Magnetic Fluid Lens Assembly for Variable Focus Terahertz Tomography

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional lenses for terahertz waves have a fixed focal length, making them unsuitable for applications requiring variable focus, such as terahertz wave tomography.

Innovation Solution

A lens assembly with a magnetic fluid-filled cavity and electromagnetic generating units that form a Fresnel zone plate pattern when a voltage is applied, allowing the focal length to be adjusted by controlling the distribution of the magnetic fluid, enabling variable focus.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional lens is used for terahertz waves, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the focal length is fixed and cannot be adjusted for variable focus applications

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariable focal lengthVSAvoidlens structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by using a magnetic fluid lens where the focal length can be dynamically adjusted by changing the applied voltage. The magnetic fluid's refractive index and distribution are controlled by electromagnetic fields generated by coil structures, allowing continuous variation of focal length from infinity to a minimum value, transforming a static lens into a dynamic adjustable optical element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements parameter changes by varying the voltage applied to the electromagnetic generating units, which changes the magnetic field strength and consequently alters the magnetic fluid's distribution and effective refractive index. This enables continuous adjustment of the focal length parameter without changing the physical lens structure, achieving variable focus through electrical parameter control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If a magnetic fluid lens is used to achieve variable focus, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariable focus capabilityVSAvoidlens assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the pneumatics and hydraulics principle by using magnetic fluid (a liquid) as the optical medium instead of solid lens materials. The magnetic fluid is contained in a sealed cavity and its properties are controlled through electromagnetic fields, similar to how hydraulic systems use fluid pressure control. This allows the lens to achieve variable focus by controlling the magnetic fluid's magnetic properties rather than mechanically moving or deforming solid materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite materials by combining magnetic fluid with specific magnetic particle compositions (such as cobalt, nickel, or iron oxide particles suspended in carrier liquid) to create a material with tunable optical and magnetic properties. This composite magnetic fluid allows simultaneous control of magnetic response and optical refractive index, enabling variable focus functionality while maintaining manufacturability through material science approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

The lens assembly achieves a variable focal length, enabling terahertz waves to be focused at different positions, facilitating tomography and improving the versatility of terahertz wave imaging systems.

Implementation Method 1

at least a part of the plurality of electromagnetic generating units are configured to generate a magnetic field, in a case where a voltage is applied

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field generation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

generate a magnetic field, in a case where a voltage is applied, to make the magnetic fluid form a Fresnel zone plate pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 3

make the magnetic fluid form a Fresnel zone plate pattern

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFresnel diffraction: Fresnel Diffraction

Implementation Method 4

focus a second terahertz wave transmitted through the lens assembly at a position to be imaged of a sample to be imaged

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Data Source

PatentUS11067503B2Lens assembly, terahertz wave tomography system and method, and terahertz wave filter
Publication Date: 2021.07.20 BEIJING BOE OPTOELECTRONCIS TECH CO LTD
  • US11067503B2 patent drawing
  • US11067503B2 patent drawing
  • US11067503B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a lens assembly, a terahertz wave tomography system and method, and a terahertz wave filter. The lens assembly includes: a first substrate and a second substrate that are oppositely disposed; a seal, wherein the seal, the first substrate and the second substrate enclose a cavity in which a magnetic fluid is filled; and a plurality of electromagnetic generating units disposed on at least one of a first side of the first substrate close to the second substrate or a second side of the first substrate away from the second substrate, wherein at least a part of the plurality of electromagnetic generating units are configured to generate a magnetic field in a case where a voltage is applied to make the magnetic fluid form a Fresnel zone plate pattern.