Imaging Optical System with Dual Phase-Modulating Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging optical systems face challenges in forming clear final images due to astigmatism-induced disturbances in wavefronts, particularly when intermediate images are formed near optical devices with scratches or defects, which can lead to image deterioration.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a first phase-modulating element that imparts astigmatism to the wavefront and a second phase-modulating element, with a cylindrical lens group, positioned between the first element and the objective lens, to cancel out the astigmatism and form a clear final image, even if intermediate images are obscured by optical device imperfections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If intermediate images are formed near optical devices, then the imaging system can be compact, but scratches or defects on optical devices cause image deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The first phase-modulating element (astigmatism-inducing element) is placed before the intermediate image position to preemptively disturb the wavefront, preventing clear formation of intermediate images. This preliminary action ensures that even if optical devices with defects are present at intermediate positions, they cannot produce harmful effects since no clear intermediate images are formed there
Solution Approach 2:
The astigmatism-inducing element acts as an intermediary between the object and the intermediate image position, introducing controlled wavefront distortion that prevents the formation of clear intermediate images, thereby isolating the final image quality from defects in intermediate optical components
2Device complexity
If a single phase-modulating element is used, then the system is simple, but it cannot both obscure intermediate images and maintain clear final images
Solution Approach 1:
The phase-modulating function is segmented into two separate elements: the first phase-modulating element (astigmatism-inducing element) that obscures intermediate images, and the second phase-modulating element (astigmatism-canceling element) that restores the wavefront for clear final image formation. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function independently
Solution Approach 2:
The second phase-modulating element applies the opposite phase modulation to cancel the astigmatism introduced by the first element. By using inverse astigmatism, the system successfully obscures intermediate images while restoring clear final image quality
3Adaptability or versatility
If the objective lens is modified to cancel astigmatism, then the system is integrated, but the objective lens becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The astigmatism-canceling function is extracted from the objective lens and implemented as a separate second phase-modulating element. This allows the objective lens to remain simple and unchanged, while the cancellation function is provided by an independent component that can be added or removed as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The second phase-modulating element serves as a universal solution that can be applied with different objective lenses without modifying the lenses themselves. This multi-functional approach allows the same element to work with various imaging systems, reducing overall system complexity and cost
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 configuration ensures a clear final image is formed by canceling out wavefront disturbances, preventing image deterioration from scratches or defects at intermediate image positions, and allows for equivalent phase-modulation effects without modifying the objective lens, achieving high spatial resolution.
Implementation Method 1
a first phase-modulating element that is disposed closer to an object than any one of the intermediate images formed by the imaging lenses, and that imparts a spatial disturbance to a wavefront of light coming from the object
Implementation Method 2
a second phase-modulating element that is disposed at a position so that at least one of the intermediate images is positioned between the first phase-modulating element and the second phase-modulating element, and that cancels the spatial disturbance imparted to the wavefront of the light coming from the object by the first phase-modulating element
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the first phase-modulating element and the second phase-modulating element is provided with a plurality of cylindrical lenses that are arranged with a space therebetween in an optical-axis direction
Data Source
AI summary
The imaging optical system is for acquiring a clear final image, even if an intermediate image is formed at a position that overlaps with an optical device, by preventing scratches or the like of the optical device from becoming superimposed on the intermediate image, and has imaging lenses that form a final image and at least one intermediate image, a first phase-modulating element that imparts a spatial disturbance to a wavefront of light from an object, and a second phase-modulating element disposed at a position so that at least one intermediate image is interposed between the element and the element and that cancels the spatial disturbance, wherein the element has cylindrical lenses arranged with a space therebetween, and arranged so that a principal point of the whole system is positioned in a vicinity of a pupil position of the imaging lenses.