Offner Spectral Imaging Optical System Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for assembling and adjusting Offner type spectral imaging optical systems are time-consuming, expensive, and lack accuracy due to the misalignment of components like the primary mirror, three-mirror, and convex grating, which affects the imaging quality and distortion in spectral imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method using a three-coordinate measuring instrument to mark the centers of curvature of the primary mirror, three-mirror, and convex grating, followed by adjustments with a self-collimating microscope and glass spheres to align these components, and a spectral line bending test to finalize the convex grating position, ensuring fast and accurate assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the direct reading method with interferometer is used for assembling the convex grating imaging spectrometer, then the assembly can be completed with standard equipment, but the process takes a long time and requires expensive interferometer equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-marks the center of curvature positions of the primary mirror, three-mirror, and convex grating on the optical bench before assembly. This preliminary positioning action eliminates the need for time-consuming iterative adjustments during the actual assembly process, directly reducing assembly time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a self-collimating microscope as an intermediary measurement tool between the optical components and the operator. This device provides precise visual feedback for alignment without requiring expensive interferometer equipment, achieving high precision assembly with simpler, more accessible tools.
2Measurement precision
If the direct reading method with interferometer is used for assembling the convex grating imaging spectrometer, then the assembly can be completed with standard equipment, but the equipment cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex interferometer equipment with a much simpler and cheaper self-collimating microscope for the alignment process. This substitution dramatically reduces equipment costs while maintaining sufficient measurement precision for the assembly task.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-collimating microscope serves as an intermediary measurement device that bridges the gap between simple visual inspection and complex interferometric measurement. It provides adequate precision for optical component alignment at a fraction of the cost of an interferometer.
3Ease of operation
If conventional assembly methods are used without pre-marking centers of curvature, then the process is simpler to set up, but component misalignment occurs reducing imaging quality
Solution Approach 1:
The centers of curvature of the primary mirror, three-mirror, and convex grating are pre-marked on the optical bench before assembly begins. This preliminary action establishes precise reference positions that guide component placement, ensuring high alignment precision without complicating the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses visual markers (effectively color/contrast changes) at the center of curvature positions on the optical bench to provide clear visual references for component alignment. These markers make the invisible optical centers visible and easily locatable, improving both precision and ease of operation.
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 method enables rapid, precise, and cost-effective assembly of the Offner type spectral imaging optical system, reducing the time and expense required for installation and adjustment while maintaining high imaging quality.
Implementation Method 1
based on the principle of self-collimation, and quickly determines the position of the center of curvature of the spherical mirror by observing the self-collimating image obtained after the point light source is reflected by the spherical mirror
Implementation Method 2
placing a transparent glass sphere at the marked center of curvature of the primary mirror, focusing the self-collimating microscope on the center of the glass sphere
Implementation Method 3
its primary mirror, convex grating, and three-mirror are all spherical, and their respective centers of curvature coincide or substantially coincide
Data Source
AI summary
A fast assembly method of an Offner spectral imaging optical system. The Offner spectral imaging optical system is a concentric or nearly concentric optical system, that is, its primary mirror (7), convex grating (5) and three-mirror (8) are all spherical, and respective centers of curvature coincide or basically coincide. Based on the self-collimation principle, the invention quickly determines the position of the center of curvature of the spherical mirror by observing the self-collimation image after the point light source is reflected by the spherical mirror. The assembly and adjustment method provided by the invention has the characteristics of fast assembly and adjustment speed, high precision, low requirements for assembly and adjustment environment and low required equipment cost, and can quickly and effectively complete the assembly and adjustment of the Offner spectral imaging optical system.