Passive Micromirror Array for Wide Field of View Optical Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional non-imaging optical systems face challenges in achieving a wide field of view without increasing the size, weight, and cost of the system, as well as limiting the operating range when trying to collect off-axis light, which is not effectively focused on a detector.
Innovation Solution
A non-imaging optical system incorporating a micro-mirror array with a plurality of micro-mirror pixels that redirect electromagnetic radiation to a single-pixel detector, allowing for a wide field of view up to 10° offset from the input optical path, using a focusing optical element, a relay optical element, and a compact detector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the size of the detector is increased to collect more off-axis light, then the field of view is improved, but the weight and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detector surface is segmented into multiple discrete micro-mirror pixels, each independently angled to reflect light from specific directions. This segmentation allows the system to collect light from a wide field of view using a compact physical detector, avoiding the need for a large continuous detector surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional detector surface problem to a three-dimensional solution by angling micro-mirror pixels in the vertical dimension. Each micro-mirror pixel is tilted at a specific angle to capture light from different azimuth angles, effectively adding a dimensional approach to expand field of view without increasing detector footprint.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the focal length is shortened to increase the field of view, then the field of view is improved, but the operating range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the focal length of a single optical system, the patent segments the light collection function across multiple micro-mirror pixels with different angles. This allows the system to maintain a longer focal length for better range performance while achieving wide field of view through the angular diversity of the segmented mirrors.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the micro-mirror array have locally optimized properties - each micro-mirror pixel is angled according to its position to optimize light collection from specific directions. This local quality approach allows the system to maintain optimal focal length for range while achieving wide angular coverage through spatially varying mirror angles.
3Area of stationary object
If the aperture diameter is decreased to reduce system size, then the system size is reduced, but the ability to operate at long ranges is impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture function is segmented across multiple micro-mirror pixels rather than relying on a single large aperture. This segmentation allows the system to achieve effective light collection from a compact physical aperture, maintaining long range capability while reducing overall system size through the distributed angular collection approach.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a large aperture optical element is used to collect light from wide angles, then the field of view is improved, but the system size and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The light collection function is segmented across multiple small micro-mirror pixels rather than using a single large optical element. This segmentation allows the system to achieve wide field of view with a compact total optical mass, as each micro-mirror pixel is small and lightweight, yet collectively they provide wide angular coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple small micro-mirror pixels are merged into a unified array structure that functions as a single wide-angle light collector. This merging of multiple small elements achieves the field of view capability of a large optical element while maintaining the weight and size advantages of small individual components.
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
Enables the collection of electromagnetic radiation over a wide field of view with a compact single-pixel detector, reducing the size, weight, and operational costs of the optical system while maintaining a large aperture, thereby extending the operating range.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-mirror array including a plurality of micro-mirror pixels positioned to receive incident electromagnetic radiation from a focusing optical element and redirect the electromagnetic radiation to a relay optical element
Implementation Method 2
a focusing optical element positioned within an input optical path to receive electromagnetic radiation
Implementation Method 3
a relay optical element positioned within the redirected optical path to receive and focus electromagnetic radiation from the micro-mirror array
Data Source
AI summary
According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a non-imaging optical system including a focusing optical element positioned within an input optical path to receive electromagnetic radiation, a micro-mirror array including a plurality of micro-mirror pixels positioned within the input optical path, individual micro-mirror pixels of the plurality of micro-mirror pixels being positioned to receive electromagnetic radiation from the focusing optical element and redirect electromagnetic radiation along a redirected optical path, a relay optical element positioned within the redirected optical path to receive and focus electromagnetic radiation from the micro-mirror array, and a single-pixel non-imaging detector positioned to receive electromagnetic radiation from the relay optical element.