Multi-spot Collection Optics for Parallel Spot Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical sensing systems face challenges in efficiently collecting and detecting weak optical radiation from multiple spots in parallel, often requiring sensitive detectors for each spot and struggling with alignment and geometrical variations.
Innovation Solution
The use of a geometrical arrangement of light guides, such as optical fibers, coupled with relay optics and alignment units, to collect and focus optical radiation from an array of spots onto detectors, allowing for adjustable magnification and rotation to maintain alignment and optimize detection efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple detectors are used to detect optical radiation from each spot, then detection sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the detection function by using multiple detectors arranged in an array, with each detector corresponding to a specific spot. This allows parallel detection of optical radiation from multiple spots simultaneously, improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
Light guides act as intermediaries that transmit optical radiation from each spot to its corresponding detector. This intermediary component enables efficient coupling between the spot array and detector array, ensuring that detection sensitivity is improved without requiring direct contact or complex integration between spots and detectors
2Productivity
If relay optics are used to focus optical radiation onto light guides, then collection efficiency is improved, but alignment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates adjustable relay optics that can dynamically adapt their focal length and positioning to accommodate variations in spot spacing and rotation. This dynamic adjustability maintains optimal collection efficiency while simplifying alignment procedures by allowing real-time compensation for geometric variations
Solution Approach 2:
The relay optics parameters (focal length, magnification, position) are made variable to match different spot array configurations. By changing these parameters, the system optimizes the coupling between optical radiation from spots and the light guides, improving collection efficiency without requiring precise fixed alignment
3Measurement precision
If light guides are arranged in geometrical configuration matching spot array, then detection accuracy is improved, but adaptability to spacing variations decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide array is designed with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow the geometrical configuration to be dynamically modified. This enables the system to maintain accurate correspondence between light guides and spots even when spot spacing or rotation varies, preserving detection accuracy while improving adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The relay optics system serves multiple functions: it focuses optical radiation, adjusts for spacing variations, compensates for rotation, and optimizes coupling to light guides. This multi-functionality allows the system to maintain detection accuracy across different spot array configurations without requiring multiple specialized systems
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 approach enables efficient and precise collection and detection of optical radiation from arrays of spots, improving throughput and accuracy by ensuring each spot's radiation is effectively conveyed to its respective detector, even with variations in spacing and rotation.
Implementation Method 1
Relay optics are configured to collect and focus the optical radiation from the object onto the input ends such that each input end receives the optical radiation from a corresponding one of the spots
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus includes a plurality of light guides having respective input ends and output ends... Multiple detectors are each coupled to receive the optical radiation from an output end of a respective one of the light guides
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus for detecting optical radiation emitted from an array of spots on an object. The apparatus includes a plurality of light guides having respective input ends and output ends, with the input ends ordered in a geometrical arrangement corresponding to the array of the spots. Relay optics collect and focus the optical radiation from the object onto the input ends such that each input end receives the optical radiation from a corresponding one of the spots. Multiple detectors and each coupled to receive the optical radiation from an output end of a respective one of the light guides.