Movable Beam Splitter for Multi-Imager Optical Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing common aperture optical systems face challenges in easily switching between multiple imagers without the need for physical replacement, particularly in large aperture imaging systems where multiple inputs are desired for a compact and simplified co-registration design.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a dual common aperture optical system with a beam splitter that can translate, rotate, or tilt to switch between different imagers, allowing multiple imagers to be coupled to the system without physical removal, using optical band pass coatings to separate light by spectral band or polarization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple imagers are coupled to the optical system, then the system can provide multiple inputs for enhanced functionality, but the device complexity increases due to the need for switching mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple inputs capabilityVSAvoidswitching mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The beam splitter is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be dynamically repositioned between different optical paths. This enables the system to switch between multiple imagers by translating the beam splitter to different positions, where each position directs light from a different imager to the common sensor. The dynamic positioning mechanism allows for flexible configuration without permanently complex wiring or multiple fixed beam splitters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single beam splitter serves multiple functions by being repositionable to different locations in the optical system. The same component can direct light from different imagers (e.g., visible imager, SWIR imager) to the common sensor, eliminating the need for separate beam splitters for each imager. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If physical removal and replacement of imagers is required, then the system design is simpler, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the need for physical replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem design simplicityVSAvoidimager switching ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable beam splitter acts as an intermediary component that enables imager switching without requiring physical removal or replacement of the imagers themselves. By positioning the beam splitter in different locations, the system can selectively route light from different imagers to the common sensor. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the operation to a simple positioning action rather than complex physical replacement procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Volume of moving object

If a compact design is achieved by sharing the primary imager, then the system size is reduced, but the adaptability worsens due to limited switching capability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem compactnessVSAvoidimager switching capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The movable beam splitter introduces dynamic reconfigurability to the compact system. Instead of a fixed optical path, the beam splitter can be translated to different positions, enabling the compact system to access multiple imagers (visible, SWIR, etc.) and switch between them. This dynamic element maintains the compact form factor while significantly enhancing the switching capability and adaptability of the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient switching between imagers in a compact design, allowing multiple inputs to be easily integrated into optical systems without the need for physical imager replacement, enhancing system flexibility and compactness.

Implementation Method 1

using optical band pass coatings to separate light by spectral band or polarization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical band pass coatings: Filter (optical)

Implementation Method 2

using optical band pass coatings to separate light by spectral band or polarization

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPolarization: Polarisation

Implementation Method 3

a beam splitter that can translate, rotate, or tilt to switch between different imagers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight reflection and redirection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS11448890B1Common aperture optical system and selective imaging method

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 WAVEFRONT RESEARCH INC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides an optical system. In one aspect, the optical system includes a plurality of imagers configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation, a plurality of optical sensors configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from the imagers, and a beam splitting device disposed at an optical path between the imagers and the optical sensors. In one example, the beam splitting device is a multi-way beam splitter configured to receive the electromagnetic radiation from one of the imagers and separate the received electromagnetic radiation into a plurality of portions, each separated portion of the received electromagnetic radiation being directed to one of the optical sensors.