Laser Scanning Device Using Telecentric Lens for Aberration Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser scanning devices have limited scanning ranges due to the high frequency and structure of galvo scanning systems, leading to aberrations and non-uniform energy distribution, which complicates the optical system and increases design costs.
Innovation Solution
The use of a laser scanning device configuration that includes a collimating metalens with nanostructures, a scanning mirror, a telecentric lens, and a negative lens, which allows for deflection of light at different angles, optimizing beam quality and expanding the scanning range while reducing complexity and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a galvo scanning system is used to deflect light at different angles, then the scanning light can be controlled to emit at different angles, but the scanning range is limited and the light at the edge of the scanning range is affected by aberration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the optical system into multiple functional components: a collimating lens for initial beam preparation, a scanning mirror for angle deflection, and a telecentric lens for beam quality correction. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function, with the telecentric lens specifically addressing the aberration problems caused by the scanning mirror's limited range.
Solution Approach 2:
The telecentric lens acts as an intermediary between the scanning mirror and the final output. It receives the scanned light from the mirror and corrects the aberrations, transforming the limited-angle scanned light into high-quality parallel beams over a wider effective scanning range. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by mediating between the scanning mirror's operational constraints and the desired beam quality.
2Manufacturing precision
If a complex lens surface is set on the collimating lens to optimize aberration, then the beam quality can be improved, but the complexity of the optical system and design cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the aberration correction function from the collimating lens and places it in a separate telecentric lens component. Instead of making the collimating lens complex, the system uses a simple collimating lens followed by a scanning mirror and then a telecentric lens that handles the beam quality optimization. This separation reduces the complexity of individual components while maintaining overall beam quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The telecentric lens serves multiple functions: it receives scanned light from the mirror, corrects aberrations, and outputs high-quality parallel beams. This multi-functional component consolidates several optical functions into one element, reducing the need for complex surfaces on the collimating lens and simplifying the overall optical design.
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 enhances the scanning range and beam quality, improves space utilization, and reduces manufacturing costs by eliminating aberrations and optimizing energy distribution, resulting in a more accurate and efficient scanning process.
Implementation Method 1
The collimating lens collimates scanning light emitted by the laser source
Implementation Method 2
the scanning galvo scanning system deflects the light to control the scanning light to be emitted at different angles
Implementation Method 3
a telecentric lens, and a negative lens, which allows for deflection of light at different angles, optimizing beam quality
Data Source
AI summary
A laser scanning device includes a laser device, a collimating lens, a scanning mirror, a telecentric lens, and a negative lens. The laser device emits a source light. The collimating lens is used to receive the source light and emits a first parallel light. The scanning mirror is used to receive the first parallel light and change a transmission direction of the first parallel light to emit a deflection light. The telecentric lens is used to receive the deflection light and deflect the deflection light into a second parallel light which is parallel to an optical axis of the telecentric lens. The negative lens is used to receive the second parallel light and emit a scanning light by changing a transmission direction of the second parallel light. A projecting system and a time of flight device are further disclosed.