Monochromator Optical System with Constant Focal Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional monochromators face difficulties in mounting diffraction gratings on a drive apparatus due to the requirement for precise alignment of engraved lines with the axis of rotation, which is time-consuming and costly, and results in reduced tolerance for deviation from the ideal parallel state, affecting the apparatus's operational precision and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The optical system includes a configuration of lenses and mirrors that collimate and redirect diffracted light in a way that maintains a constant focal position regardless of the diffraction grating's rotation angle, allowing for non-ideal parallel alignment between engraved lines and the axis of rotation, using lenses with specific focal lengths and predetermined conditions to ensure consistent light passage through slits and to light-receiving elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise alignment of engraved lines with the axis of rotation is required, then wavelength selection precision is improved, but mounting time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical path parameters by introducing a specific distance relationship between the first and second focal points. This parameter change allows the system to tolerate non-ideal alignment between engraved lines and the rotation axis, thereby reducing mounting time while maintaining wavelength selection precision through the predetermined optical configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical system consisting of the first lens, second lens, and the specific distance relationship between their focal points. This intermediary system acts as a mediator that compensates for alignment errors between the diffraction grating and the rotation axis, allowing precise wavelength selection without requiring precise mechanical alignment
2Measurement precision
If precise alignment of engraved lines with the axis of rotation is required, then wavelength selection precision is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the optical path parameters to include a predetermined distance relationship between focal points, the system reduces the need for expensive precision alignment procedures and high-precision mechanical components, thereby lowering operational costs while maintaining wavelength selection precision
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary optical system serves as a cost-effective solution that compensates for alignment errors, eliminating the need for expensive precision alignment equipment and procedures while maintaining the required wavelength selection precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If the diffraction grating is rotated to different angles, then different wavelengths are selected, but the focusing position shifts due to non-ideal parallel alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specific parameter relationship where the distance between the first and second focal points satisfies a predetermined condition. This parameter change ensures that focusing position shifts due to non-ideal parallel alignment are corrected, maintaining focusing position stability across different wavelength selections
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path between the first and second focal points acts as an intermediary system that compensates for focusing position shifts. This intermediary configuration ensures that even with non-ideal parallel alignment, the focusing position remains stable when the diffraction grating is rotated to select different wavelengths
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 facilitates easier and faster mounting of diffraction gratings, reduces operational costs, and enhances the monochromator's performance by allowing for higher precision and accuracy in wavelength selection even with non-ideal alignment, making the apparatus more cost-effective and efficient.
Implementation Method 1
a first lens configured to collimate incident light and guide the incident light to a diffraction grating
Implementation Method 2
a diffraction grating that is rotatable about an axis of rotation; a second lens configured to collimate first diffracted light that was diffracted by the diffraction grating
Implementation Method 3
first diffracted light that was diffracted by the diffraction grating and focused at a first focal point by the first lens
Implementation Method 4
a second lens configured to collimate first diffracted light that was diffracted by the diffraction grating and focused at a first focal point by the first lens
Implementation Method 5
a pair of first mirrors configured to direct the first diffracted light that passed through the second lens back toward the diffraction grating
Implementation Method 6
a third lens configured to focus the first diffracted light directed back by the pair of first mirrors at a second focal point
Implementation Method 7
a fourth lens configured to collimate the first diffracted light that was focused by the third lens and guide the first diffracted light to the diffraction grating
Data Source
AI summary
A first optical system (10) according to the present disclosure includes a first lens (111) that guides light (LO) to a diffraction grating (3), a second lens (112) that collimates first diffracted light (L1) that was focused at a first focal point (f1), a pair of first mirrors (12, 13), a third lens (113) that focuses the first diffracted light (L1) at a second focal point (f2), and a fourth lens (114) that guides the first diffracted light (L1) that was focused by the third lens (113) to the diffraction grating (3). The first lens (111) and the fourth lens (114) have a substantially identical first focal length. The second lens (112) and the third lens (113) have a substantially identical second focal length. A first distance along an optical path from the first focal point (f1) to the second focal point (f2) is determined by a first predetermined condition.