Multi-Mirror Optical Alignment Apparatus for Lens Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical alignment methods are limited by repetitive mechanical motions, leading to reduced accuracy and increased time and cost due to sequential tilting of lenses for multiple field-angle measurements.

Innovation Solution

An optical alignment apparatus with a mirror structure comprising multiple mirrors arranged to redirect a collimated beam at different angles, allowing for simultaneous measurement of alignment parameters like boresight, focus, and rotation, enhancing precision and efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a lens is tilted repetitively on a two-axis gimbal to perform measurements at multiple beam angles, then the alignment measurements can be performed at different field angles, but the mechanical motions limit the accuracy and speed of measurements and increase the time and cost of alignment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to perform measurements at multiple beam anglesVSAvoidalignment measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical gimbal tilting system with an optical solution using a beam splitter and multiple mirrors. The beam splitter divides a single collimated beam into multiple paths, each reflected by mirrors at different angles to illuminate the lens at multiple field angles simultaneously. This eliminates repetitive mechanical motions and their associated accuracy limitations while maintaining the capability to perform multi-angle alignment measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If repetitive mechanical motions are used to achieve different angular positions for measuring at multiple field angles, then the alignment can be performed, but the process becomes time consuming and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to measure at multiple field anglesVSAvoidalignment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple measurement operations into a single simultaneous operation. By using a beam splitter to create multiple beam paths with mirrors oriented at different angles, the system performs alignment measurements at multiple field angles simultaneously with a single collimated beam, rather than sequentially tilting the lens at each angle. This dramatically increases alignment speed and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If sequential tilting and mechanical motions of the lens are used to vary the beam angle, then measurements at multiple angles can be performed, but the accuracy and speed of measurements are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to vary beam angle for multi-angle measurementVSAvoidmeasurement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical tilting and motion systems with a static optical arrangement consisting of a beam splitter and fixed mirrors at various angles. This optical configuration enables rapid switching between different field angles by simply directing the beam through different mirror paths, eliminating the time-consuming mechanical motions required in conventional systems and significantly increasing measurement speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 apparatus enables rapid and accurate alignment by generating multiple off-axis calibration points simultaneously, reducing the need for repetitive measurements and improving alignment speed and accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

The plurality of mirrors are arranged so as to redirect a collimated beam of radiation into the lens at different angles

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP2407814B1Method and apparatus for multiple field-angle optical alignment testing

Publication Date: 2017.03.15 RAYTHEON CO

AI summary

Various embodiments provide an optical alignment apparatus that includes a mirror structure having a plurality of mirrors, the mirror structure being configured for mounting a lens lens. The plurality of mirrors are arranged so as to redirect a collimated beam of radiation into the lens at different angles so as to measure one or more alignment parameter of the lens.