Metalens Array Wavefront Sensor Multi-Wavelength Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wavefront detection technologies, such as the Shack-Hartmann method, are limited in their ability to detect wavefront distortion across different wavelengths and perform real-time correction, particularly in reflective imaging scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A metalens array system comprising transmittive and reflective metalenses with specific phase distributions, allowing for focusing of incident light of different wavelengths to distinct positions, and a wavefront sensor system that calculates and corrects wavefront distortion using focal shifts and offsets, enabling real-time correction and imaging across various wavelengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single micro-lens array is used in Shack-Hartmann wavefront sensor, then the structure is simple and cost is low, but the detection capability is limited to single wavelength and cannot perform real-time correction across different wavelengths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wavefront sensor into multiple independent detection channels, each equipped with a metalens optimized for a specific wavelength band. This segmentation allows each channel to independently detect wavefront distortions at its designated wavelength, thereby achieving multi-wavelength detection capability while maintaining relatively simple individual channel structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal wavefront sensor platform that can simultaneously handle multiple wavelength bands through the integration of different metalens types (transmissive and reflective). Each metalens type serves multiple functions: wavefront sensing, focal spot generation, and wavelength-specific optimization, enabling the system to detect and correct wavefront distortions across visible, infrared, and other wavelength ranges
2Measurement precision
If traditional micro-lens array is used, then the focal spot position is stable for uniform wavefront, but the focal spot deviates or disappears under distorted wavefront conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs metalenses with specifically designed phase distributions that can be optimized for different wavelength bands. By changing the optical parameters (focal length, phase profile) of each metalens to match its designated wavelength, the system achieves both stable focal spot generation and accurate wavefront distortion measurement across multiple wavelengths, overcoming the limitations of traditional micro-lens arrays
3Productivity
If metalens technology is adopted to replace micro-lens array, then cost is reduced and capacity is increased, but the system lacks multi-wavelength detection and real-time correction capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection system into multiple wavelength-specific channels, each using metalenses optimized for particular wavelength bands. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high detection capacity in each channel while collectively achieving multi-wavelength detection capability across all channels
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time wavefront correction by dynamically adjusting the detection parameters of each metalens channel based on measured wavefront distortions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal detection performance across different wavelength bands and varying wavefront conditions, enhancing both productivity and versatility
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 system effectively calculates and corrects wavefront distortions across different wavelengths, improving imaging quality and reducing costs by leveraging the advantages of metalens technology, including low cost and high capacity, while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of transmittive metalens at different working waveband, and the plurality of transmittive metalens have the same focal length and can be used for focusing incident lights of different wavelengths to different positions of a first plane
Implementation Method 2
at least a reflective metalens, the reflective metalens is used to reflect the incident light to a second plane
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a metalens array and a wavefront sensor system, and the metalens array includes: at least a metalens array unit; and the metalens array unit includes: a transmittive metalens array, the transmittive metalens array includes: a plurality of transmittive metalens at different working waveband, and the plurality of transmittive metalens have the same focal length and can be used for focusing incident lights of different wavelengths to different positions of a first plane. According to the present disclosure, a plurality of transmittive metalens with different working wavelengths may focus the light of different wavelengths at different positions in the focal plane and obtain the focal point offset of different wavelengths, so as to calculate wavefront of multiple wavelengths.