Multi-Spectral Zoom Lens Beam Splitter Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optics devices for collecting and mapping radiation from an object scene face challenges such as the need for adaptation lenses to correct imaging errors and the requirement for displaceable imaging groups, which increase mechanical, electronic, and software complexity.
Innovation Solution
The optics device incorporates a multi-spectral zoom lens with a front group, zoom group, iris blend, main group, and radiation division element arranged on a common optical axis. This configuration allows for the distribution of radiation into two arms, each covering a different spectral area, with detector devices positioned along each optical axis to capture sharp images during zooming, without the need for adaptation lenses or displaceable imaging groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adaptation lens is used to extend the spectral range of an imaging lens, then the spectral coverage is improved, but imaging errors such as chromatic aberrations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is divided into separate imaging paths for different spectral ranges, with the beam splitter separating radiation into a first spectral range (visible light) and a second spectral range (infrared). Each path has its own detector optimized for that range, eliminating the need for an adaptation lens that would introduce chromatic aberrations while covering multiple spectral ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
A beam splitter element is introduced as an intermediary component to divide the incoming radiation into different spectral ranges before they reach the detectors. This mediator allows each detector to receive only its optimized spectral range without requiring adaptation lenses that would compromise imaging accuracy.
2Manufacturing precision
If displaceable imaging groups are used to focus in different spectral ranges, then the imaging sharpness is improved, but the mechanical and electronic complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple imaging functions into a single fixed optical path by using a beam splitter to separate spectral ranges. Instead of having separate displaceable imaging groups for each spectral range, the system merges the functionality into one stationary setup where the beam splitter directs different spectral components to appropriate detectors, eliminating the need for complex displacement mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical displacement system is replaced by an optical splitting system. Instead of physically moving imaging groups to focus different spectral ranges, the beam splitter optically separates the radiation paths, allowing fixed imaging groups to maintain sharp focus across different spectral ranges without mechanical movement.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If multiple beam splitters are used to divide the spectrum, then the spectral resolution is improved, but chromatic aberrations worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the spectral separation function from multiple beam splitters and consolidates it into a single beam splitter element that divides radiation into two main spectral ranges. By taking out the redundant beam splitters, the system maintains spectral resolution while eliminating the cumulative chromatic aberrations that would result from multiple beam splitting operations.
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 solution enables precise imaging of radiation across all detector devices during zoom, eliminating the need for adaptation lenses and reducing mechanical and electronic complexity. It achieves chromatic correction across a wide spectral range (400 Nm to 2000 Nm), ensuring sharp images on all detectors without the need for moving imaging groups.
Implementation Method 1
the beam splitter element is configured to split the beam path into two arms and a spectrum of the radiation into a first spectral range in a first arm of the beam path and a second spectral range in a second arm of the beam path
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an optical device (1) for capturing and imaging radiation (3) emanating from an object scene (2), comprising a plurality of optical elements (4) in a beam path (5), wherein, in one propagation direction of the radiation (3), a front group (7), a zoom group (8), an iris diaphragm (9), a main group (10), and a beam splitter element (11) are successively arranged on a common optical axis (12), wherein the beam splitter element (11) is configured to divide the beam path (5) into two arms and a spectrum of the radiation (3) into a first spectral range in a first arm (13) of the beam path (5) and a second spectral range in a second arm (14) of the beam path, wherein, after the beam splitter element (11), at least a first detector device (15) is arranged along a first optical axis (13a) of the first arm (13).and a second detector device (16) is arranged along a second optical axis (14a) of the second arm (14). According to the invention, the optical elements (4) are at least partially optically corrected such that the changing object scene (2) is sharply imaged on all detector devices (15, 16) during zooming.