Nonsymmetric Freeform Three-Mirror Optical System Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical systems, such as coaxial and off-axis meridian symmetric systems, face challenges in designing compact optical systems for limited spaces with non-symmetrical shapes, as they have constraints on spatial position and usability due to central obstructions and limited field of view.
Innovation Solution
A nonsymmetric freeform surface optical system with a three-mirror structure, including a primary, secondary, and tertiary reflecting mirror, designed using a point-by-point direct design method, allowing for three-dimensional light deflection and a 45° β tilt, which increases design freedom and compactness by eliminating symmetry constraints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If coaxial or off-axis meridian symmetric optical systems are used, then mature design methods and products are available, but they cannot be fitted into limited spaces with non-symmetrical shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing an off-axis three-mirror optical system without meridian symmetry, where the mirrors are positioned and oriented asymmetrically relative to the optical axis. This allows the system to adapt to non-symmetrical spatial constraints while maintaining imaging functionality, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability to limited spaces and design freedom.
2Ease of operation
If off-axis systems are used to solve central obstruction and limited field of view, then usable central field of view with good image quality improves, but space utilization in non-symmetrical spaces remains difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dimensionality change by transitioning from a traditional two-dimensional off-axis configuration to a three-dimensional spatial arrangement of three mirrors. The mirrors are positioned at different locations and orientations in 3D space, allowing the optical path to be folded and adapted to non-symmetrical spaces while maintaining a large usable central field of view.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional optical systems are used, then design methods are mature, but design freedom and space utilization are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the optical system into three separate mirror elements rather than using a single optical component or a traditional two-element system. Each mirror can be independently designed, positioned, and optimized, providing greater design freedom while still using conventional mirror manufacturing techniques.
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 nonsymmetric freeform surface optical system achieves a more compact and flexible design, enabling full utilization of limited space with improved imaging quality and increased field of view, while maintaining good image quality and distortion control.
Implementation Method 1
a primary reflecting mirror, a secondary reflecting mirror, and a tertiary reflecting mirror. The light from the object is reflected on the primary reflecting mirror to form a first reflected light beam
Implementation Method 2
The first reflected light beam irradiates the secondary reflecting mirror and is reflected to form a second reflected light beam
Implementation Method 3
The second reflected light beam irradiates the third reflecting mirror and is reflected to form a third reflected light beam, and the third reflected light beam reaches the image surface to form an image
Data Source
AI summary
The present application relates to a nonsymmetric freeform surface optical system including a primary reflecting mirror, a secondary reflecting mirror, and a tertiary reflecting mirror. A light beam from an object is reflected on the primary reflecting mirror to form a first reflected light beam, the first reflected light beam irradiates the secondary reflecting mirror and is reflected to form a second reflected light beam, the second reflected light beam irradiates the third reflecting mirror and is reflected to form a third reflected light beam, and the third reflected light beam reaches an image surface to form an image. The nonsymmetric freeform surface optical system has no rotational symmetry and no meridional symmetry.