Monolithic Optical Component for Compact Multi-Path Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems with multiple paths require bulky designs and increased dimensions to achieve transverse image offsets, leading to field curvature aberrations and reduced compactness, especially when handling spherical-wave beams.
Innovation Solution
A monolithic optical component with a transmissive plate configuration, featuring a first refracting surface and multiple second refracting surfaces with offset optical axes, which provides non-zero optical power and prismatic deflecting power for each optical path, allowing for compact and efficient image formation on a shared matrix photodetector without significant focal length changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If mirrors are used as beam dividers to produce transverse image offsets, then image offsets are achieved, but the dimensions of the optical system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the beam dividing function with the optical path by integrating multiple second refracting surfaces directly into the optical component. This eliminates the need for separate mirror-based beam dividers, achieving transverse image offsets while maintaining compact optical system dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical mirror-based beam division system with an optical refraction-based system. By using multiple second refracting surfaces with different optical axes, the system achieves beam division through refraction rather than mechanical reflection, reducing overall system dimensions.
2Measurement precision
If prisms are used as beam dividers in the pupil, then beam division is achieved, but the optical system becomes bulky due to the addition of an afocal system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the beam dividing function with the existing optical component rather than adding separate prism-based beam dividers. The multiple second refracting surfaces are integrated into a single optical component, achieving beam division without requiring additional afocal systems or increasing optical path length.
3Measurement precision
If prisms illuminated by spherical waves are used, then beam division is achieved, but field curvature aberrations occur causing image sharpness degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing each second refracting surface with its own specific optical axis and curvature characteristics tailored to handle spherical-wave beams. This localized optimization ensures that each optical path maintains image sharpness while achieving beam division, preventing field curvature aberrations.
4Measurement precision
If lenses with non-zero optical power are used to offset images, then transverse image offsets are achieved, but the focal length of the objective must be significantly changed requiring increased system length
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the optical parameters by introducing multiple second refracting surfaces with different optical axes and curvatures within the same optical component. This allows achieving transverse image offsets through parameter variation rather than changing the objective's focal length, maintaining compact system length.
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 solution enables a compact, easy-to-handle optical system with reduced field curvature and focal length, maintaining image sharpness across multiple optical paths, while allowing for interchangeable objectives and efficient thermal management.
Implementation Method 1
A first of the two faces of the component is formed by a first refracting surface which has an optical axis. The other face of the component, referred to as second face, for its part comprises several second refracting surfaces which are juxtaposed without overlap in this second face. Each second refracting surface then has another optical axis separately from each other second refracting surface, where the optical axis of at least one of these second refracting surfaces is offset relative to the optical axis of the first refracting surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an instrument including a multipath, monolithic optical component, made up of a portion of a transparent material between two opposite faces of the component. One of the two faces of the component is formed by a first refracting surface, and the other face includes several second refracting surfaces which are juxtaposed. Each optical path of the component is formed by one of the second refracting surfaces in combination with a corresponding portion of the first refracting surface. One such component is suited for being part, within the instrument, of a detection module with multiple optical paths arranged in parallel, with a matrix photodetector shared by the optical paths. Such a detection module may be compact enough in order to be integrated into a cryostat cold screen, improving cooling thereof, and may be combined with an objective in order to form an instrument with multiple optical paths.