Multiple Mirror Optical Measurement Device
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring the phase of radiation are large, complex, and expensive, with limited capability to measure small areas and image quality dependent on measurement direction.
Innovation Solution
A multiple mirror device that multiplies an incident wavefront of electromagnetic radiation, creating phase-shifted wavefronts for interferometry, allowing for compact design and decoupling image quality from measurement direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a body is irradiated with coherent radiation and the reflected radiation is projected by an imaging optical system into an image plane with a sensor, then phase measurement is enabled, but the construction becomes large, complex, and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mirrors (first mirror, second mirror, and third mirror) into a single integrated optical component that performs multiple functions simultaneously. This merging of optical elements into one compact unit eliminates the need for separate imaging optical systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining phase measurement capability through interference patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where mirrors are positioned at different depths along the optical path, with the first mirror in a first depth plane, the second mirror in a second depth plane, and the third mirror in a third depth plane. This nesting allows multiple reflective surfaces to coexist in a compact volume, reducing the spatial footprint while preserving the interferometric measurement function.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple mirrors are arranged in a sandwich-like manner to enable compact design, then device size is reduced, but the incident wavefront must reach mirrors despite superimposed positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the wavefront propagation issue by introducing depth planes as an additional spatial dimension. The first mirror is positioned in a first depth plane, the second mirror in a second depth plane, and the third mirror in a third depth plane. This three-dimensional arrangement allows the incident wavefront to sequentially access each mirror despite their superimposed lateral positions, enabling compact design without blocking the optical path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the optical path into distinct depth planes, with each mirror occupying a specific plane. This segmentation allows the wavefront to be divided and directed to different mirrors at different depths, resolving the conflict between compact positioning and wavefront accessibility. Each mirror handles a portion of the optical path in its designated depth plane.
3Measurement precision
If the first mirror is partially transparent and the second mirror is fully reflective, then the incident wavefront can reach both mirrors, but polarization control becomes necessary for efficient detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different optical properties to different mirrors: the first mirror is designed with partial transparency to allow wavefront transmission to deeper planes, while the second mirror is fully reflective to return wavefronts to the detection path. The third mirror provides additional reflective functionality. This differentiation of local optical qualities enables efficient contour detection through polarization-controlled interference while maintaining a compact nested structure.
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 compact, portable, and high-precision optical measurements, independent of measurement direction, with improved measurement accuracy and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the first mirror is partially transparent for the electromagnetic radiation, whereas the second mirror is fully reflective. In this way, part of the incident electromagnetic radiation is reflected on the first mirror, while the other part of the incident radiation propagates to the second mirror
Implementation Method 2
the remaining radiation is also reflected, but with a time delay relative to the first reflection. The time delay causes a phase shift between the two reflected radiation portions
Implementation Method 3
If a plurality of multiple mirrors are combined with each other, for example, the phase shifts may be added together and used for interferometry purposes
Implementation Method 4
at least one of the mirrors may be able to polarize the electromagnetic radiation. For this purpose, preferably the first and the second mirror may polarize the radiation in different directions, which may preferably be aligned orthogonally to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple mirror for multiplying a single incident wavefront of electromagnetic radiation into a plurality of outgoing wavefronts, including at least one first mirror, onto which the incident wavefront first falls, and a second mirror, on which the wavefront is last reflected, wherein the mirror planes are superimposed in the direction of movement of the first wavefront. The first mirror is partially transparent to the electromagnetic radiation and the second mirror is fully reflective.