion, capable of correcting larger amounts of field curvature while minimizing optical aberrations, thus improving the imaging quality and flexibility in tightly constrained optical systems.
Implementation Method 1
a number of gradient index rod lenses arranged in an array... The gradient index rod lenses are selected in order to image the received electromagnetic radiation onto a focal locus
Data Source
AI summary
Optical field flattener and converter having an array of gradient index rod lenses. Each gradient index rod lens is substantially in proximity with at )east one other gradient index rod lens. The array is capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation and imaging the received electromagnetic radiation.