Multi-Lenslet Compliant Lens Applanation to Reduce Wavefront Errors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refocusable lens systems introduce undesired optical wavefront errors during transitions between near and far focal lengths due to the formation of multiple foci and varying optical powers in constituent lenslets, leading to reduced image quality at best focus.
Innovation Solution
The lens system is configured with multiple pairs of neighboring lenslets, each with aspheric surfaces, and undergoes controlled bending and radial loading to minimize wavefront errors by altering the degree of applanation between lens surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the lens system transitions from non-applanated to fully-applanated state to change focal length, then the focal length changes from shorter to longer, but wavefront errors are introduced due to multiple foci formation
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is divided into multiple discrete lenslets arranged in an array, where each lenslet can be independently applanated to a different degree. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a single effective focus by coordinating the applanation of individual lenslets, thereby reducing wavefront errors while enabling focal length adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The lens system employs dynamic control of the applanation degree for each lenslet through application of controlled forces or pressures. By dynamically adjusting the contact pressure between lenslets during operation, the system can transition between different focal lengths while maintaining optimal wavefront quality at each focal setting.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple lenslets are applanated to different degrees to achieve refocusing, then focal length changes, but multiple foci are formed which deteriorates image quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms that monitor the applanation state of each lenslet and adjust the applied forces accordingly. This feedback ensures that all lenslets achieve the desired degree of applanation simultaneously, preventing the formation of multiple foci and maintaining high image quality during refocusing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state parameters of the lenslets by controlling the degree of applanation through applied mechanical forces. By precisely controlling these parameter changes across all lenslets, the system achieves smooth focal length transitions without forming multiple foci, thereby maintaining image quality.
3Measurement precision
If the lens system operates at extreme focal lengths with complete applanation, then diffraction-limited performance is achieved, but image quality deteriorates at intermediate focal lengths
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring complete applanation of all lenslets for focal length adjustment, the system employs partial applanation where only the necessary degree of flattening is applied to each lenslet. This partial action approach maintains smooth wavefronts across the entire aperture even at intermediate focal lengths, preventing image quality deterioration while achieving the desired refocusing effect.
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 reduces wavefront errors across focal length transitions, maintaining diffraction-limited performance and improving image quality by minimizing aberrations.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically-deformable multi-lens system configured to have its effective focal length continuously changed as a result of flattening or applanating of an axial portion of a surface of a constituent lens (lenslet) of such system
Implementation Method 2
each with aspheric surfaces, and undergoes controlled bending and radial loading to minimize wavefront errors by altering the degree of applanation between lens surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for reducing wavefront errors, manifesting during the process of refocusing of an accommodating (re-focusable) lens system that includes an elastically-deformable lenslet disposed along an optical axis and that has an optical power that is varied by changing the degree of applanation of an area of contact of such elastically-deformable lenslet with a neighboring lenslet in response to variation of force applied to the lenslet axially (in one case—by an external element connected with or forming a part of the lens system housing and/or lenslet support element). Associated accommodating lens systems.