Interferometric Sensor With Extended Depth Of Focus Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor systems with interferometric sensors, such as SMI sensors and Mach-Zender interferometers, face limitations in depth of focus, which restrict their ability to effectively sense objects across varying distances and depths.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an optical sensor module that incorporates an interferometric sensor and extended depth of focus optics, allowing for simultaneous direction of light toward multiple focus areas within different depths of focus, thereby enhancing the sensor's ability to detect objects across a broader range of depths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional interferometric sensor optics are used, then the sensor can detect objects at a specific focal distance, but the depth of focus is limited and cannot effectively sense objects across varying distances
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple optical elements, each responsible for directing light to a specific focus area at a particular depth. This segmentation allows the system to divide the detection space into multiple depth zones, with each optical element optimized for a specific zone, thereby extending the overall depth of focus while maintaining measurement precision in each segment
Solution Approach 2:
The optical sensor module is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating optical elements that can simultaneously serve multiple purposes: directing light to different focus areas, collecting reflected light from various depths, and maintaining interferometric signal quality across the extended depth range. This universal design enables the same sensor system to effectively detect objects across varying distances without requiring multiple specialized sensors
2Measurement precision
If the optical system is designed to focus light at multiple depths, then the depth of focus is extended, but the complexity of the optical system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple optical elements are merged into a single integrated optical system that works cooperatively to achieve extended depth of focus. The optical elements are positioned and configured to complement each other, with their combined effect producing the desired multi-depth focusing capability while minimizing the overall system footprint and reducing the number of separate components required
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system utilizes spatial arrangement in multiple dimensions to achieve extended depth of focus. By positioning optical elements at different locations and orientations in three-dimensional space, the system can direct light to multiple focus areas at different depths without requiring complex mechanical adjustments or additional optical components, thereby extending depth capability while controlling system complexity
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 significantly improves the sensor's depth of focus, enabling reliable detection and characterization of objects across a wider range of distances, while maintaining high signal strength and reducing detection errors.
Implementation Method 1
a set of one or more optical elements configured to simultaneously direct a first portion of light emitted by the coherent light source toward a first focus area within a first depth of focus
Implementation Method 2
direct portions of the emitted light that are returned from one or more objects within the first depth of focus or the second depth of focus toward the interferometric sensor
Implementation Method 3
an interferometric sensor that includes a coherent light source and at least one detector configured to generate an interferometric signal
Data Source
AI summary
An optical sensor module includes an interferometric sensor and a set of one or more optical elements. The interferometric sensor includes a coherent light source and at least one detector configured to generate an interferometric signal. The set of one or more optical elements is configured to simultaneously direct a first portion of light emitted by the coherent light source toward a first focus area within a first depth of focus; direct a second portion of the light emitted by the coherent light source toward a second focus area within a second depth of focus; and direct portions of the emitted light that are returned from one or more objects within the first depth of focus or the second depth of focus toward the interferometric sensor.