GRIN Cover Piece for Planar Detector Field Curvature Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional planar semiconductor-based image detectors suffer from field curvature aberrations, leading to decreased image quality and spatial resolution due to the need for multiple optical elements to correct optical aberrations, which results in larger and heavier optical systems.
Innovation Solution
The use of a gradient index (GRIN) lens cover piece with a spatially varying refractive index, placed adjacent to the planar detector, to field flatten electromagnetic radiation and reduce optical aberrations such as Petzval curvature and astigmatism, allowing for a planar image to be formed on a planar detector surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple optical elements are used to correct field curvature aberrations, then image quality is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the refractive index parameter of the cover piece from homogeneous to gradient distribution. By varying the refractive index radially through the cover piece thickness, the system corrects field curvature aberrations without adding separate optical elements, thus improving image quality while reducing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The cover piece is transformed from a single-function protective element into a multi-functional component that simultaneously protects the detector and corrects optical aberrations. The gradient refractive index structure enables the cover piece to perform both mechanical protection and optical field curvature correction, eliminating the need for additional dedicated correction elements
2Measurement precision
If multiple optical elements are used to correct field curvature aberrations, then image quality is improved, but the optical system becomes larger and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the field curvature correction function with the existing cover piece structure. By integrating the gradient refractive index profile into the cover piece, the system combines protection and aberration correction into a single component, thereby reducing the overall weight and size of the optical system while maintaining high image quality
3Ease of manufacture
If a planar detector is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but field curvature aberrations decrease image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the refractive index parameter distribution within the cover piece to compensate for the planar detector's inability to focus curved field rays. The gradient refractive index profile creates optical path length variations that correct field curvature aberrations, enabling high image quality on planar detectors without changing the detector geometry itself
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 reduces the need for additional optical elements, resulting in smaller, lighter optical systems while maintaining high image quality by compensating for field curvature aberrations, and can be fabricated using techniques like 3D printing, enabling mass production.
Implementation Method 1
a gradient index (GRIN) lens cover piece having an exterior surface and an interior surface, wherein the interior surface of the GRIN lens cover piece is directly adjacent to the planar detector, wherein the GRIN lens cover piece is capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation from a source on the exterior surface and further wherein the range of refractive index of the GRIN lens cover piece field flattens the received electromagnetic radiation as said radiation passes through the GRIN lens
Data Source
AI summary
This application uses an image detector to mitigate field curvature but without the need to curve the detector surface. Gradient-index (GRIN) media, which possesses spatially varying refractive index, is used as “cover piece” for planar detectors or internal images. Field curvature correction can be made at the detector or internal image using plane-parallel GRIN cover piece with a planar detector or an internal image. GRIN cover piece imparts a transversely varying image shift. In doing so, the number of elements in an optical system may be reduced since field curvature can be corrected at the detector, allowing for smaller and more lightweight systems.